Mexican Twitter (aka “X”) is a special place. It’s marked by a self-deprecating, sometimes scathing humor. Users post photos of local businesses whose signage incorporates popular cartoon characters in blatant acts of infringement. Memes about “Whitexicans”, privileged Mexicans who exist in ignorance of the struggles of their less fortunate compatriots, circulate regularly. Equally popular are the memes about “Shrexicans”, Mexicans who embrace the “buchon” style of dress, characterized by tight jeans, prominent designer logos, and silk shirts with garrish patterns, a mimicry of the opulence associated with narcotraffickers. Other common subjects include their affinity for Dragon Ball Z, sketchy street food, and chat logs memorializing failed attempts at seduction.
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Recent presidential election coverage depicts the candidates as being in a literal race. Headlines like “Harris Triples Trump’s Fundraising” and “Harris Rattled Trump and Dominated Debate” are common. But the neck-in-neck narrative obfuscates the reality of the competition - Harris doesn’t need to convince voters that she’s better than Trump; she needs to convince them that she’s better than whatever else they could be doing on election night.
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If you are one of the many people who is traveling to Japan this year, take advantage of these tips I acquired on my trip this month.
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In preparation for my trip to Japan, I read this book about the history of the Japanese beer industry. I like Japanese beer. Sure, it is light on flavor and practically indistinguishable among labels. But it hits the spot after a long day of walking and compliments almost any savory meal. The book not only covered the origins and evolution of Japanese beer but the historical events that shaped the industry. In reading it I gained an appreciation for the country’s foamy golden drink and culture of gritty resourcefulness.
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It’s practically impossible to look at the news these days without reading headlines about the “migrant crisis.” Reports tell of asylum seekers from Venezuela crowding hotels and shelters in New York and Chicago. Politicians call for a response to the droves of people crossing the Southern border on foot.
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