Topic
Culture
How art, ideas, language, and everyday life reflect the times that produced them: essays and reporting on culture, carefully researched and sourced.
6 Articles Published
Newspeak: Orwell’s Warning That If You Control Language, You Control Thought
In 1984, Orwell's Newspeak keeps the word free but empties it of any political meaning. Why his warning about language and thought still matters today.
By Akber BukhariAug 30, 2026
CultureVerdict: True
The Navajo Tradition Where a Baby’s First Laugh Means They’ve Chosen to Stay
In Navajo tradition, a baby’s first laugh means they’ve chosen to stay — and the ceremony that follows flips everything we assume about baby gifts.
By Akber BukhariAug 6, 2026
CultureVerdict: Missing context
La Tonca: The Italian Town That Cages Its Worst "Politician" in a River
Every June, Trento in Italy lowers a caged stand-in for its worst "politician" into the Adige. Here's the real story of La Tonca and what viral posts miss.
By Akber BukhariAug 4, 2026
$500, a Kitchen Table, and Every Boutique in Austin Saying No
She dropped out of college to care for her dying stepfather, watched her first business fail, and started her jewelry empire with $500 while pregnant and broke. Every boutique said no. She kept walking.
By Akber BukhariMar 31, 2026
Jaden Smith Did Everything Right — And Got Mocked for It
He fed people on Skid Row, helped bring filtered water to Flint, and made rap that wasn't built on degrading women. The internet mostly discussed his clothes.
By Akber BukhariMar 25, 2026
They Called Barbara Corcoran the Dumb Kid — She Built a $66 Million Empire Anyway
Barbara Corcoran was called the dumb kid. Dyslexic, a D student and dumped by her partner, she turned a $1,000 loan into a firm she sold for $66 million.
By Akber BukhariMar 24, 2026