Through the Lens of a College Student

It is time for the great finale! This is the last post of the Passion Blog. Throughout the semester I have showcased many series, especially ones that were very mainstream, even more so in Western media. I think for the last post it is time to show how much the world of film has the offer. There are so many beautiful cinematic pieces, yet so many people only see the ones currently popular in America, or they get deterred by a language barrier. After reading this final blog, I hope you take the time to appreciate good films and step outside your comfort zone, watching something you may not typically go towards.

The final show is… The Princess Weiyoung!

For a bit of backstory, it is spring 2020 and I have been cooped up in my house during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. The time nears 3 a.m. as my friend and I talk on the phone, each of us scrolling Netflix for a new show to watch, as everything felt so boring that it could not hold our attention. We come across The Princess Weiyoung, a historical Chinese drama series from 2016. Within the first few minutes of the show, we were completely enthralled. So, it began, every day after online school we would sit and watch this show from our separate homes until the entire 54 episodes had been completed.

This show follows the story of the Princess of Northern Liang after her land is attacked, overthrown, and many of her closest family and friends has been killed, all because of a deceitful plot. She must conceal her identity as she tries to prove her family’s innocence. To do so she takes on the identity of a girl she meets and enters the home of another wealthy and powerful family, the Li family where she pretends to be one of the daughters. There she finds rivalry, romance, and friendship as she works towards her goal. Romance is a key element in the show as she and Prince Touba Jun navigate their feelings towards each other, while also protecting each other.

The show keeps the audience’s attention by not only keeping a consistent fast pace, but also including many characters, all of which receive screen time and character progression. There are many side plots as each character has a goal and motivating factor, such as the race to become the next Emperor after the current one passes the throne off to his chosen successor.

For some of the elements, visually, the costumes and set design for The Princess Weiyoung are extremely beautiful. Each costume is intricate with jewelry and hair accessories. Also, having a strong female lead and strong female supporting characters is a refreshing take as many romance series will show women as “damsels in distress”, but Wei Youn takes her own fate into her hands.

I would recommend this show for people who enjoy historical or romantic shows. Also, this show is a great gateway piece into a world of foreign shows. Do not be dissuaded by having to read subtitles, it truly does not take away from the experience.

As we are nearing the end of the Passion Blog series, let’s delve into a Disney Plus show that brings a new layer of depth to the Marvel Universe and continues the storyline of a loved and infamous character. This blog will provide some basic understanding of the show and what elements and features make it unique and worthy of watching. Lastly, there will be an overall recommendation for who would enjoy the show based on similar watching preferences.

The show of the week is… Loki!

Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, in which we say Loki steal the Tesseract and escape his fate. Yet, having our previous knowledge on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we quickly realize that this changed a set timeline, creating a “Variant” of Loki. Here we see Loki meet the Time Variance Authority, as he tries to reveal who they are and what they want.

This series welcomes back a fan favorite character, Loki, while still bringing in a multitude of new characters and concepts to progress the Marvel storyline. This show provides a lot of character development for Loki, as we not only see his self-serving and scheming side, but also a more caring and open side. What also makes this show unique is the introduction of other Loki Variants, ranging from Kid Loki to Crocodile Loki to even Lady Loki. The idea of the Variants is a unique film element that makes the audience think about their own current place in the Universe, making them question if another version of themselves could possibly exist somewhere.

To delve deeper into this series beyond the plot and characters, let’s take a look at the production side. This show incorporates a lot of CGI features, such as the virtual character of Miss Minutes, yet the creators did an amazing job at making all the CGI elements look high quality. This is in part due to the high-level budget that was given for this season, which is on par with the budget for a traditional Marvel movie. Additionally, costume design was an integral part for the show. Costume designers were tasked which making each Loki Variant have a unique look that sets them apart in some way, yet also maintains a common theme. For example, our Classic Loki had a look based off of his appearance in the older comic books.

Yet, on the other hand there were some critics that some audience members found within the series. Other than the few main characters, the others lacked a sense of character development. Also, the pacing throughout the show was a bit uneven, some episodes were slower and more considered a filler, while others moved at an extremely fast pace. Lastly, some people thought the slight romantic elements were forced or unnecessary.

