Culture

Our curated articles offering new takes on the big themes and questions in our culture. Plus reviews of books, film, media and experiences. Culture is one of four key themes covered by Seen & Unseen.

Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
A man and a woman sit in a cathedral pew and incline their heads towards each other.

The real hearts of oak

Krish Kandiah
The power of the lens, food and hospitality drive the hope in Ken Loach’s last film. Krish Kandiah reviews The Old Oak.
4min read
Review
  1. Addiction
  2. Art
A painting shows a group of refugees waiting behind a barrier across a road, the background is intense yellow.

To the abyss and back. The art of Peter Howson

Alastair Gordon
Painter Peter Howson captures personal conflict, toxic masculinity and horrific wars. Alastair Gordon reviews his work. Part of the Problem with Men series.
5min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Music
A illustration of a boy sitting in a field with his back to us, above him is a heart shaped cloud.

Imagining our heart’s fragile condition

Belle Tindall
The songs and sketches of Paul Simon and Charlie Mackesy invites us to seek out sacred answers. Belle Tindall reviews their Sevens Psalms collaboration.
6min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Masculinity
Three young men sit on a couch. One is leering at a phone while the others look on hesitantly

Russell Brand and the bystanders: how to say enough is enough

Tiffany Bluhm
When calling out misogyny, low standards are expected of men. Tiffany Bluhm assesses the ‘Say Maaate’ campaign and explores bystander intervention. Part of the Problem with Men series.
5min read
Freedom of belief
  1. Culture
  2. Freedom
A montage of people praying with hands held together.

Why religious liberty? Love, actually

Nathan S. Chapman
Claims for religious freedom can be controversial. Nathan Chapman weighs up approaches to accommodating them, not just legally but in the light of love.
8min read
Explainer
  1. Culture
  2. Masculinity
Three men wearing pink, spotty and yellow face masks stand in the street.

Authenticity and the problem with men

James Ray
The problem with men rarely leaves the headlines. James Ray looks beyond, seeking one potential solution - authenticity. Part of the Problem with Men series.
5min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Masculinity
Four men stand silhoutted against a sunset, One stands apart on their phone.

Well, what about men? Caitlin Moran’s love letter to masculinity

Krish Kandiah
Gender writing that’s gracious and full of hope. Krish Kandiah reviews Caitlin Moran’s What about Men? Part of the Problem with Men series.
5min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Freedom of Belief
An illustration of a woman with dark long hair looking to the right.

Translating heart-languages

Belle Tindall
For two Iranian women, home and danger are often synonymous. Belle Tindall shares why they translate a defiant message.
5min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Music
Taylor Swift wears a long yellow dress and signs with an outstretched arm against a backdrop of woods and a close up her singing beside it.

Taylor’s truth: how superstar authenticity appeals

Nathan Betts
As Taylor Swift fans took over his town, Nathan Betts contemplates the truth at the heart of the superstar’s appeal.
6min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Faith
Agrand statue of Beethoven as a classical hero seats him on a throne on a dias.

Faith in Beethoven

Daniel KL Chua
Why did Beethoven, the hero of humanism, write music for a mass? Musicologist Daniel Chua explores the maestro’s faith.
5min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Education
School students walk across a playground confidently talking and laughing with us

Back to school on the big screen

Yaroslav Walker
It’s back to school for many. Yaroslav Walker picks his favourite films capturing the friendship, the drama, and the expectation of school life and beyond.
6min read
Explainer
  1. AI - Artificial Intelligence
  2. Culture
A montage shows skeletons with lamp shades instead if heads beside a fence-like division.

Transhumanism: eugenics for the digital age

Oliver Dürr
Retracing the history of transhumanist thought, Oliver Dürr peels off the varnish off 'TESCREAL' to find the taint of eugenics.
9min read