Editors’ Picks: The Arts & Living Summer Roundup
Before the stress of the semester starts, the Arts & Living editors reflect on their favorite summer reads, listens, and watches.
Mackenzie Dunson '25
Save Cinema from the White Savior
White saviors are a common trope in the entertainment industry. Contributing Writer Mackenzie Dunson ’25 analyzes the problematic history and consequences of Hollywood’s reliance on white saviors, derailing narratives that should be centered around people of color.
“Wakanda Forever” Fumbles the Legacy
“Wakanda Forever,” the much-anticipated sequel to “Black Panther,” is a film that delves into the complexities of Black grief. While largely successful, Mackenzie Dunson ’25 says the film could have had a stronger antagonist, rather than pitting POC communities against one another.
An Analysis of the Criticism of Halle Bailey’s Casting as Ariel
Disney’s newest live-action remake, “The Little Mermaid,” starring Halle Bailey, released its first trailer last month to mixed reactions. Mackenzie Dunson ’25 breaks down the racist criticisms against Bailey’s casting and emphasizes the importance of Black representation.