What is important to remember is that with most things in film, it is based on opinions. Personally, I enjoyed the show a lot and once I got hooked on it, I was drawn in and had to keep watching. I would recommend this show to anyone who likes the MCU, or even more specifically Loki. Also, the thought-provoking and mysterious elements help to captivate the audience. If you or a friend has Disney+ subscription, then this show should definitely be added to your watchlist.

Are you ready for the newest addition to the passion blog series? This week’s show has been nominated for and won a multitude of awards in categories ranging from music score, acting, and production. First, there will be some background on the plot of the show. Then, we will delve into what makes this show so renowned and unique.

The show of the week is… House of Cards!

The show follows the Underwoods on their conquest of the Federal government. The protagonist, a flawed individual named Frank Underwood, rises through the ranks of the federal government through various methods. His rise to power starts when he is slighted for appointment to be Secretary of State by the newly elected President Walker, and from that moment on, he uses anything at his disposal to get rid of or buy people that get in his way. His wife, Claire Underwood, is portrayed as a willing participant in many of his schemes, and throughout the course of the series, viewers are able to sense why both of the Underwoods have been together for three decades.

The show focuses on many themes and parts of life that coincide with our everyday workings. From the struggles of the middle class to the problems that government officials face in the light of moral and ethical questions; viewers are able to relate and focus on specific parts of the show and truly connect with different individual’s situations. The show is able to incorporate current topics of conversations into its plot, and thus is able to engage viewers that have interests spanning all the inner workings of the government. From foreign affairs to the federal reserve to politics, House of Cards is able to tackle many issues on the forefront of this country’s citizens’ minds.

However, the show does not only grapple with external issues such as those mentioned before. There are many monologues by the main character, Frank Underwood, that delve into the internal issues that come with public service. The hard decisions such as, is the survival of an individual more important than the survival of the society, is a reoccurring question that Frank deals with throughout the entirety of the series. As the show progresses, we see how Frank’s moral compass gets swayed by each decision he makes, so that by the end of the series, the Frank we see is not the Frank that we started out with. This progression, or regression depending on what your beliefs are of Frank, cultivates his surroundings and who he associates himself with.

We, as viewers, are thoroughly engaged by the intermingling of these different changes that occur throughout the show, and ultimately breathe a final breath when it ends. The evolution of the Country that is being led by these leaders in the show, and the evolution of the leaders themselves and their private lives is what make every minute so captivating. Every episode keeps you wondering what new barrier will Frank break on his race to the top, and ultimately, who will Frank be at the very end of his journey.

Welcome back to Passion Blog 4! It is time to look at another show or film to analyze some key points such as a plot summary, unique themes, and overall recommendation. This week’s pick is for a second season that was just released on Netflix on March 25th, so I promise no spoilers!

Today we are looking at… Bridgerton Season 2!

For some overall understanding, the show follows the Bridgerton family, with season 1 mainly focusing on Daphne as she enters society trying to find her match. Bridgerton season 2 continues shortly after where season 1 left off, and just in time for the next social season. This time around Eloise and Anthony are front and center, yet only Anthony is actively trying to get married. He is less focused on love and more on duty as he thinks it is best to find a woman who fill meet the requirements of viscountess than what his heart wants. The show also works to continue the storyline of the other characters, including Eloise in her hunt for Lady Whistledown, who is the hidden writer sharing scandalous gossip. The audience also gets a close up look at the Featherington family as they navigate obtaining money and keeping a good social standing.

Now for some analysis. Season 1 was more “hot and heavy” with romance blossoming quickly. In comparison season 2 has a different approach, choosing a slow burn appeal to the audience. This slower pace has its advantages and disadvantages as viewers anticipate the climactic moments, they may also grow bored of the wait. Also, for season 1 fans who loved the characters Daphne and Simon they will be disappointed as they are not prominent in this season. One key point of this show is how effortlessly they incorporate diversity into the show. So many historical period pieces lack in diversity, making this show a refreshing take. The show does a good job at adding in bits of Indian culture as well with the Sharma family having a Haldi ceremony. After reading an article on the importance of this ceremony and what the representation meant to many viewers it showed how important it is to have diversity within shows.

