commonplacesblog

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The Nordic Tortured Soul by Valentina Z

...A little context (if you're curious)...

I wrote this when I started taking medication to help manage my mood, and for the first few weeks it made me super drowsy and weaker. I also still felt these waves of sadness, I don't remember if I had or hadn't forgotten to take the meds that day but yeah. A blend of my passion for history of art and my weird little interest in uh torture? Guys I swear I'm not mad, I just really loved horrible histories as a kid. Also I'm kinda nervous to post, since I don't really know if my poems are any good or if i'm being super melodramatic so yeah, feel free to share your thoughts.

[commonplacesblog]

MET GALA: THE DEATH OF THE CELEBRITY

by Valentina Z

What is the Met Gala?

I feel it’s important to start with what is the Met Gala, why it was created and its function. Since I feel like some people have absolutely misunderstood the concept, viewing it as an event for celebrities to flaunt their wealth. Comparing it to the likes of the Capitol.

The Met gala is an annual fundraiser which started all the way back in 1948. Back then the Met had newly founded the Costume Institute, the money of the fundraiser would go to the Institute, to maintain archival pieces. In addition the fundraiser developed buzz as famous personalities attended, wearing fashion ranging from couture houses to new up and coming designers. The Met is seen as one of the most prestigious nights of fashion, where Designers can show the extent of their skill. The Met gala is the peak of Haute Couture and guests vary from actors, athletes to politicians. The gala itself has grown and if we look at the timeline throughout the years the clothes get more and more exaggerated, soon becoming who can be the most scandalous or who has  the most extravagant outfit. Why? I have two theories, first designers. If the world is always evolving so should designers, people want or need more, thus the designers need to think outside the box, how can their design stand out from the crowd? Take for example Tyla’s dress,designed by the creative director of Balmain  Olivier Rousteing, made out of sand, both fitting the theme and showing how a unique median can be used in fashion. However my other theory is that in 1973, Anna Wintour introduced themes to the Gala, the first being “The World of Balenciaga” , throughout the years there have been fifty two themes. Once more as the year evolved, as did the Met, becoming more extravagant, gaining more attention and more Money. God. 

Tickets to the Met Gala cost an eye-watering $75,000 each, with a ten-seat table starting at approximately $350,000. Those are truly mental prices. While I understand the importance of preserving archival fashion pieces, the fact that the 2023 Gala raised over 26 million dollars makes the backlash some celebrities face feel misplaced. 

Here’s the thing: invited guests don’t actually pay for their attendance. Fashion houses, like Chanel, typically purchase tables and invite those individuals to model their designs. Sure, some celebrities are well aware of the money behind these events, but honestly, do you think they’re sitting there calculating how else the funds could be spent? For most of them, 26 million dollars is a mere drop in the ocean compared to their net worth.

The skyrocketing costs and increasingly theatrical themes have turned the Met Gala into something resembling the Capitol celebrations from The Hunger Games. It’s become a caricature of its former self. Imagine if the money raised went toward fostering new designers, raising awareness, or supporting those who lack access to fashion’s inner circles. Fashion has always had the power to be a form of protest, and the Met Gala has proven it can be—but is it still living up to that potential?

The Power of Fashion in the MET.

The theme for 2024 was based on The Garden of Time, a story of a count and countess who protect themselves from an advancing mob by using magical time flowers to rewind events. However, the more they use the flowers, the scarcer they become. Eventually, they exhaust the final flower, and the mob breaks into their home—only to find the couple turned into stone statues. J.G. Ballard’s story has inspired many interpretations that resonate with modern issues. It critiques the divide between social classes, symbolizing the count and countess as the wealthy, isolated from the "mob" of common people. Another reading reflects on the eternal cycle of creation and destruction in human history, reminding us of our responsibility to sustain peace and avoid self-inflicted ruin.

Fashion, like Ballard’s story, can be a powerful form of protest, as demonstrated by the 2021 Met Gala. With the theme In America: An Anthology of Fashion, attendees like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore statement pieces such as her iconic TAX THE RICH dress. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney highlighted the Equal Rights Amendment through her gown, and Megan Rapinoe advocated LGBTQ rights with her clutch reading In Gays We Trust. These weren’t just fashion statements—they were tied to meaningful action.

That year, however, the Met Gala lacked that connection. Instead people felt like the Gala was just an opulent distraction and felt like people needed to be talking instead about the bombings happening in Rafa. The wealth displayed, the lack of advocacy and discussions about the gala infuriated people, an insensitive portrayal of wealth, during a time where there was a great wave of helplessness towards these crises and a need for empathy. The Gala just reminded people of the large divide between them and the one percent. 

