Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WHO DOES
FEMINISM EMPOWER
GENDER-NEUTRAL
IS THE NEW BLACK
12
Letter from
the Editor
ADMIN
-Bobbie Alexandra
Contents
The Socio–Political Edition
April 2017
AnRong Torres
5–6
from your own. Navigating
your way through new and
diverse landscapes while
picking apart and
decoding the languages is
an experience that cannot
be explained. Whether you
are ordering food from an
everyday street cart, or
throwing yourself into the
middle of the dance floor,
you seek to be a part of
something you are not.
Alternatively, running an errand can have the same
effect. Getting the Filipino tailor in Kota Kinabalu
to take up your new jeans or trying to buy a handful
of almonds rather than a kilogram from a market
vendor in Turin will give you the same buzz.
7–8
clippers are attached to a vacuum cleaner to clean as
you preen; or getting a Mani-Pedi by the “solo hablo
Espanol” Chinese lady in Buenos Aires–the experience
of interacting with locals, as comical as it may seem
for both parties, will make you feel alive. Alterna-
tively, running an errand can have the same effect.
Getting the Filipino tailor in Kota Kinabalu to take
up your new jeans or trying to buy a handful of
almonds rather than a kilogram from a market vendor
in Turin will give you the same buzz.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL CURRENCY LGBTI+ FRIENDLY BEACHES MASSAGES ISLAND TOURS
The best period to visit Thailand The official currency in Thailand Although LGBTI are fully accepted There are so many beaches in Thailand is most notable for its Phuket is close to so many tropical
is between November and February, is the Thai Baht. One Thai Baht in Thailand, you’d be wise to avoid Phuket. Although there are no massage industry. Almost anywhere islands such as Koh Phi Phi,
when the weather conditions are equals £0.023, $0.028 or €0.027. kissing in public, since it can be designated LGBTI beaches, the you go in Thailand you will find a Maya Bay, and Kai Island. Better
excellent and the country is Costs are low compared to Europe poorly–received, for both gay and beaches in Patong are probably massage parlor. Not only are they yet, you can save on packages
comparatively dry. If you are a and the US. The affordable prices straight couples. But in general, where the most LGBTI people will common but they are also some of that will provide speedboat
beach lover, you could enjoy a in Thailand will allow you to Thailand is a very friendly country be. There you will see beach the best around the world. Make transportation to each island, your
festive tanning day in one of explore the country and its local for all kinds of travelers. Gay resorts, bars, and clubs flying sure the parlor is air conditioned own personal tour guide, lunch,
the numerous crystal–clear water culture as much as possible. With bars, bathhouses, and saunas can rainbow pride flags since Patong and has wifi because no matter what and even snorkeling equipment.
beaches of Thailand. Or, take a these prices, don’t be afraid to be found throughout the island but is the most LGBTI friendly place treatment you get, you will most These bundles are also relatively
winter break anytime you feel like plan a long trip to Thailand. they are most common in Patong. in Phuket. likely be there for at least an inexpensive and usually cost around
getting some hotter moments. hour. $60 per person.
CUISINE ACCOMMODATIONS
BUDDHIST DRESS
Based on Buddhist beliefs, the head Shoes are to be removed before
is the most valued part of the entering homes and religious
body while the feet are the lowest, structures. Most types of attire
symbolizing attachment to the are tolerated in areas frequented
ground, a cause of human suffering. by tourists. It is a good idea,
Touching someone’s head is highly however, to cover up when visiting
offensive, as is raising your feet temples and shrines. Those wearing
or pointing them at people or sleeveless tops, short skirts,
religious objects. shorts, and flip flops may be
denied entrance.
WOMEN PRIDE
It is not unusual to encounter Thailand has a constitutional
signs prohibiting women from monarchy and are very proud of
entering highly sacred places, their royal family. Any insult
such as temple libraries. Women to them can result in legal
who wish to worship do so outside prosecution. Thailand is also
the buildings. Also, while it is very nationalistic and plays the
taboo for a woman to touch a monk anthem twice a day, requiring all
or pass things to him directly, individuals to stop what they are
polite conversation is fine. doing out of respect.