The attention to detail through style choices in costume and set design is another captivating element within the show. The elaborate dresses and outfits show the amount of time and effort put into giving the show a sense of regal beauty. It is estimated that around 230 people worked to create over 7,000 outfits for the show. Another fun fact is that Queen Charlotte is never seen wearing a wig twice. Finally, in terms of music the show, like last season, continues to make classical renditions of modern music, which is yet another way to connect to a modern audience.

Overall, I enjoyed this second season of Bridgerton as it continued the storylines of the characters, as well as shifting focus onto Anthony. It continued to incorporate its sense of romance while also not making it feel repetitive. Anyone who wants a new and modern take on historical romance should watch this show.

Welcome back to Passion Blog 3! It is that special time of the week when we get to delve into another show or film to gain some insight into the characters, plot, and unique elements or themes. Then, it is time to see if it is a recommended show or movie and decide for yourself if it will deserve a spot on your watch list.

Today’s show is… The Walking Dead!

The Walking Dead follows the story of Rick Grimes after he wakes up from a coma to find the world forever changed, as the dead now roam searching for humans to eat. He reunites with people from his past and makes new friends and enemies along the way as not only are the dead a threat, but the living may be the biggest threat of all. Rick Grimes taps into his past career as a police officer to lead those around him. Often, the group of survivors cannot stay in one place for too long as trouble catches up to them eventually. This show is based on a comic book series by Robert Kirkman and there have even been video games based on the show such as the one created by Tell Tale.

Although the show draws upon ideas from the comics it also includes much original material to keep everyone invested into the progression of the show. The show includes elements of drama, and spine-chilling suspense, which keeps viewers hearts racing as people root for their favorite characters to survive. One strong point the show has is its ability to write compelling antagonists. The viewers see their reasoning and why they act a certain why, there can even be sympathy as we grieve for what they have experienced. Another strong points that not many shows can boast is its ability to maintain a strong story progression throughout the seasons. Viewers will like newer seasons just as much as older seasons, which is a problem with many shows as people become less interested as a show continues.

For people interested in special effects and stage makeup it is interesting to see the progression of how the show improved upon the zombie design. Even in the older seasons the zombies were an impressive show of makeup and wardrobe skills. The designers have talked about how this show is different from others, as usually zombies are shot in dark and gloomy settings, while in The Walking Dead they are often shown in hot and sunny settings. So, they had to show a boiled, leathery effect for the zombies. There was also visible effort put into the location setups, such as the worn-down buildings and Alexandria, the secure town. For this town the show makers transformed a real town

Overall, this show is another binge-worthy show that viewers will get drawn into as they root for their favorite characters and feel all the emotion and suspense the show has to offer. Although the show can be gory and graphic so it is not meant for those who are squeamish or not interested in zombie apocalypse based entertainment.

After a little break, it is time to reintroduce the passion blog! This blog focuses on different TV shows or movies to give an overall summary, as well as some key themes and elements that make the film unique, and a recommendation on if I enjoyed the show or if I thought others would enjoy the show. This blog takes a look into the hit show Shameless which spanned eleven seasons and has been nominated and won multiple awards.

Today’s Show is Shameless!

The show follows the Gallaghers, a working-class family trying to navigate life on the South Side of Chicago. Frank, the alcoholic father, lives with his six children and seems to bounce from different homes and pastimes rather than find a job. This leaves Fiona, the eldest child to run the household and care for the other children. She tries to do her best in raising the children to be good people and tries to keep them from some of the harshness she had to face when she was little. Each character in the show receives ample show time to provide character development and establish a unique personality that has its positive and negative traits. The level of characterization is one of the defining factors this show is known for, since the audience gets to both root for and question each character at some point.

The show illustrates the harshness of lower class living and the struggles the family faces on an everyday basis, even for things many take for granted such as getting food on the table and keeping a roof over their heads. Yet, the show manages to enthrall the audience through the use of humor nearly every step of the way. Through this representation the show also includes the circular nature of poverty, as seen with Fiona who cannot solely focus on her career when she has a family to care for. Family dynamics and relationship drama is another key element to the show, which many can relate to. Many of the kids see how their reactions resemble that of their parents at time, which causes them to take a step back to redefine themselves, showing how children are not defined by their parents or their actions.