The algorithm-driven nature of social media complicated things. People would comment “all eyes on Rafa” under posts about the Met Gala, criticising celebrities for not advocating and criticising influencers who were talking about the Gala. Although it raises awareness, it also  also leads to more Met-related content in your feed. Soon, it feels like the event is the only thing happening because the algorithm believes that you would like to see more content like the Met, which leads to greater frustration. Algorithms remain a powerful force that is greatly taken for granted and underestimated.

However, I also got annoyed, this is my opinion based on my experience, but I felt like I only saw “All eyes on Rafa”, I didn’t see comments explaining what had happened, why this is linked to the Gala, or even accounts getting promoted who are speaking out and educating people on what is happening. I didn’t see the content from those advocating and working toward change. Instead it was criticism, and honestly, a hive mind. Countless people wrote the same text, but I was curious, in all these people, how many were properly informed and how many were just following what they saw online. Hell, I strongly advise against getting your news on social media, make sure your sources are credible, and fact check!!! 

HALEY BALEY : MISUNDERSTANDING MARIE ANTOINETTE 

Haley Kalil, better known as Haleyy Baylee, became the target of backlash after posting a TikTok lip-syncing to an audio with a line from Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette “Let them eat cake.” This sparked a chain reaction causing the “digital guillotines” , which I personally believe is just an exaggerated title when all you are doing is blocking celebrities online. 

First, the line itself: “Let them eat cake” is famously attributed to Marie Antoinette but has been widely debunked by historians, the line is a myth. It likely originated in philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Confessions, written years before she was even queen. Instead it is believed that this line was adopted as revolutionary propaganda to vilify her and the monarchy. I mean people often describe Marie Antoinette as a greedy monarch, living in opulence and not caring for her subjects. In reality, Marie Antoinette was known for her charitable work, including supporting the Maison Philanthropique, creating homes for the poor, and adopting children in need. She even elevated figures like Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a biracial composer, to prominence in her court—an extremely bold move in her time.

People often place the blame for France’s financial crisis, solely on Antoinette, believing she was the main cause for the revolution. Yet no one talks about Louis XVI, the king, who lacked any sort of political insight. His inability to address the financial crisis France was facing or any effort of reforms angered the people. It was Louis who lacked any ability to moderate money, spending it to fight expensive wars overseas. It was Louis who did not listen or care about what the government or advisors had to say, only relying on his divine right as king . Failure after failure plunged France into extreme amounts of famine, debt and poverty. These failures garnered awareness, the people had seen the success of the American revolution and many more wanted to have democracy, philosophy and religion challenged, peasants no longer wanting to work or support the feudal system. Thus the revolution broke out, the bourgeois executed and France became a democracy, and the winning side always writes the history. Therefore people are more inclined to believe that Marie Antoinette sincerely said “Let them eat cake”

The problem with Haley Kalil’s TikTok wasn’t just her use of the audio, it’s the context. Coppola’s film is a creative, stylized take on Antoinette’s life, blending historical elements with modern aesthetics, such as having her wear converse sneakers in one scene, to humanize her, a reminder to the audience that Marie Antoinette was a teenager, young, not a monarch. The movie is not a history lesson, but many still associate the queen with this dramatized version.

In my opinion, the outrage surrounding Kalil’s post feels misplaced. TikTok audios like this are often used for costume or outfit reveals, not deep political commentary. The real issue isn’t her use of the audio but the person themselves, the video highlights this carefree indulgence in a period of current economic and social struggles. Her apology didn’t help either, claiming, “I’m just like you,” while attending events like the Met Gala, where entry costs more than most people’s yearly salaries.

Yet criticizing someone for using an already misattributed quote in a TikTok misses the larger picture. Why not direct that energy toward holding the systems of excess accountable rather than a single influencer? After all, history is nuanced, and so is the way we engage with it today.

FORCED VS VOLUNTARY

The distinction between forced and voluntary protesting is more than just a matter of motivation, it reflects the depth of commitment and the authenticity behind the action. Understanding this difference can clarify why one approach often has a more meaningful impact than the other.

Voluntary protesting stems from a place of genuine passion and personal conviction. When someone chooses to speak out, it’s because they feel deeply connected to the issue and believe their voice or actions can contribute to meaningful change. Voluntary protesters take the time to learn about the cause, share important information, and amplify the voices of those directly affected. This kind of activism often sets a strong example for others, encouraging thoughtful and purposeful engagement.

In contrast, forced protesting arises when individuals feel compelled to participate out of fear, whether it’s fear of backlash, being perceived as indifferent, or facing social ostracism. This type of protesting can lack authenticity because the motivation isn’t rooted in a genuine understanding of the issue but in external pressures. For example, demanding influencers to speak up on every important topic, even when they aren’t fully informed, can lead to performative activism. This is harmful not only because it can spread misinformation but also because it detracts from the voices of those with lived experiences and true insight into the matter.

The expectation that everyone must take a public stand can be overwhelming, especially for those who may not feel equipped to engage in meaningful discourse or who fear the personal or professional consequences of speaking out. Bravery is required to address controversial topics, but bravery isn’t universal, and not everyone is ready to face potential backlash.