SEX
11–12
Sex work is not legal in Thailand but it a promising and fulfilling
career for many. Just be make sure that the other person is over 18 years
of age and is consenting. Although the legal age of consent to sex in
Thailand is 15 years of age, most hotel concierges will not allow anyone
without an ID proving that they are 18 years of age into the rooms with
travelers. If you are bringing someone home you should know that most
hotels will charge a small overnight guest fee.
T O S E E O U R T R AV E L S F O L L OW U S O N
Phuket, We’re Going to Thailand I N S TAG R A M AT M E R C U R Y M AG
written by
Madhur Tanka
illustrated by
Alberto Manguel
How
Feminism
is Destroying
the ‘Real Man’
Feminism
is Just Too
Dangerous
You’re walking down the street, coffee in one
hand and briefcase in the other, minding your own home would be such a drag? Today it is like
men are not even recognized or automatically
own business. The sun is out, you hear the valued. No longer are they automatically seen
as strong, intellectual, or funny. The every-
birds chirping, and you might even see an day life of man has completely changed in just
a few decades and compared to the thousands of
ice-cream man giving out free ice cream to years of unchallenged norms, that is just
too fast.
the children in the neighborhood. You’re in
A lot of men feel this movement is infring-
euphoria right now. That is until you see her ing upon their rights because it is making
men more responsible while stripping them of
walking towards you. most of their privileges. This means that they
have to bake their cake but they don’t get to
eat it too. Although this change sounds rough
it is actually beneficial to most men. Since
feminism focuses on the empowerment of women
by including them and identifying them as
15–16
similar qualities of men, it also reduces the
hyper-masculinization that many men face in
With her unkempt hair, big, raspy teeth, harpy. How could anyone in the entire world cal because it basically recognizes that men society. By equaling the playing fields per se.
arched back with her chin held up to the sky attack and unsuspecting person with so much currently benefit from the power system at feminism reduces the role of the ‘Real Man’ or
you instantly know who she is. She is walking hate? Only someone of pure evil with absolute large, it also denies equality based on this the ideal vision of what men should be. Defined
towards you faster and faster. You think hatred in their heart could do something so recognition. This change instills fear in by society, men are supposed to be super
about crossing the street to avoid her but you vile. Only the angry feminist could be many men because it challenges the standards strong, super smart, and super attractive to
know it is too late. She has already seen you so heartless. set and lived by societies for the last few women in order to be deemed as the ‘real man’.
and she has locked down on her next target. thousand years. Any deviation from this standard results in
Faster and faster you see this brute woman For decades now feminists have been labeled On a basic level this equality challenges the being ridiculed and mocked, by the very men
coming towards you. This mass shrouded in a as “man-hating feminazis who cannot find a man everyday standards in which most men live who fall prey to these impossible to achieve
plaid, pleated skirt down to her ankles and to marry them so they want to rid the world by. Jobs have become more competitive since standards, for being too girly. As feminism
tartan jacket you recognize exactly who she of the male species.” They are usually given the influx of women into the workplace, which increases and women start doing the same
is. She is much, much closer and you begin to this description by people who feel that their means men need more qualifications, talents, things as men it begins to raise concerns in
brace yourself. Your legs start to quiver and power-dynamic, beliefs and ideals, and their and experience than just being a man in order men because it leaves them to be more vulnera-
you begin to feel the rush of anxiety as she identities are being challenged. Since the to qualify for a job. If they get the job they ble to being classified as a girl.
is about to pass you. Before you realize it beginning of the first women’s suffrage confer- also cannot have fun anymore since they now
you two have locked eyes just before you pass ence in 1854 at Seneca Falls, women have been need to be mindful of what they say and how Although some men may feel their rights are
each other and that is when she yells, “THIS challenging the status quo of their targeted they act in order to avoid those pesky sexual being infringed upon by feminism the movement
IS THE TIME TO SUPPORT WOMAN SUFFRAGE.” You roles in society. Whenever these roles are assault cases. Fathers, once able to come home has no intentions of creating a new power
are thrown into a panic. You have just been questioned women were instantly labeled as from work, relax, and have a social life are hierarchy. Since the movement focuses on the
insulted, attacked, and victimized by this people who hate their families, have vendet- now expected to share the domestic duties of equality of the sexes feminists plan on doing
tas against the male species, and want men to home life by cleaning the house, takeing care just that, ensuring that no one is restricted
be submissive to them. Although feminism is of the kids, and cooking meals. Who would have from doing things based on their genders. This
defined as the equality of the sexes many still guessed doing their fair share around their is beneficial to not only women but also to men
see it as the change in the power structure and gender-neutral individuals.