One thing to note is the level of representation and diversity in the show. The South Side of Chicago is 93% black families, yet the show does not represent that instead focusing on a white family, as well as many other characters being white.

Overall, it is an entertaining show to watch, that has its fair share of highs and lows to keep the audience invested in each character’s story. With eleven seasons it is a show good for people looking for a complete show to binge watch.

This Civic Issues blog will focus on topics related to sustainability and the environment, which are currently facing significant challenges that require individual and collective action. The third blog gives insight into plastic pollution, its effect on the environment, and ways to reduce plastic use or make it more sustainable.

Plastic pollution is a relatively new environmental issue as plastic production ramped up following World War II. Although it has allowed for more convenience and innovations in fields such as space travel, the car industry, and medicine just to name a few, it does not come without serious drawbacks. This level of convenience led to a culture where people throw away many plastic items, especially single-use plastics leading to a buildup in landfills and oceans.  Some of the main culprits include plastic bags, food wrappers, and utensils/eatery. These items can be used and discarded in such a short time frame, yet they will last for hundreds of years in the environment. To understand the sheer amount of plastic produced it is a fact that plastic production has increased at such a rapid rate that production is expected to double by 2050. Yet, much of this plastic either sits in a landfill or makes its way to the environment. Each year about 8 million tons of plastic enters the ocean. The effect of these plastics on the environment will be detrimental to many life forms ranging from sea turtles to plants.

Plastic pollution is talked about mostly in terms of its harm to oceans, as plastic trash cumulates in rivers and gets carried to the ocean. It can remain near coastal areas or get carried away by the tide traveling across the ocean and even the world. But many people think of plastic pollution as heaps of plastic sitting in the ocean, yet often it is broken down into microplastics by sun, wind, and water. This is more difficult to try and clean and it can then be found in our own drinking water and in air particles. If ingested microplastics can have life threatening affects in animals. For example, they can cause damage to internal intestines and nano plastic particles can pass into different parts of the body and cause health issues such as lower respiration rates. On humans microplastics have been involved in studies showing it can lead to damage in cell DNA and can lead to an increase in the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s and lung inflammation. Beyond the harm of the plastic itself the chemicals on the plastic such as BPA are known to increase the risk of cancer as well.

Microplastics cause damage which is being studied as it is harder to see with the naked eye, but plastics in the ocean are causing visible harm to many forms of life. Sea creatures such as turtles and seals can get caught in plastic and be strangled or constricted by it, or it can be ingested and block digestion or scratch internal organs. Also, when plastic is burned to try and get rid of or repurpose it, it releases harmful chemicals into the air. When plastic is also put into landfills it takes up space, pollutes the land, and depletes nutrients in the soil.

Change is necessary to stop the continuation of the bad effects of plastic use and pollution. There are lifestyle changes and alternatives that can be used on an individual level to help in the fight against plastic pollution. One way is to reduce or stop using disposable plastic items such as plastic bags and cutlery. Instead of using the plastic bags at the grocery store invest in reusable bags which not only help the environment but also will break less when carrying heavy items. Another way to reduce single use plastics is to commit to using silverware even if it is a larger family gathering, it is better for the environment to give up the convenience of throw away utensils for a cleaner environment. Many single use plastics come as water bottles or gallons of water. A way to reduce this is to buy a water filtration system at home and use that in reusable bottles. This will save people money and keep the environment more sustainable. In relation to other at home ways to do your part, eating at home more can reduce take out containers, or when going out you can bring your own reusable plastic or even glass containers.

Many would assume that rather than making the changes stated above it would be easier to simply recycle, yet the issue is that the recycling process is not as straight forward as many believe it to be. For many companies it is cheaper to dispose of the recycling items than to recycle them and the plants often get backed up. Also, contamination from food, dirt, or even other nonrecyclable items can cause entire batches of items to not be recycled. Items such as plastic bags, utensils, and containers cannot be recycled which means they only go take up in the landfill.

