Mapping conflict and its ‘flawed' characters
Because of his 'late' entry into journalism, Roy was advised by some editors to credential upward by getting a 'very expensive stamped paper' from the Columbia Journalism School, which he does, earning not just a degree but also a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. But piecing together this narrative of Roy's adult life is somewhat hard to do because the references are stochastic and intersect with the vignettes in oblique ways. So, yes, it is a 'bit like a memoir'.What is most impressive about the book, however, is that it is a primal scream, expressed in written words, against a world in which we are asked to live between right and wrong, and with both, and given no sense of what we are supposed to do with the anger we feel as a result of this. Anger against, among other things, state brutality (India, Bangladesh, the US's Global War on Terror); higher education (Columbia advisers obsessed with newsworthiness); journalists (who don't give credit to those who do the legwork, who glorify the 'untouched beauty of the forest' in which people die because of the lack of infrastructure, the German press nonchalantly buying stories from journalists from the Global South and running them with bylines of German journalists); the moral absolutists who have no regard for human rights, autonomy or dignity (religious fundamentalists of all stripes, Dalits, the Rohingya Salvation Army, Maoists, Kashmiri militants, the Tamil Tigers); and the power brokers, con artists, conspiracy theorists and 'middlemen' who profit from a global violence-industrial complex.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
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India Today
8 hours ago
- India Today
Labubus of the world unite, but not at Karl Marx's grave
If not contradictions, then what? Just beneath the iconic slogan "Workers of the world, unite!" engraved on the grave of German philosopher Karl Marx, was a Labubu doll, carefully placed, reveals a now-viral post on X. Labubus — a symbol of capitalism — of the world can unite, but not at the grave of the father of Communist photo of the odd pairing went viral, racking up over 10 million views in just five days. While some adored the quirky contrast, others were far less one user said, "Labubu could be one of the most anti-Marx things ever". The designer toy, arguably a peak symbol of late-stage consumerism, which the philosopher had long warned against, resting on the grave of the man whose socio-economic theories laid the foundation for anti-capitalist thought in the modern world, felt nothing short of ironic, and yet, undeniably some people offered an "awww", what truly stood out was a handwritten letter by a Chinese student placed next to the Labubu doll, amid other tokens of tribute left for the letter, the student, having claimed to study theories at length, hailed Marx's ideas for transforming China's destiny, which were, honestly, far more heartfelt and endearing. But in the capitalist world, who's really stopping to read that?"People clowning on the Labubu but the letter itself is very heartfelt," a person DOLLS AND COMPULSIVE CONSUMERISMLabubu dolls, part of Pop Mart's "The Monsters" collection, are the brainchild of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. These snaggle-toothed, elf-like figures have become a global sensation among the GenZ. Its marketing model has thrived on scarcity and surprise. Sold in blind boxes, buyers don't know which doll they'll get until they open it — a tactic that mirrors gambling mechanics and drives compulsive limited-edition figures reselling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, Labubus, to me at least, epitomises the artificial desire Marx critiqued in his warnings about capitalism's commodification of human dolls, often flaunted by influencers like Rihanna and Dua Lipa, have gone from being toys to status symbols for Gen Zs, and now, even gripped the late toys dangling from luxury handbags as badges have become symbols of Labubu dolls range from $15–$30 for standard figures and keychains, up to $960 for large editions. Rare 1.2-metre pieces fetching up to $170,000 at auctions. In India, prices start at Rs 2,000 for authentic pieces, but in flea markets, one can find counterfeit ones for as low as Rs ARE WHAT MARX HAD WARNED OFThe manufactured hype, where value stems from market frenzy rather than utility, is what late-stage consumerism is, Marx foresaw. It is a system where desire is engineered, and consumption is an internet's reaction to the Labubu on Marx's grave was a mix of hilarity and biting commentary."Icon of modern consumerism on his grave. He would have hated you," one person wrote. And fair enough, given the dissonance of a capitalist trinket adorning the resting place of Communism's person observed, "There's something deeply poetic and unhinged about a collectable capitalist gremlin sitting on the grave of the man who critiqued capitalism itself. Peak irony".With the question of who placed the doll still unanswered, the safest guesses remain a playful tourist, a cheeky critic, or an unwitting fan. But the sentiment online was clear: "Capitalism wins again", as one person declared, though perhaps they missed the fall of the Berlin LETTER AND BOILED POTATOES FOR MARXWith the viral buzz on, the Chinese student's letter offered a counterpoint. Written by one Liu Yuhae, the letter was full of deep gratitude for Marx's influence on contemporary socialist thought in China."I have always wanted to write you a letter," the student began, admitting their struggle to fully grasp his complex works, like The Communist Manifesto and The Critique of the Gotha a heartfelt touch, the student joked about looking like a potato and dreaming of cooking them for Marx in the after all, in his The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte (1852), likened the French peasantry to a sack of potatoes, lumped together by condition but scattered in spirit, incapable of collective action without a binding IT NEED A LABUBU DOLL TO REMIND THE WORLD OF MARX?This letter carried, if not less, far more substance, more weight and thoughtfulness, the kind of note that truly belonged knows how many such letters lie unread at Marx's grave? But in a world dominated by capitalism, it took a Labubu doll for the post to go combined appearance of the sincere letter and the Labubu doll in northern London, where the philosopher spent the last decades of his life after fleeing political persecution in continental Europe, is nothing short of magic and their fans of the world may well unite and are uniting, but preferably not at Karl Marx's grave. True admirers of such marketed and ornamented trends would be better off finding more appreciative company presence of the Labubu doll at Marx's grave, however, is a reminder of capitalism's uncanny ability to repackage things as a marketable aesthetic. Let the dolls gather elsewhere, and leave Marx's to inspire, at least until the workers of the world unite. If they really ever do.- Ends
