Social Media

Facebook Bans White Supremacy....FINALLY!

After many years of individuals all over the globe complaining that they still have to deal with the issue of white supremacy on Facebook, the multi-billion dollar company has finally placed a ban on anything in their posts relating to white supremacy. But what finally caused them to give in and listen to their users (for a change)? All it took was two mass shootings at different mosques in New Zealand. 

According to aljareeza.com, "Facebook policies already banned posts endorsing white supremacy as part of the company's prohibition against spewing hate at people based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity and religion. The ban had not applied to expressions of white nationalism, Facebook said, because it linked such expressions with broader concepts of nationalism or political independence - such as American pride or Basque separatism. But conversations with civil rights groups and academics in recent months led Facebook to conclude that white nationalism and separatism cannot be meaningfully separated from white supremacy and organised hate groups, the statement said. 'Going forward, while people will still be able to demonstrate pride in their ethnic heritage, we will not tolerate praise or support for white nationalism and separatism," Facebook said.' "

Though Facebook did not link the new act to any specific event, and said it had been working on the change for three months, the statement came less than two weeks after the company received widespread criticism related to the mosque shootings in the New Zealand city of Christchurch. The shooting suspect was able to broadcast the massacre on live video on Facebook, and at least 50 Muslim worshippers were killed in the gun assaults, according to aljareeza.com. 

The massacres in New Zealand are one of the many pieces of evidence of white nationalism spreading like wildfire. Most of these ideals preach a standard "European" life, rejecting any form of immigration from anywhere in the world, and shares many vicious online threats, though it is rare for any of said threats to be carried out. The New Zealand shootings are considered a rare occurrence on that front. 

According to aljareeza.com ,when asked about the potential threat that white supremacy could be, they said this: "Some analysts say it is a cohesive movement bound together online that stretches across Europe into Russia and has a wide following in the US and Canada. They say it poses as much of an international threat as violence inspired by groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) - and they add that the threat is even greater in the US, where white nationalist attacks have outpaced those by other groups for years. According to some researchers, white nationalists have been emboldened by the rise of politicians espousing traditionalist views and a tough line on immigration - from Marine Le Pen in France and Viktor Orban in Hungary to Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump."

Critiquing a Media Critic

IGN: Who's Writing this Review Again?

Over the years, I have become quite enthralled in video games. Stories, gameplay, characters, settings, all of these things are needed to come together to make an enjoyable experience. But who's the one actually deciding whether a game is worth playing or not? There are many critics out there that have different opinions and state their issues with a particular game or series of games, which is completely fine. I have no quarrels with that whatsoever. However, IGN has become one of my most hated gaming critics for two main reasons:

1. Their reviews are completely inconsistent throughout.
2. You have no idea who is actually writing the review, as IGN has over thirty different reviewers at their disposal.

Let's begin with my first issue. I, personally, think that IGN reviews are constantly contradict themselves. Take, for example, Kingdom Hearts 3. The third paragraph in their review begins talking about the story and plot of the game and how it "feels lackluster in light of the technical improvements the franchise has made. An attempt to satisfy both the Disney stories and the overarching plot causes some unfortunate stagnant pacing, with Disney plots playing out with slow dialogue and Sora, Donald, and Goofy occasionally questioning why they’re even visiting some of the included worlds at their outset."

Kingdom Hearts 3 Gameplay

Literally, in the very next paragraph, "A hero losing his powers is the most common trope in RPG sequels, but here Sora’s loss is smartly tied to his fight against the forces of darkness, building off one of the most significant personal struggles Sora went through in the previous games. That creates a strong impetus for Sora to avoid Kingdom Hearts 2’s notorious mistake of a long, slow prologue and jump right into the action of Hercules’ world." I don't quite understand why IGN insists on doing this, especially in two paragraphs that are connected like that, but it is just one simple example of how their inconsistencies ruin any credibility they have with me. 

The second issue I have with them, thankfully, is much easier to explain. IGN is a very successful company, and as such, must have a large staff to keep up with everything they need to do to keep the business running. This includes hiring multiple writers to help write reviews on different games. However, I feel this is an issue because with having multiple writers, you aren't really sure what the majority feels about a certain title. Instead, you are only getting the perspective of one individual, who, quite possibly, could despise a particular game that you're interested in, even if the majority of other reviewers give it nothing but praise. I just simply feel like reading a game review from IGN, no matter the final result, simply can not be trusted.

Movies

Best of 2019...So Far

2019 has already been an incredible year for movies, many of which have already grossed over $100 million already, and it's only March! The United States alone has already directed and produced over twenty movies in two months. With many more movies coming out this year, let's take a look at the best movies of 2019 so far, in my opinion.

5. Greta

Greta was released on the first of March and has already become a popular film. Starring Isabelle Huppert, Chloë Grace Moretz, Maika Monroe, Colm Feore, and Stephen Rea, the movie is about a young woman who does a good deed for an older widow, who, afterwards, become incredibly obsessed with her. On its first day of release in theaters, the movie grossed $1.6 million and has gone on to earn a total of over $4.6 million since. Greta has received average reviews, with most critics giving it a five or six out of ten. Personally, I thought the movie was quite well done, with a strong leading performance from Huppert and Moretz. I think the movie did not get the praise it truly deserved. 

4. Cold Pursuit

Cold Pursuit was released on February 8th and, honestly, after seeing the trailers, I was not excited to see it. Liam Neeson's popularity also didn't help it at all. Nevertheless, the movie was actually quite enjoyable. Starring Liam Neeson, the movie is a remake of the Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance. The movie follows a snow truck driver in a small town who sets out on a quest for revenge after a local drug ring kills his son. The movie has grossed over $46 million dollars since its release and has received, mostly, positive reviews for its action sequences as well as its dark humor. It definitely exceeded my expectations and deserves a spot on this list. 

3. Glass

Glass was released on January 18th and, like its predecessors Unbreakable and Split, has received nothing but mixed reviews. The movie stars Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, and James McAvoy and finishes the trilogy that Unbreakable started. The movie features David Dunn, the main protagonist of Unbreakable, alongside his archenemy, Mr. Glass, as well as "The Horde", the multi-personality man played by McAvoy, being kept inside of a mental ward and are being tested on to prove they do not actually possess superpowers. Since its release, the movie has earned, nearly, $250 million and continues rising. Persoanlly, I thought it was the best of the trilogy, making it feel like a worthwhile end to a strong group of films. 

2. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

The third installment in the How to Train Your Dragon saga has been nothing short of a complete success. Earning over $380 million since its release, it has become the most successful movie in the United States, second internationally. The movie follows Hiccup, the protagonist, searching for a new "Hidden World" where dragons thrive, while his dragon becomes entangled with another of his own race. Overall, the movie became the most popular of the trilogy, and has received nothing but positive reviews. Many people praise the movie for its improved CGI from the first two movies, and, despite the cliche romantic plot that was thrown in, it din't seem to ruin people's views, including my own.

1. Alita: Battle Angel

As it was most likely expected, Alita: Battle Angel is, by far, my favorite movie this year so far. The movie follows Alita, a young cyborg girl who wakes up in a new world, completely losing her memories from before. The movie has grossed over $375 million and continuously rises. Almost all reviews on the movie are positive, stating that the plot, while it does have some cliche moments, still makes the movie work fantastically. Personally, like Cold Pursuit, I was not looking forward to this movie after seeing the trailers. However, I'm glad I decided against it and went to see it anyway. Definitely the best movie of 2019 so far.