The issue goes well beyond the individual user, as manufactures are also prime culprits in the plastic pollution issue. They can also reduce the amount of plastic, especially single-use plastic, that is used, and reuse more than before. Packaging is where a lot of plastic is wasted in manufacturing, so finding an alternative to plastic packaging would be a substantial leap in the direction toward sustainability.

To wrap up this blog about plastic pollution and how to make more sustainable choices it is important to also see the hope and the good actions that are already being taken. There are various alternatives to plastic, especially for single use plastic like containers. Bagasse and Areca palm are just two examples of alternatives that are biodegradable and do not leave behind harmful chemicals. Innovation is already headed in the right direction, so people and other manufactures need to change their plastic use and the environment will be better off for it. This is an issue like many others where people not only have the power to change their individual actions, but also can advocate for more universal change overall.

Information Links:

Plastic pollution facts and information (nationalgeographic.com)

How harmful are microplastics? — Science Learning Hub

Harmful Effects of Plastic Pollution | Earth Reminder

Plastic Pollution Solutions – 10 Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution | NRDC

Five sustainable alternatives to plastic for food packaging – Prakati India

This Civic Issues blog will focus on topics related to sustainability and the environment, which are currently facing significant challenges that require individual and collective action. The second blog gives insight into food waste, its effect on the environment, and ways to combat food waste to be more sustainable.

Food waste is when food that is intended for use or consumption is wasted or lost. It can occur at any point from the harvesting, processing, shipping, or even after the consumer buys it and simply throws it away. Not only does food waste have negative effects on the environment but it is also important to understand and combat because more than 800 million people worldwide are facing hunger. Reducing food waste could allow for more food to be given to those who are currently going hungry. To truly comprehend the magnitude of food waste it is stated that 2.5 billion tons of food are wasted every year, and this is enough to feed 3 billion people. Also, food waste alone contributes enough greenhouse gas emissions to rival every country except China and the US. So, how does food waste happen and who is contributing to this the most?

For developing countries, food waste mostly occurs at the retail or consumer level where food rots away in stores or people buy more than they need and end up throwing it out. This is especially true around holidays when there is impulse buying and an abundance of food that leaves more leftovers than people can eat. The most common foods wasted are produce items like fruits and vegetables because of short shelf-life spans. Yet, another reason so much produce is wasted is based on mere appearance. People do not buy food that has blemishes or otherwise has imperfections, leading to those items sitting on shelves and eventually being wasted. On the other hand, developing countries have food waste occurring at the farm and harvest stages. Food gets wasted at the farm level most often because farmers produce more than they can sell leading to the excess being wasted or they have inefficient farming practices. Overall, China and India have the most total food waste, but most per capita food waste is from countries such as Australia and Greece.

Food waste has detrimental effects on the environment as well. First, it leads to a loss in biodiversity, since producing this amount of food takes up much land, decreasing biodiversity. Yet this much land is not put to effective use if there is so much food waste, meaning the loss of biodiversity is for nothing. Subsequently, with using this land there is less forest coverage. Within 25 years from 1990 to 2015 1% of the forest coverage was lost. Although to many this may seem like a small number, this amount of forest coverage this equates to numerically shows how fast land is being used. Additionally, food production, especially meat contributes to global warming and greenhouse gas emissions, and food waste makes this number much higher than need be.

Beyond the environmental effects it also has socio-economic impact. World hunger is such an issue, yet it cannot be solved without working to allocate food properly and reduce food waste. For example, if food waste can be reduced by 25% then 870 million families can be fed, which is more than the number provided earlier of people facing hunger. People, companies and entire nations can improve their economies by reducing food waste as it accounts for trillions lost annually. According to the Waste and Resources Action Program (WRAP) each household could save on average $655 each year by eliminating food waste. This money could be better put to many other expenses, especially with the financial troubles of the pandemic.

