Contemporary Drama

 In terms of creating a new sense of self in academia in my current intersection (cultural studies, performance, and dramatic arts), after the conversation with Rachel Aker, it left me more confused about what direction I am supposed to do internally. "Enduring Skills and the Future of Work", by Chris Smith, for instance, relies on a premise of collaboration and PhD work leads to more opportunity than simply being a professor producing research. But that being said, the examples of that seem to still be forced to come from the student rather than the system that houses us. Producing the soft skills within us is fine, but the us of our time, to teach and to be taught, doesn't reflect how to engage in industry unless it involves report work or conducting research.   Or in "How to Optimize your Career preparation", the formatting and reformatting the self in Resumes, CVs, and interviews makes me personally exhausting, on top of the issues I am trying to solve from ...

 One of the most fascinating things during my reading and watching of the King and I again, was the both the more contemporary readings of aspects from the movie version and the striking similarities and how it was similar to much portrayals of Asian Americans in contemporary media. Many of the TikTok Clips notes the actor, Yul Brynner's charisma and attractiveness. A Russian actor playing a Thai King didn't seem to rob the fantasy for many. An episode of American Horror Story, for instance, comments on his physical appeal. One TikTok I found even noted the problematic ways that the material comments on women, but ultimately they can over look (as a joke) because of Yul Brynner. This strange phenomenon is something I found present in much consumption of Asian male performers in Kpop as of the late 2010s to the present. That these men exude a sexual and magnetic charm that is unrivaled in all of men, but with other Asian men as well. Instead of focusing on the artistry, industr...