Why Russell Brand’s baptism is a depressing turning point for men’s mental health
If a holy hand of forgiveness is sought, does that really absolve a man's sins? If a mental health diagnosis is declared, does that truly exonerate any male transgression? No, of course it doesn't, says Amy Kean, but if famous and fallible people keep insisting it does, where does that leave the already fragile men’s mental health movement?
The real reason women use the word 'just' 100 times in every email
In 2024, when mainstream feminism seems to be focused on shiny memes and Katy Perry’s hypocritical empowerment songs, Amy Kean asks: what’s really holding us back? When women still feel the need to soften themselves, mind their language and play nice, should we be looking closer to home to fix the issues?
Why can’t we let famous women be creative geniuses instead of tragedies?
'Sex sells', the old adage goes, but so too does death, especially when it involves a famous woman. And a famous female death is, so far as the tabloids are concerned, simply a final, tragic curtain call to a life of drama, sadness, flaws and desperation. But, says Amy Kean, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Sylvia Plath, Judy Garland... they were geniuses, and should be remembered as such.
I’m a post-Barbie girl in a post-Barbie world… so what happens now?
This summer the world turned pink as Barbie cut a swathe through the cultural landscape and women everywhere rejoiced as a plastic toy celebrated feminism and overturned the patriarchy. But, reflecting in the more sober autumnal light, did that really happen, or were we all just victims of a fuchsia-coloured cult?
When parents are smashing eggs on their kids’ faces, is it time for a digital reckoning?
Social media has hit 'Peak Wicked', and when parents are inflicting low level violence on their kids for laughs, it's time to reset. In fact, it's time to get Old Testament, says Amy Kean. But if we can't rely on God to sweep away humanity's detritus, we'll have to take it upon ourselves.
Why Britney Spears is ‘manic’ again, and the rise of weaponised pop psychology
From Princess Diana to Britney Spears, a woman in pain or dubbed 'tortured' by others, is one of societies favourite kinks. But, despite more supposed understanding of mental health issues, our love of pop psychology and self-diagnosis has become an addiction, one that's dangerously out of control, says Amy Kean.
The subtle damage of not giving a f*ck: how workplace bystanders are enabling bad behaviour
Speaking up can be hard, but is that why people are reluctant to do it, or do they just not care? Amy Kean examines whether a Richter scale for social issues would encourage us to make a stand.
shots Fired with... Vicky Quinn Fraser
shots' Culture Editor chats with book coach Vicky Quinn Fraser, who gets fired up about the state of the publishing industry.
“Positive vibes only!” Why tone policing can get in the f*cking bin
"Watch your tone, young lady!" It's what you might say to a cheeky toddler but, too often, the tentacles of the tone police are spreading into grown up conversation and debate. Amy Kean explores, via the British monarchy, business interactions and 1986 movie classic Labyrinth, how the over-policing of conversation is becoming an emergency situation.
Weird Seance summons… Lynne Parker
Despite the wealth of brilliant female comedians - think Katherine Ryan, Sara Pascoe, Jo Brand - many still think 'women aren't funny'. Lynne Parker [fourth from right], is the founder of Funny Women and a champion of female comedians. She talks to Amy Kean about why so many men (and too many women) think females aren't funny, the creativity of comedy, and her ongoing mission.
The war on girls: why can’t society take young women seriously?
In the battle of the sexes young girls are becoming the cannon fodder. Amy Kean examines why such an important part of our future is maligned and mistreated, their voices too often missing from the conversation and their fates decided by old men.
Weird Seance summons… stevexoh
As Amy Kean continues her search for some of creativity's weirdest inhabitants, she talks to artist and writer stevexoh about unusual names, unexpected journeys and uncovering the secret of living.