The good news is that this sustainability issue we can take steps to solve. This issue each of us can take steps through individual action to solve. A person can actively think or plan out their meals for a week or two and buy as much as they need rather than throwing anything that looks good into their cart. Also, it is important to keep an eye on expiration dates when buying food so that person does not buy it and not use it before it expires. Many people use planned out meal preps as shown in the image on this blog to minimize their food waste. Another strategy is to give any leftover food to those who need it or may not be able to afford it, which solves not only the food waste issue but also world hunger. Another location for this leftover food is animals, such as chickens who are known for eating nearly any produce scraps. This not only can feed livestock, but it can make it cheaper for farmers who previously spent money on animal feed. Each of these methods work to make sure food is being consumed in some fashion, but as a last resort if food needs to be disposed or wasted the most sustainable method is through composting. The compost can have a use as fertilizer, again showing that food waste is a problem that when solved can make food use much more effective.

To understand how companies can do their part in reducing food waste is to look for new technology and processes such as improved storage methods, especially in developing countries, since in those countries a lot of food gets spoiled or damaged. Also, countries can develop plans and strategies to ensure food is being used effectively and not wasted. They can support organizations that are dedicated to reducing food waste as well.

Most importantly, this is an issue everyone can contribute to and has many benefits such as feeding those in need and reducing global emissions. Yet, many people to not think to actively watch how much they purchase and waste, so the first step to change has to be education and a change in mindset.

Information Links:

The Effects of Food Waste Will Destroy Our Planet (myethicalchoice.com)

Food Waste and Its Effects: Why It is A Global Issue (foodsciencenews.com)

What is Food Waste? | Earth.Org – Past | Present | Future

Surprising Ways to Solve Food Waste (nationalgeographic.com)

10 Ways to Cut Global Food Loss and Waste | World Resources Institute (wri.org)

This Civic Issues blog will focus on topics related to sustainability and the environment, which are currently facing significant challenges that require individual and collective action. The first blog gives insight into overfishing, its effect on the environment, and ways to combat overfishing to be more sustainable.

Many people have heard the common saying, “plenty of fish in the sea” yet with the current methods of fishing and resource consumption that may not be true in the near future. With the current rates of fishing, pollution, and climate change ecologists predict that by 2048 the oceans could be completely void of fish. Even now over one-third of all sharks and manta rays are at risk of extinction. Many different ocean species are seeing their numbers greatly reduced over the past few decades, and overfishing is one of the largest contributing factors.

Overfishing involves fishing too many fish to the point that populations are depleted and cannot recover. This also impacts the entire ecosystem which loses its delicate balance. Any body of water can experience overfishing such as oceans, rivers, and lakes, yet it is most commonly talked about in relation to the ocean. Overfishing is not a new concept, since a historical example comes from the early nineteenth century when there was a demand for blubber to produce lamp oil, so whale populations were drastically reduced. Over the past five or so decades fishing yields have been increasing smaller, revealing the impact overfishing has had on fish populations being able to reproduce to replenish their numbers. The reason for excessive fishing is in part due to the high demand for fish, as well as not enough regulation and lack of effective fishing methods.

To understand why overfishing is a pertinent issue for the environment and sustainability efforts it is important to look at the impact it has and the consequences. Large-scale commercial fishing often uses methods that catch more than just the intended species of fish, which means there is bycatch. The bycatch is discarded by the fisheries and is dropped back into the ocean, usually harmed or dead. An example is a commercial fishery that is using nets to catch tuna, which is not only greatly reducing the tuna population but is also harming other species such as dolphins in the process. Not only are aquatic animals disrupted but so are the coral reefs through a fishing practice called bottom trawling, which has large nets drag across the ocean floor. The bottom of the net has a metal cable that weighs the net down and also crushes the vegetation and coral reefs on the ocean floor. To understand the gravity of the situation scientists have predicted that by 2050 about 90 percent of the coral reefs will be dead.

Not only is the environment, aquatic animals and vegetation negatively impacted by overfishing and unregulated fishing practices, but this has also led to economic consequences for humans as well. The fishing industry is large and employees many people. Statistics show that 35 million people work in the fishing industry and of those 27 million work in capture fishing. This is a job that provides a livelihood and income for many families, yet with income yields getting smaller each year, this may soon mean that people will lose their jobs. Also, some people use fish as a large part of their food source and overfishing could have a great negative impact on them if fish populations are so reduced that prices rise dramatically.

