AvidBards
Reflections

Representation in the Mainstream

I have always openly been critical about the lack of representation and visibility of minorities in mainstream media. Be it superhero films, rom-coms, dramas, or period pieces, the Hollywood-dominated world of international media has been one that has sorely lacked in any diversity whatsoever. We still have a long way to go to equally represent people of all races, sexual orientation, gender, religion, creed, and everything in between. However, today’s post focuses on the smashing headway that’s been made for minorities in the mainstream. The positive recognition that has been given to these films and shows reflect the kind of…

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5 Best Series

5 Best Binge-worthy Netflix Originals

Anbody who has Netflix knows that there are a ton of – perhaps too many – options when it comes to Netflix Originals. This behemoth of a company pumps out a new show or film seemingly every month, so it can be tough to figure out which ones are worth watching. And hey, maybe they’re all worth watching; Netflix does, after all, generally dedicate quality production and content. However, if you just need a place to start and don’t know where to, here’s a list of five amazing original series that truly give Netflix a good rep. Since some of…

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Books

On Reading Shakespeare

I’m sure that a lot of you have, at some point, understood the struggle of reading Shakespeare plays during our school days. Of course, we have always been taught that William Shakespeare, the Bard himself, whose works have survived for over a whopping four centuries later, is one of the most timeless and classic playwrights ever. And hey, I am certainly not one to doubt that; Shakespeare’s vast repertoire offers a variety of genres, historical events, themes, and plotlines with an intelligence and wit that will always be considered pertinent. As a Canadian living in Toronto, “Shakespeare for Kids” versions…

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TV Shows

Why “Queer as Folk” was Revolutionary

Happy Pride Month, everyone! Today’s post will be our first pride-related post in celebration. Remember to take this month to reflect on being more mindful, accepting, and open-minded in regards to the LGBTQIA+ community, no matter your own sexual orientation and gender preference. We can always learn from and grow with each other, regardless of how much we think we already know! About ten years ago, just as I was entering high school, I’ll admit that I didn’t know much about anything outside the realm of heteronormativity. Part of the blame goes to heteronormative dominance in schools (particularly in sex…

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Reflections

Choosing the Perfect Plane Novel

I travel a lot. Generally speaking, I’m on a plane every month or so. Whether it be long haul or short haul flights, I spend a decent amount of time per year in the air. So for me, it is extremely important that this time is actually meaningful. Now, I will openly tell you, I am not the most fond of flying. In fact, that is a pretty big understatement. I hate it. The claustrophobic feeling of being stuck in a box for a number of hours without any fresh air, knowing that at any moment you could plummet to…

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Reviews

“Jane the Virgin” and Satire

Jane the Virgin is easily one of the most intriguing, multifaceted shows out there right now. Advertised as a “satirical romantic comedy-drama telenovela” (say that five times fast), Jane the Virgin heaps a lot onto its plate, and manages to succeed every moment of the way. Without spoiling too many of the key plot points, the show’s premise is about satirizing the dramatic, unrealistic elements of soap operas (in this case, specifically Spanish telenovelas) and transferring it to the real world. In Jane the Virgin, Jane Villanueva (played by the inimitable Gina Rodriguez), her mother, and her grandmother avidly watch…

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