Culture Shift is a weekly newsletter curated by the HuffPost Culture writers and editors.
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This week we're talking about the bold and beautiful films challenging gender normativity, why Misty Copeland thinks ballet isn't changing quickly enough, the wild world of ASMRotica, "Sunny Came Home" singer Shawn Colvin, the artist behind Pepe, and the naked, pearl-diving "mermaids" of Japan.
‘Sunny Came Home’ Singer Shawn Colvin Reflects On Her Powerful, Cryptic Song
A folky riff sets the mood: melancholic, but with hints of optimism. If you owned a radio in the ‘90s, you probably know exactly when the words kick in. After a few seconds, Shawn Colvin sweetly croons, “Sunny came home to her favorite room / Sunny sat down in the kitchen.”
The song was featured on the singer-songwriter’s fourth album, released in 1996, which earned her a Grammy in 1997. It tells the story of a woman who’s resolved to seek revenge on someone who’s spurned her. She carries out a deliberate plan, setting her own house on fire. It’s a violent image, but the end of the song is hopeful: “She’s out there on her own and she’s alright / Sunny came home.”
The imagery is expressive, but the literal meaning isn’t clear. Why did Sunny come home with a list of names? Whose names? What’s in her box of tools? What’s her mission? (Read more here.)
The Strange Internet Journey Of Pepe The ‘Chilled-Out Stoner Frog’
This is Pepe the Frog. He’s a laid-back amphibious dude whose hobbies include hanging out with his roommates, getting stoned, drinking pop, eating pizza and watching TV. He doesn’t get out much and spends the majority of his time slinging outdated ‘90s clapbacks at his fellow dude-bros.
You might be surprised, then, to hear that Pepe was recently designated a “hate symbol” by the Anti-Defamation League. Talk about not chill. (Read more here.)
Gorgeous Prints Immortalize The Naked, Pearl-Diving ‘Mermaids’ Of Japan
Behold the ama, also known as the “women of the sea.” (Read more here.)
10 Bold And Beautiful Films Challenging Gender Normativity
Transgender performance artist Zackary Drucker shares her favorite films. (Read more here.)
Misty Copeland Explains Why The Ballet World Isn't Changing Quickly Enough
The boundary-pushing ballerina talks diversity in the dance world, the importance of free youth programs, and what’s it’s like being a role model to Obama’s daughters. (Read more here.)
Chill Out And Get Off: Inside The Strange, Sexy World Of ASMRotica
Think of it as a happy ending massage magically delivered through your laptop. (Read more here.)
Think We Don’t Need Banned Books Week? Take A Look At Donald Trump
A Trump presidency could make censorship the hot new thing. Also, never forget: "trumpery" is a synonym for total garbage. (Read more here.)
BONUS: Inge Morath Knows Your Life.
“In her photos, the story of womanhood becomes beautiful, and urgent. (Read more here.)
Netflix recommendation of the week!
Need help figuring out what to watch on Netflix? Here's what our editors have to say about "Black Mirror": A dark look at technology’s unintended side effects, “Black Mirror” might make you want to put your phone down. If you don’t have time for the entire series, make sure you watch the Christmas special with the one-and-only Jon Hamm.
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