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
'Unpopular' Meghan Markle & Prince Harry's Netflix deal ends, content 'tone deaf' and 'unlovable'; what it means for British royalty
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 's reported $100 million Netflix deal, signed in 2020 when they stepped back from royal duties, is set to conclude in September 2025 and will not be renewed, the streaming giant has reportedly decided. Their partnership delivered a huge hit in 2022 with the documentary series Harry & Meghan, which drew blockbuster numbers. But their follow-up projects failed to resonate: With Love, Meghan earned just 5.3 million global views and ranked 383rd among Netflix shows, while Harry's polo docuseries Polo drew a mere half-million viewers. Critics and audiences have called the couple's content 'basic,' 'tone‑deaf,' and 'unlovable' . Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Project Management Design Thinking Operations Management Data Analytics Technology Digital Marketing Cybersecurity others Data Science Others Product Management CXO Leadership PGDM Data Science Degree Public Policy Management MBA Finance MCA healthcare Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management Project Planning & Risk Analysis Strategic Project/Portfolio Selection Adaptive & Agile Project Management Duration: 6 Months IIT Delhi Certificate Programme in Project Management Starts on May 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Project Planning & Governance Agile Software Development Practices Project Management Tools & Software Techniques Scrum Framework Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Programme in IT Project Management Starts on Jun 20, 2024 Get Details Despite the deal's end, there's a chance the Sussexes could continue with Netflix via a project‑based or 'first‑look' agreement, a model increasingly favored by the platform over large exclusive partnerships. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Audiologists: New £80 German Hearing Device Sweeping the UK Top Trending Today Learn More Undo Season 2 of With Love, Meghan is still scheduled for fall 2025, and Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever remains partnered with Netflix's consumer products division. Industry insiders suggest the end of this deal reflects the decline in the couple's U.S. popularity. After the Oprah interview and the documentary, support for Harry and Meghan has waned among American audiences, with critics noting their continued push for relevance may now feel calculated rather than authentic. Live Events Royal commentators warn the end of the Netflix contract could equate to a substantial financial blow, especially since Spotify dropped their podcast deal in 2023. Meghan's brand remains a potential revenue source, but durability of their media influence remains in question. What it means for Netflix U.S. audiences: Netflix is stepping back from long-term exclusive deals, opting for flexible partnerships instead. While Harry and Meghan's initial documentary did well, but later offerings didn't keep up the momentum with viewers or critics. Future projects may still come via Netflix, but likely under different, more modest arrangements. Their brand leverage in the U.S. is softening, with experts pointing to waning public sentiment and marketing fatigue.
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Sisters Dakota And Elle Fanning Call ‘The Nightingale' A Dream Project
Last Updated: Dakota and Elle Fanning star as sisters in The Nightingale, their first film together, bringing a heartfelt World War II story to life on screen. Dakota and Elle Fanning will finally star in a film together, and they'll play sisters on screen too. The upcoming movie The Nightingale, based on Kristin Hannah's best-selling novel, is set to release in cinemas on 12 February 2027. The film's official Instagram shared a sneak peek of the script next to the book and wrote, 'Can we buy tickets now?" It marks the first time the Fanning sisters, who are real-life siblings, will act opposite each other in a film. Despite playing the same character at different ages in the past, they never appeared together in a scene. A Dream Project for the Fanning Sisters 'The Nightingale will be the first time we act on screen together," Dakota and Elle said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. 'We have played the same character at different ages, but have never spoken to each other in front of a camera. For years, we have looked for a film to do with one another and then this gem appeared." View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Nightingale (@nightingalemovie) They added, 'As sisters, to share our artistry while bringing such a powerful sister story to life is a dream come true. We are so lucky to have our fearless director, Melanie Laurent, to guide us along on the journey. Let's do this, sister!!" The film tells the story of two sisters in France during World War II, struggling to survive under German occupation. Elle called it 'completely a sister story" and the 'heart of it". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lewellen Pictures (@lewellenpictures) Dakota also told Shape magazine, 'We're very different, but we're very connected… There's no one I want to succeed more in this business than my sister." More about the movie Dakota and Elle Fanning's upcoming film The Nightingale is based on Kristin Hannah's best-selling novel of the same name. The story centres on two sisters growing up in France during the early days of World War II. As the country falls under German occupation, the sisters are forced to face great hardships and make difficult choices to survive. The film explores their emotional journey, resilience, and unbreakable bond as they navigate the dangers of war. With the Fanning sisters portraying the lead roles, The Nightingale promises to be a powerful and heartfelt portrayal of courage and sisterhood. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