resulting in women controlling men. Despite
this thought being completely hypocriti-
17–18
results can be even more significant based on into spaces that were once deemed women- So, to the “real man,” you are not becoming
individual’s race and class. only. Jaden Smith, model and actor, has become any lesser than your female counterparts,
one of Louis Vuitton’s first male models, and you are becoming equal. And if you cannot
Since feminism is fighting to remove the although Smith takes this role he is working it deal with that, then please isolate yourself
gender barrier in order to allow individuals with a more gender-neutral vibe. Jaden proudly from the rest of the world because change is
to do what ever they want, it is perfect for wears skirts, dresses, blouses, etc. to show necessary for society to thrive.
individuals who are gender-neutral. Feminism that Louis Vuitton is no longer
not only empowers women to do what they want
and make their own choices, but it empowers holding itself to the strict regime that
they are only in the female fashion industry.
Another example is the Girl Scouts of America
who have recently altered their guidelines not
Feminism
Civil Rights Movement and the
the United Kingdom such as members Animal Rights Movement, and the
of the Women’s Social and Political creation of the intellectual, rebel
Union (WSPU). Suffragist is a more protester is born. This feminist
general term for members of the
Throughout
sought equality for all living
suffrage movement. things and they were willing to lay
the home and work in factories, along with overall more social
14
60– –1561
these womens’ help, society would were still challenging the status
Ever since the Suffragettes at Seneca Falls feminism has
have came to a standstill and quo set by the patriarchy along
taken on many forms, shapes, and sizes. Throughout the
the United States would not have with new challenges regarding
ages feminism has empowered women to be who they want
defeated the Axis. the finer things in life such as
to be, do what they want to do, and carry on with their lives.
homophobia, gender roles and
Feminism has fueled some of the most iconic looks in history,
gender stereotyping, fashion,
ranging from Rosie the Riveter to the 90s punk girl. Without
hobbies, music tastes, and still
feminism, this world would not have the multitude of
challenging the role of being,
cultures that have risen because of it.
the post – wwii woman “the bitch.”
1950—1960
the international
The 1950s occurred between the 2000s— current
first and second waves of feminism.
in later years. The road for have been introduced to new issues
and more women joining the Civil focus on more than just the woman,
other women.
How Feminism
How Feminism is
is Destroying
Destroying the
the ‘Real
‘Real Man’
Man’ READ MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS
O N L I N E AT M E R C U R Y M AG . C O M
designer
Charles Jeffrey
interviewed by
Morwenna Ferrier
photographed by
AnRong Torres
styled by
Charles Jeffrey
the party.”
going out.” could express themselves.” to bring the magazine to
a movement: the visuals of environment where people associated with them. I want
“I can see it as being part of “My aim was to create an “I want the night to be
27–28
A With whats going on with Trump and with
Brexit, we don’t trust the media and what
people are saying, we don’t trust our
politicians, so why not commit to being in
a full fantasy? For this collection we even
thought to have a deity, we were going to
take and burn it on the runway but obviously
we weren’t allowed to do that.
GENDER–NORMS
29–30
How the Swedish
School System
Adapted Itself to
be More Inclusive
written by
Madhur Tanka
illustrated by
Zachary Faust
These debates sparked ideas of new gender resolutions regarding the two–gender debate.
identifications whether they be based on The Swedes are iconic in terms of female
the cultures current list of pronouns, to
accept new ones created by the Transgender
liberation since they have the highest
proportion of working women in the world,
“the government will tolerate
community, or to create new ones in order
to adapt to current language systems.
and they have about two-thirds of all
degrees. Although the country is far ahead
no distinction between males
Although these debates are relatively
new in countries like the United States,
in terms of gender equality, many Swedes are
still pushing for gender neutrality. Many
and females.”
