Mental illness is partly defined by abnormality. But what’s normal often depends on the culture you come from. These culture-bound syndromes are proof of that.
Culture
Douche Vitriol: Incels’ Toxic History and the Alt-Right Connection
Incel groups date back to 1990s. The term started with a community of people, both men and women, unsuccessful in their attempts to find romantic partners.
From Dracula to Edward Cullen: The Evolution of the Vampire Myth
The vampire casts a long shadow over pop culture. But where does it come from? And more importantly, what lesson does the vampire teach?
How the Karen Meme Was Born and Reborn Into Our Lexicon
Before the Karen meme, there was Becky, and before her, Miss Ann. How did these names that usually represent privileged white women enter our vernacular?
The Symbolism and History of the Eastern Dragon
Unlike its western counterpart, which spews fire and destroys villages, the eastern dragon is a divine being that brings prosperity and happiness.
Tam Lin Is A Progressive Scottish Ballad That’s Still Very Much of Its Time
Tam Lin is an old Scottish folktale that was published in 1769 which makes its proactive female lead all the more surprising.
“Women Aren’t Funny”: A Brief History of the Women Who Shaped Stand-up Comedy
Stand-up comedy took shape over the course of the last 150-odd years and women have been there helping shape it from day one. Here are some of those women.
What Is Chindogu? The Internet’s Useless Japanese Inventions Explained
If you’ve ever seen one of those seemingly useless inventions on the internet, you’ve encountered the Japanese cultural craze known as Chindogu.
AO3 Censorship?: Fans Panic as Fanfiction Archive Comes Under Threat of Censorship
Earlier this week, fans of Archive of Our Own voiced complaints about what they saw as a move to impose censorship on the fanfiction archive site.
Artemis and Diana in Greek Mythology: Myths, Symbols, and Spiritual Meaning
Diana in Greek mythology and Roman mythology is a goddess of the moon and a symbol for many aspects of womanhood.
What Is Urban Fantasy?
Urban fantasy is a literary genre that merges the real world urban settings with fantasy elements to create a vibrant world of magic.
6 Legendary Mayan Gods Who Deserve Their Own Reality Show
Mayan gods ran the gambit from wise old women to horny tricksters. Meet your six new favorite deities.
5 Dangerous TikTok Challenges No One Should Ever Try
Some challenges are harmless fun. But these five dangerous TikTok challenges just shouldn’t be done.
Disinformation vs. Misinformation: The Difference, and Why It Matters
Disinformation vs. Misinformation: why the terms aren’t interchangeable and why both are still a problem.
11 Exquisite Indian Palaces (That Aren’t the Taj Mahal)
The Taj Mahal earned its worldwide fame but if you want to take in the grandeur of India’s ancient royalty away from the tourists, check out these other Indian palaces.
There’s No One as Irish as Barack Obama
Did you know that Barack Obama has Irish heritage? Did you know that there’s an entire song about it called “There’s No One as Irish as Barack Obama”?