Yet, there is hope to change the current course and help stop overfishing, but it will take action and collaboration on many fronts. There are multiple ways to either promote sustainable fishing or for people to use their voice to enact change. The start to all change is information and education. People, governments, companies, and fisheries need to know the impact that overfishing has to understand the need for change. Governments can do their part by placing regulations on fishing and enforcing them. One possible regulation could be catch limits so no one fishery is taking too many fish leaving populations depleted. Also, the U.S. imports a majority of its seafood and can ensure that the nations and companies they import from are following a set of standards to combat overfishing.

Innovation and technology can also help reduce the amount of seafood people consume. Similar to how there are now plant-based option to meat such as Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, there is an increasing amount of plant-based seafood options that replicate the taste of shrimp, tuna, fish sticks and more. Not only is this an alternative to fish that can reduce fishing and help stop overfishing but it is a great option for vegetarians or vegans who want to enjoy seafood dishes without changing their dietary habits.

Some people would turn to farmed fish then instead of caught fish, yet there is a dilemma associated with that choice. First, the ethical dilemma of how those fish are treated in the farms since the living conditions are not always held to high standards. Second, it has been proven the nutritional benefits of farmed fish are much lower than the benefits of caught fish. Lastly, some of the fish in fish farms need to eat other fish as their source of food, which does nothing to combat overfishing. So, it is clear to see that sometimes finding viable alternatives is difficult and there is no direct answer to solve the complex issue of overfishing.

Oceans are home to up to 80 percent of all life on earth, so humans need to protect the ocean and its inhabitants. Promoting sustainability means that fish can be consumed moderately and ethically for many generations to come. Not only is it up to collective action by fisheries and governments to stop overfishing, but individuals can have a massive impact by using their voices and votes, as well as making simple everyday choices.

Information Links:

What Are the Causes of Overfishing and How Does It Affect the Environment? (sentientmedia.org)

Overfishing: A Current Serious Environmental Problem – Global Waste Cleaning Network (gwcnweb.org)

Overfishing (nationalgeographic.com)

Bottom trawling – Oceana USA

Welcome to the Rhetoric and Civic Life Passion Blog! This blog will showcase a variety of television shows and movies, both current and past. Not only will there be an overall summary to give a taste for the film, but the blog will also include key elements that make the show unique or that viewers can connect to. There will also be a review and recommendation for who may be interested in taking the time to watch the show or movie.

I chose this topic because I really enjoy film, not only appreciating it as an art form but also understanding the level of dedication and work to create this visual piece. I plan to get a minor in film studies, so this topic correlates to my college education. Keep reading to learn about different films and maybe even find one to add to your watchlist!

Today’s TV show is Euphoria!

Euphoria is a new television show that follows the lives of various high school students as they navigate their troubles, including relationships, family, drugs, and finding oneself. The first character the audience is introduced to is Rue, a girl who has just returned home from rehab. Other main characters include Jules, Nate, Maddy, Cassie, and Kat. The show does a good job at giving screen time to all the characters, so it is easy to connect to them and their story.

The biggest audience for this show is people in the high school age range, who can understand the struggles and journey the characters are following, although, actual high school learning takes a back seat, and it serves as more of a meeting location for drama. The creators of the show made sure almost everyone found a person or aspect of a person they could relate to. For a bit of character insight; Rue struggles with mental health issues and drug use, Jules is a transgender woman and has some harsh encounters with men, Kat struggles with finding herself amongst body image issues and the body positive movement, and Cassie seeks male validation after her father left. Each of these struggles vary and yet they are struggles that many people face and seeing it up on the screen shows them that their challenges are real, and they are not alone.

Audience members also get deeper insight into the characters through the thematic use of flashbacks. This gives viewers an understanding of the characters and builds a stronger connection. Another interesting thematic choice is the use of the narrator. Rue serves as the narrator to the story, which she acknowledges at the beginning of the show, breaking a sort of fourth wall. For any music fans the soundtrack provided by Labrinth has been nominated for a multitude of awards, as has the costume and makeup design. The costume and makeup are very unique to the show and make any image from the series recognizable. The use of colors, glitter, and sequins give the show an eye-catching fantastical look.

Overall, there are many great elements to this popular show and the second season is currently releasing episodes every Sunday night, so now is the perfect time to start this show!