France, and Japan, countries like Sweden want to create the standard that the Swiss
have already settled and come to their own government will tolerate no distinction
39–40
The Swedes are Pecking Away at Gender–Norms M E RCU RY
third gender
india
Gender
and “aravani.” Unlike most cultures, the term
Acceptance
against the societal norm and breaking the
Across the
individuals are typically employed as singers
kou - peul look and dancers, but before British colonization
south korea criminalizing these individuals, they were seen
Relationships are a big endeavor in as agents of fertility and would attend births
South Korean college towns and youthful
Globe
and weddings.
neighborhoods. So big, that coordinating
41–42
for dates, vacations, and hangouts. Although
Americans, it is definitely a grand symbol of Similar to the Korean couple outfits, Kei
the tribes.
Daniel Xu
styled by
Michael Kampakis
LEFT ABOVE
Yenny Owen
“Believing in yourself is
the biggest gift you can
give yourself.”
The Rise of
Gender–Fluidity
in the Fashion
Industry
“Many modeling agencies in
the nation feel it is too early
for society to incorporate
that kind of representation.”
49–50
As people and as society change so does Many modeling agencies in the nation feel it
fashion. Once fashion takes the lead set is too early for society to incorporate that
by the people it helps ignite the rest of kind of representation. It was not until Petr
society. Once society becomes ignited it left for Australia for higher education that
sets ablaze to new trends and new thoughts. they met photographer Bharathan Gangatheran.
As society begins to accept many different Gangatheran shot Nitka and published the
gender identities fashion soon adapts to the photos in fashion magazines and the forward–
ideas, and as each day passes and as each thinking fashion industry loved them. Nitka
Tom Ford once said, “Real Fashion change fashion season comes and goes the construct was then invited to walk the runways at
of gender is being challenged. Within South Africa’s Mens Fashion Week, but since
comes from real changes in real life. this current season a new model has made many organizers of the event felt the South
a historical move. Petr Nitka is the first African general public was not ready for an
Everything else is just decoration.” gender-neutral model to hit the runway at androgynous model, they hid Petr’s identity.
Lakme Fashion Week. Although Petr Nitka’s identity has been
The fashion industry is one of the most withheld from many global cultures Nitka was
Growing up in the Czech Republic proved never nervous to walk.
impressive two-way highways any industry tough for Petr when they entered the
modeling world because no modeling agency Now contracted with Indi models Petr has a
has ever seen. The industry does not wanted to hire a gender–neutral model. simple message for those wanting to follow
M E RCU RY
their path, “My message is simple, be
yourself! Be who really are and do what you
like. Believing in yourself is the biggest
gift you can give yourself.”
major anxiety around using public bathrooms. stated, “Don’t dress as ‘gender’ or ‘sex’,
This anxiety stems from being mistaken as a dress as the most effective and comfortable
man in the women’s restroom causing them to version of yourself because you are the best
be maced at least three times, and attacked you, you are able to give your best to the
with a taser. Although Rain Dove has an world so we can give our best too”.
emerging successful career as an androgynous
model they are also a predominant activist. Dove has partnered with Tomboy/X during this
53–54
boycott and the brand believes that everyone
Dove helped organize protests in North needs to defend the progress that we have
Carolina over the House Bill 2 made regarding gender and sexuality equality
requiring transgender individuals to use and expression. Everyone should live the
pubic bathrooms corresponding to the sex on lives that they want, and they should live
their birth certificates. Despite not being it unapologetically. They make it clear that
transgender, Dove has been treated nobody should live as a version of themselves
similarly given their appearance. Rain Dove that society wants to see.
is also going to be setting off a college
tour where they will be visiting colleges Although the fashion industry is one of the
and universities to talk speak about most accepting industries in the world there
gender capitalism. will always be hardships for many within it.
Although these roads are tough to overcome
One of Rain Dove’s most recent boycott is there is always room for new roads to be
New York Fashion Week 2017. The boycott paved. Do not let anyone or anything hold
focused on not allowing the fashion industry you back from being who you are. We feature
to dictate what types of fashion are seen these two aspiring models because they are
as acceptable. This boycott comes at a paving the way for new generations, not only
special time, right after Trump stated that in fashion, but in the world. Remember to
women in the White House should dress like be brave, be fearless, and don’t give a fuck
women. Dove believes that no one, ad agency, about every little thing in the world.
celebrity, or “president” should be able to
say what fashion is and is not. Dove has
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THE SWEDES ARE PECKING AWAY AT GENDER–NORMS ANDROGYNY’S NEXT TOP MODELS
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