tatecrofts, Author at The Retro Press

2Oct

By tatecrofts1 Comment

Stuff

Environmental Justice Theory

Climate Change: an Environmental Justice Perspective Climate change is a problem which affects us, as humans, on an unprecedented and global scale, as well as our environments – and thus our future livelihoods. Despite contrasting understandings of climate change, mainstream attitudes suggest we tackle environmental issues at face value, and favour solutions such as carbon offsetting schemes and renewable energies. However, environmental justice (EJ) theory argues that environmental issues must also be understood as a matter of human rights, and that solutions must also take into account the historical and social contexts of environmental degradation. Overarchingly, EJ understands climate change as an intersectional issue rooted in histories of colonialism and inequality, and argues...

2May

By tatecroftsNo Comments

Stuff

Naomi Klein’s ‘On Fire’

Naomi Klein’s ‘On Fire’ is a powerful manifesto which stimulates all corners of the climate movement, and stresses the urgency of positive change. Throughout the book, Klein succeeds in both educating and inspiring her young audience, and centres her work within a broader sphere of environmental literature. As a result, ‘On Fire’ provides a unique outlook on the climate crisis, and reflects the same ideological changes which have critiqued the development sphere. Klein overarchingly argues that we will not be able to create any significant change towards environmental preservation until we have recognised and addressed the structural issues within our existing institutions and systems. ‘On Fire’ thus outlines the ideological framework behind the ‘green new deal’ – a grassroots ‘climate ...

The National Geographic Rewind: August 1964

18Jan

By tatecroftsNo Comments

Culture, History, Reviews

The National Geographic Rewind: August 1964

While browsing some garage sales a few weeks ago, I came across a lawn loaded with stacks and stacks of old magazines dating back to the 60s. These included a number of National Geographic magazines, a society well-familiar with bringing to life an exciting combination of history, society, geography, nature and more. These National Geographics instantly stole my attention, because amongst these piles of ads and fads lay some of the most intriguing insights into our social past, which the historian in me was thrilled to uncover. This Rewind series follows my thoughts and reflections upon some of the editions set between the early 60s and late 70s, largely the astounding change between perspectives then and now. In this August 1964 edition I will delve into themes prominent acros...

8Dec

By tatecroftsNo Comments

Politics, Reviews

The Female Persuasion – Meg Wolitzer

A narrative largely centred around power, The Female Persuasion explores the moral balance between those who hold and control it, and those who bear it, and inherit it. As the title suggests, the novel follows several main characters on their journey into adulthood, and places them within a generational evolution of female empowerment. However throughout the book, feminism is used not just as a political lens to analyse their motives, but rather to highlight their individual and respective struggles of self vs society. Greer Kadetsky Initially cast as a studious but shy college student, Greer finds herself tossed into a whirlwind of social life no longer solely entwined with facts, but also opinions, ethics, and uncertainty. This effect is accentuated as she navigates her wa...

15Nov

By tatecrofts3 Comments

Culture, History

The Island Architect

Exploring Bermuda's traditions and transitioning architectural industry through the eyes of local architect 'Chili Bop' The small, mid-Atlantic island of Bermuda is characteristically welcoming and awe-strikingly beautiful. For all who visit, it is a place which exists unparalleled in natural beauty, creative wonder and island charm. Having grown up there, I can recall with ease the vibrant colours and picturesque settings which bless Bermuda's shores - largely in nature, but also in humankind. From the ground up First settled in 1612, Bermuda's architectural traditions stem largely from its British heritage, as local architect 'Chili Bop' recants how traditions were inspired by rural country, and were 'interpreted by shipwrights rather than housebuilders'. He also outlines how c...

21Oct

By tatecrofts1 Comment

Politics

Framing Exclusion – The story of Behrouz Boochani

Australian PM Scott Morrison recently visited the University of Queensland in order to witness the development of a COVID-19 trial vaccine. I did not know this until a number of hours later however, as I had initially assumed his visit was in relation to the recent budget announcement that degrees in the Humanities and Arts would be increased significantly. As concerning as the ideology behind this switch is, I will leave that for another discussion. Instead I want to highlight how the visit was further dramatised by the student protests against our current immigration policies - particularly our treatment of asylum seekers. With 'ScoMo come off it, refugees aren't for profit' ringing across the campus, it was hard not to join in to protest the unjust policies we are currently employin...

Rising Phoenix: Heroes of the Paralympics

16Sep

By tatecrofts1 Comment

History, Politics, Reviews

Rising Phoenix: Heroes of the Paralympics

I was at the London 2012 Olympic Games. I witnessed with dumbfounding inspiration the incredible feats of sporting heroes, as well as the moments where dreams were dawned, achieved, and crushed. As a 12 year old 2020 hopeful, watching Michael Phelps as he received an award for his breathtaking achievements made tangible the thought of one day also swimming in the Olympics. The Olympic games represent something more than just competition, they exist as a checkpoint at which only the most dedicated, talented, and ruthless can reach (as discussed in Exploring Athlete A). This worldwide movement provides the opportunity for nations to come together every 4 years in support of their athletes as they represent the hopes and spirits of their homes. And yet somehow, I had no idea about the e...

2Sep

By tatecrofts1 Comment

Stuff

Inspiring Education

For many of us while growing up, school was the one big 'thing' to worry about. While sometimes a bit of a chore, I have always valued learning and enjoyed the routine of being exposed to ideas which helped the world make sense. However, many young people have become disenchanted with learning simply because it is an institutional expectation which is advertised as the only way to succeed in life. This is a problem in terms of what we as a society want to encourage young people to aspire to achieve, but also a threat to any lasting appreciation for the wonders of an education. More than numbers Personally, I enjoyed school because I generally did what I was told and was praised for doing so. I had never understood the significance of that positive recognition for achievement until ...

19Jul

By tatecrofts1 Comment

Culture, Reviews

Dolly Parton: Here I am

In a refreshing take on the star's career, Dolly Parton's new documentary entitled Here I Am follows the conception and creation of an icon as she undertook a musical journey to fame and success. Through my 2000-born eyes, Dolly Parton has always been a persona cemented into fame as if she had been born into it. Without having experienced her ascension to the world stage during the 60s, I've never been able to credit Dolly's larger than life character and celebrity status alongside actual professional achievements (beyond of course trademark hits like 9 to 5 and Jolene). Evidently, this documentary had the profound effect of contextualising each timeless classic in their original setting. While decorating her life with music, the story follows the actual events and effects that help...

Exploring ‘Athlete A’: cover-ups, crime, and culture

1Jul

By tatecrofts3 Comments

Culture, History, Reviews

Exploring ‘Athlete A’: cover-ups, crime, and culture

Gymnastics is one of those sports where it seems as if the athletes were born to flip and fly through the air. As a major highlight for many Olympic viewers, the sport invokes unimaginable inspiration and awe for both the athlete's dedication and their talent. However as Netflix's new documentary Athlete A reveals - and as multitudes of other sports scandals can attest - there is scarcely enough attention given to their sacrifices, struggles, or general wellbeing. The case of Larry Nassar In 2017, allegations of sexual abuse against USA Gymnastics' (USAG) team doctor Larry Nassar shocked both the gymnastics community and the rest of the world. Not only was it 'out of character' for the previously beloved community member, but the sheer extent and severity of his abuse remained unbel...