At its core, this shift isn’t about literature — it’s about looking like a reader. Books have become an accessory, a personality trait and a status symbol. As a result, people are reading more visibly than ever. The joy of getting lost in a story, of struggling with complex ideas and of truly reading seems to be fading.
By Ruby Voge, Opinion Co-Editor
• February 12, 2025
Sometimes, we’re looking for something a little different that breaks outside of the mold of the traditional boy-meets-girl tropes and plot beats. So, here are five — actually, seven — Valentine’s Day movies that range from slightly unique to unequivocally odd.
There are a limited number of lesbian novels depicting young people which are not entirely about coming out, dating games or involving some supernatural, fantasy element — especially ones that have come out in the last 10 years.
Hi, my name is Kal Hawley. I’m 18 years old, and I am so, so queer. And whether you are too, or you’re not sure yet, or you’re just bored and scrolling through The Daily Free Press, I hope this column can help you find something a little more interesting than a forced romance between two characters who really were better as friends or the “shy girl inexplicably wins the heart of popular guy” trope.
Some people might sigh in annoyance at these tropes. They’re cheesy and overused, and I will never get tired of them. No matter how often I read them — I’ll still kick my feet and giggle.
Trans characters and actors are essential in creating plotlines that appeal to similar audience members. The entertainment industry needs to create more roles that acknowledge the bravery and importance of a transition story, and these actors should receive more awards and recognition.
A better depiction of college applications in the media would be showing a sincere reason for the character’s choice of school and a more personalized college search. If producers lead with characters’ genuine motivations rather than sticking with the tried and true big-name school, it will give way to a diversity of acceptances and more realistic representations on what college is truly like.
Acknowledging the nuance between vulnerability and power has been critical in regaining control over my footwear. I want to be in a place where heels are an accessory instead of an identity. I’ll get there one day, one step at a time.
It’s easy to see how all media, and really all of human activity, is political — every social activity involves making decisions, every set of humans is organized in some way and these organizations will influence the decisions that are made.
It is in our human nature to have a preference. Whether it is ice cream flavors or our favorite album to play at 2 a.m., we tend to have an inclination toward certain things. We like to stick with the...