I’m sick of people pressuring and criticising others for not using their platforms in a way that they deem right. Advocacy cannot be diminished to a one-off act or a hashtag trend. It requires consistent effort, like regular donations or amplifying voices already at the forefront of the cause. 

Instead of forcing participation, the focus should be on creating an environment where people feel supported to engage authentically. Education plays a key role here, learning about issues, understanding their complexities, and sharing stories or art that resonate can lead to informed action. Encouraging people to find legitimate charities and reliable sources, promoting creators and organizations already working to make a difference, and giving platforms to those directly affected are far more effective strategies than coercion.

Moreover, activism isn’t always about grand gestures. Small, consistent actions like regular donations, ongoing awareness, and meaningful discussions can often make a bigger impact than one-time statements. This applies not only to influencers and celebrities but to everyone. Real, lasting change comes from setting an example through consistent, informed actions, not from criticizing or demanding performative participation.

In the end, it’s about building a movement rooted in understanding and collective determination, where everyone feels inspired,not obligated, to contribute.

We as a collective all have so much more power and ability to raise awareness and all my respect goes to the people who are doing everything they can do to help. We live in an era where virality and fame can be achieved without leaving the bedroom, where we can become celebrities.

I’m sick of seeing the creative industries and artists face the backlash, yet we don’t hold the millionaires, politicians, CEOs accountable. We don’t even consider them. It’s like there's this feudal system of hierarchy, the arts at the bottom, and some people refuse to take a step back and look at the full image. They just follow what they hear, and repeat it, like a hive.  

CONCLUSION/ FINAL THOUGHTS:

My heart goes out to all the countless innocent people stuck in the middle of this war, no one deserves to go through such inhumane experiences.

If you’re interested in learning more, whether it’s about the Israel-Hamas conflict, the impact of Social media and more. I would recommend looking at Ground News, a platform created by journalists which shows how the same stories are being covered across the political spectrum, honestly it’s a good bias tracker. It shows which articles lean more towards the left or right wing, allowing you to compare, view events from different perspectives, and keep you aware on how articles can influence your standing. I wouldn’t use it as a key news source, but it’s an interesting way to view how stories are being reported to different people, even which stories are getting underreported to them.

[commonplacesblog]

Welcome et Bienvenue

Welcome to Common Places!

Created by Ruby R and founded thanks to the help of her amazing friend ,Valentina Z ( who’s totally not typing this as we speak) . This blog aims to have an eclectic collection of essays, short stories, poems and art.

If you're interested in the creative world, history, current events and wit, then this is the perfect niche blog for you.

We can't wait to share our work, research and love for learning with you guys

xx Common Places

(curious to know more? keep reading to meet the members)

The Common Places Team:

Ruby R: Oh my god. This is finally working. I’m so so happy to finally be sharing my writing with you, it’s basically all because of Valentina and her determination. I’ve wanted to have a blog for a while, hoping to use it as a way to showcase projects and have a little portfolio for my stories and essays, maybe even some of my own poetry. We have lovely contributors who all offer such unique ideas and narratives so believe me when I say there’s going to be a little bit of everything. I really hope that something catches your eye, whether it’s an essay on the history of fashion or on classical playwrights or a little unnerving snippet of a story. Whatever it is, enjoy! Xxxx

Valentina Z: Aaaah!! Hi!!! So excited to start posting my writing and poems. It has taken a while to plan, compose and create this blog so I'm eager to start getting into creating things to fill this blog. I'm also so happy to be doing this with my lovely amazing friends, who are all incredibly passionate and inquisitive people. I promise that there will definitely be a poem/ essay/ or short story to your liking, so don't be shy to follow along. <3

Kaela S: Hello, I can’t wait to share my writing through this platform! I’ve always loved writing but never knew how to share it and I think that this is an exellent oppurtunity to do so.While I might not post a lot, I will make sure that everytime I do it will be intresting, passionate and somewhat punctuated. My areas of intrests are film, classical civilisation art and I tend to delve into the world of philosophy and pschology. I hope to explore these in my writing, I’m incredibly excited to do thi with all my friend!

Priyanka N: Hello there icw to start posting on here :) I will mostly focus on politics, journalism, philosophy, and such, but don’t be surprised if I slip in a piece of art or a bit of eng lit or music discussion here and there, I can never just stick to one thing.. I love jazz, pencilwork, good movies, blues and soul, and I love love love making fun of Farage and Trump, so if u love that too then purrrr

ps:

Props to Val for setting up this page for all of us she is the most hardworking girl I’ve ever met <3 !!

Isha T: Hi everyone!! I’m so excited to be part of this journey and truly honored to have a space where we can share our thoughts and feelings through stories that I hope will resonate - not just with me, but with all of you too. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. I can’t wait to keep sharing more stories with you all!! :)