Nicole’s Notebook

*NO SPOILERS! :)  .    Released in March 2017, "Thirteen Reasons Why" is a Netflix original series that is based on Jay Asher's book Thirteen Reasons . Touching on important topics; such as sexual assault, substance abuse, suicide, mental health, bullying/cyberbullying, and gun violence; seasons one and two have brought much controversy to the table. Some believe this show romanticizes suicide, while others believe this is a way to start a conversation about important issues. Regardless of the public opinion, this TV show has become an overnight success and has been nominated in 2018 by MTV Movie and TV Awards for Best Show.  .    After enduring tragedy after tragedy, high school student Hannah Baker takes her own life, leaving behind 13 tapes to describe the reasons why she did it. The show follows Clay Jenson, Hannah's unofficial lover, as he listens to her audio diary and follows her journey. While he relives her tragedies, Clay connects with hi...

     I am not one to pity myself, yet in 2018, it is hard to be a woman. I am in no way shape or form attempting to diminish the struggles men go through; however as I grow up and mature, my eyes are opened to the drastically different trials women endure in their everyday life. There were many topics in "Miss Representation" that I was well aware of as well as many topics that I was not.       Though released in 2011, the ideas in this film are far from outdated. As stated in the movie, a woman's worth lies in their physical appearance. Completely disregarding her intelligence, the media oversexualizes women and projects the idea that their only job in life is to please a man. The expectation the media places on women is almost inescapable, as they create extremely unattainable standards women feel obligated to fulfill. Plastic surgery; including botox, breast implants, and rhinoplasties; have skyrocketed in recent years, amplifying insecurities and bree...

The feedback loop (mentioned in my "#tbt to tbh and rates" article) in the media is, as the name implies, a very circular cycle. In terms of PBS's "Making Cents out of Teens," advertising companies analyze teens and show an exaggerated image of themselves back to then. These teens then match these exaggerated images and change themselves to be what they see on the screen. I used to watch a great deal of Nickelodeon and Disney Channel Shows. Victorious, iCarly, Good Luck Charlie, and Wizards of Waverly Place are among the few shows I indulged in as a preteen. In all of these shows, there is one constant: (almost) everyone is dumb and overdramatic. Though this makes for an interesting show worth watching, it creates very unrealistic scenarios that kids follow. For me, it worked both ways. I used to be very dramatic as a kid and it was partly because of the shows I used to watch. However, as I grew up and matured, I realized how unintelligent these characters wer...

Upon watching PBS Frontline’s “Making Cents out of Teens,” I was aware of most of the items they discussed. However, I found music and midriffs to be particularly interesting. I especially relate to the nonmainstream music. When I was in middle school, I did my best to listen to the radio as often as possible so I could memorize the lyrics of the popular songs that were played. However, last year I attended a LANY concert with my friend. This band is not extremely unpopular, but their songs are not regularly played on the radio. Though a simple concert, this event changed my perspective and outlook on unpopular music. From that day on, I began searching for new, non-mainstream music and found joy when I discovered new artists and songs. I became more particular about my music taste, developed a larger appreciation for music in general, and was more critical of the lyrics, songs, and singers. I now take pride when an unpopular artist I have been following starts to develop fame. Fo...

     Created in 2010, Instagram has been the Myspace of Gen Z. Being one of the top social media apps, my generation was the first to experience this "new and improved" Facebook that was accustomed to our age group. I was in fourth grade (2011) when I made my Instagram account. It was the first social media app I owned and was a place for me to explore cyberspace while familiarizing myself with what would become my future. Over time, this app has gone through a major "glo up"; what was once a rigid, grey, brown, and blue layout with a constricting, square frame was now a bright purple, pink, orange gradient with live-streaming and story options. To say the least, I feel as if my Instagramming ways evolved with the app itself.      As we are coming upon Instagram's 8th birthday, I can reflect on my past ways. Though my feed is not aesthetically pleasing as some, my "Instagram game" has improved tremendously over the seven years I have owned my a...

     I love music. I have over 1200 songs saved to my Spotify (@nicolefong13 if you want to check it out ;)), and I can always be found with my headphones in my ears.  I used to find myself singing along to songs on the radio without realizing what the lyrics are truly saying; however, I have learned to pay close attention to the message the artists are attempting to convey. I put great effort into seeking new, meaningful music and find joy in finding undiscovered artists.       N ot only is it a good way to focus on homework and pass the time, music also helps me to express my inexpressible emotions. I often find myself at a lost for words, trying and failing to find words to explain the internal feelings I do not understand myself. I long for emotional connections with others, yet end up changing the words that come out of my mouth and mask how I truly feel inside. The words in my head become like alphabet soup and when vulnerability is s...

“Somewhere off in outer space There's a world, no wars, no hate Where all the broken hearts are safe I don't know where it is I just imagine it”      These are the lyrics of MKTO’s song “Just Imagine It.” To give a synopsis, the musician describes an ideal world in which everyone utilizes their voice for good, attempting to change the world one action at a time.  This song says rather than focusing on what we cannot do, we should focus on our ability to change the world. Though the world will never be perfect, we can do what we can to strive for improvement and strive for a better tomorrow.      When you turn on the news, all you hear is horrific situations, depressing stories, and angering debates. There are very rare instances in which the news attempts to focus on the good things and the inspiring stories causing most people choose to focus on the bad rather than the good, the depressing rather than joyous, the heartbreaking rat...