October 28, 2019By Phyllis Feng
Editor’s Note (June 30 2020): In light of recent events surrounding Shane Dawson and Jeffree Star, I’d like to clarify that my opinions of these two have changed dramatically since the publication of this article. Their behavior does not embody the core values of Affinity Magazine, and they aren’t representative of our convictions as a platform
October 7, 2019By Phyllis Feng
Stumbling upon Sleeping At Last’s music in a harrowing time of my life was a miraculous blessing that, a couple of years later, still reverberates in every part of me. The first song I heard was “Saturn,” a moving aurora of music that wrapped me in its embrace with heartfelt lyrics and from then on
August 27, 2019By Phyllis Feng
At Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim on August 24th, which featured actors and directors from the studio’s upcoming movies such as Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Pixar’s Soul, it seemed all were in attendance but one: the star of Mulan. Only director Niki Caro made an appearance, which is hardly surprising given the recent controversy involving
August 11, 2019By Phyllis Feng
In the wake of recent mass shootings and apparent criticism from Donald Trump, Universal Pictures has just canceled the release of The Hunt, a satirical social thriller that was scheduled to come out on September 27. An R-rated Blumhouse production, The Hunt follows twelve strangers who find themselves in a clearing, oblivious that they are
August 4, 2019By Phyllis Feng
On Thursday, August 1, a six-member federal jury in LA ruled that Katy Perry was guilty of copying a Christian rap song, “Joyful Noise” by Flame, in the 2013 hit “Dark Horse”. As punishment, Katy Perry and her collaborators — Perry, co-writer Sarah Hudson, Capitol Records, and producers Dr. Luke, Max Martin, and Cirkut —
July 23, 2019By Phyllis Feng
Years after the multi-million trilogy Hunger Games as well as its movie franchise, Suzanne Collins is once again bringing us into the harrowing and divided world of Panem. This time, the story will take place 64 years before the lives of Katniss and Peeta. According to the Hunger Games books, the 13 districts of Panem had staged an
July 14, 2019By Phyllis Feng
Like four peas in a pod, former Buzzfeed members Keith Habersberger, Ned Fulmer, Zach Kornfield and Eugene Lee Yang are among the internet’s most beloved entourage of YouTubers. Sensational, hilarious and down-to-earth, they embody the spirit of YouTube in a multitude of ways that never fail to capture the hearts of their viewers. Currently, they’re
July 9, 2019By Phyllis Feng
BookTube, as its name suggests, is supposed to be an open-minded, nerdy and non-discriminatory space on the internet purely dedicated to all things bookish. However, nothing is immune to drama – least of all anything associated with social media – and the book community has seen its fair share in recent years. From heated divisions
June 28, 2019By Phyllis Feng
As with anything concerning social media and the proliferation of an internet-centric culture, Insta-poetry is treated with the usual package deal approach of hate and love. Despite the abundant successes and enthusiastic fanbases of poets such as Rupi Kaur, Lang Leav, Amanda Lovelace and Yrsa Daley-Ward, a creeping sense of disapproval veins through it all.
May 29, 2019By Phyllis Feng
Game of Thrones has finally wrapped up its final season, and I’ve found myself reflecting on the complexities of the show and the rich plot that engaged millions. While it takes place in a high fantasy realm with dragons and White Walkers, it is at its core a study of human beings rising to power,
April 30, 2019By Phyllis Feng
The Netflix release dates for 2019 have been released, including multiple hit TV shows such as Stranger Things, The Crown and perhaps one of the most highly-anticipated installments of all, season five of Black Mirror. This complex TV series has fascinated and enraptured viewers since its debut season back in 2011, shocking the world into
April 18, 2019By Phyllis Feng
At face value, minimalist art seems incredibly devoid of emotion and the very definition of bare bones. Indeed, much of the public tends to take one look at the square or circle sitting all lonesome on a blank canvas and scoff. However, a considerable amount of actual artists are insistent upon the value of minimalist