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Category: Culture

covid mask
June 14, 2024
Jack Montgomery
Crime
Culture

Now NY Wants to BAN Masks on Public Transport. But Look Who’ll Be Exempt…

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is considering a partial ban on masks in the New York City subway system. The Democrat admits anti-Semitic protesters and criminals are using them to conceal their identities during illegal activities. This follows recent legislative actions in North Carolina, where lawmakers passed a ban on masks in public places, with exceptions for medical reasons. The North Carolina measure increases penalties for individuals wearing masks while committing crimes.

During a news conference, Hochul claimed she would “not tolerate individuals using masks to evade responsibility for criminal or threatening behavior.” She did not provide specific details about the prospective ban but said there would be exceptions for health, cultural, and religious reasons—meaning Muslims wearing face veils would be exempt.

The concept of banning masks in public is not new in New York. The state enacted a mask ban in the 1800s amidst violent protests, suspended in 2020 by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo due to the Chinese coronavirus pandemic.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is backing Hochul’s proposed ban. Adams previously advocated for shopkeepers to require customers to remove masks upon entering their stores, to make thieves and other criminals easier to identify.

“Cowards hide their faces. Dr. [Martin Luther] King did not hide his face,” Adams said.

On Monday, masked protesters chanted anti-Semitic and pro-Hitler slogans on the New York subway. It is unclear whether those involved would be impacted by a subway mask ban, however, as the Palestinian keffiyehs and Islamic veils they wore would likely fall under the “cutural” and “religious” exceptions Hochul referenced.

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul is considering a partial ban on masks in the New York City subway system. The Democrat admits anti-Semitic protesters and criminals are using them to conceal their identities during illegal activities. This follows recent legislative actions in North Carolina, where lawmakers passed a ban on masks in public places, with exceptions for medical reasons. The North Carolina measure increases penalties for individuals wearing masks while committing crimes. show more
June 13, 2024
Culture

Southern Poverty Law Center Fires 25% of Staff, Closes Multiple Departments.

The far-left Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has gutted its workforce, firing over 60 staffers and “essentially shuttering multiple departments.” Founded in 1971, the SPLC began its work by targeting remnants of the Ku Klux Klan in modern America, but swiftly expanded its remit to simply demonizing and attacking the mainstream political right. The group recently obtained an ‘F’ grade from charity regulators and watchdogs due to its hoarding of donor cash and internal expenses.

One of the organization’s most high-profile employees, Hannah Gais, said on Wednesday that the SPLC is sitting on “nearly a billion dollars in reserves” and blasted the organization’s management in agreement with the union that supposedly safeguards its employees.

In 2016, the SPLC was successfully sued by commentator Maajid Nawaz, a Muslim, after they branded him an “anti-Muslim extremist” for his focus on radical Islam and jihad. Nawaz, a former radical Muslim himself, was awarded over $3 million in the suit.

In 2021, the SPLC crashed the Christmas Gala of the New York Young Republican Club (NYYRC) in an attempt to smear members and catch them on camera saying untoward things. Their “investigation” turned up nothing, and the researchers involved were ridiculed on social media.

The group receives much of its cash from major charitable foundations, including Picowar, Fidelity, Schwab, and the notorious Unbound Philanthropy, which is also linked with Black Lives Matter and the UK-based “Hope Not Hate,” which routinely targets Brexit leader Nigel Farage.

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The far-left Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has gutted its workforce, firing over 60 staffers and "essentially shuttering multiple departments." Founded in 1971, the SPLC began its work by targeting remnants of the Ku Klux Klan in modern America, but swiftly expanded its remit to simply demonizing and attacking the mainstream political right. The group recently obtained an 'F' grade from charity regulators and watchdogs due to its hoarding of donor cash and internal expenses. show more
June 12, 2024
William Upton
Culture

New Orleans Mayor Declares June 11 ‘Back That Azz Up’ Day.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell (D) has declared June 11, 2024, “Back That Azz Up Day.” The proclamation honors the 25th anniversary of the popular song—of the same name—performed by New Orleans-born rapper Juvenile. Cantrell’s declaration also marks the kick-off of a new concert tour by the rapper, with an initial performance in New Orleans on July 7.

“This song has been a huge part of my musical journey, and it’s amazing to see it still resonate with people today, and I can’t wait for the moment each night of the tour when the song drops,” Juvenile said following the mayor’s announcement.

Released in the summer of 1999, “Back That Azz Up” quickly became a hit across the U.S. The song also featured appearances by rapper Lil Wayne and producer Mannie Fresh, both New Orleans natives. It peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year.

Cantrell’s tenure as mayor has been the subject of several controversies and accusations of corruption. The New Orleans Democrat was found to have used taxpayer-funded credit cards to cover personal expenses. In some instances, Cantrell did not repay the public debts until years later. Additionally, both Cantrell and members of her family have faced several tax liens on properties they own due to the mayor owing more than $95,000 in federal back taxes.

During the 2020 presidential election, Juvenile endorsed environmentalist-billionaire Tom Steyer in the Democrat presidential primary. A video of Steyer awkwardly dancing with the rapper to “Back That Azz Up” went viral shortly before the South Carolina Democratic primary contest.

Juvenile has faced numerous arrests for drug possession and assault—as well as several legal actions over failure to pay child support.

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell (D) has declared June 11, 2024, "Back That Azz Up Day." The proclamation honors the 25th anniversary of the popular song—of the same name—performed by New Orleans-born rapper Juvenile. Cantrell's declaration also marks the kick-off of a new concert tour by the rapper, with an initial performance in New Orleans on July 7. show more
Jason Martin
June 10, 2024
Culture

Weirdo Pop Singer Chappell Roan Declines White House Invite Over Gaza.

Rising pop artist Chappell Roan, known (to some) for her song “Good Luck, Babe!,” publicly announced that she declined an offer to perform at a White House Pride celebration over Joe Biden‘s stance on the Israel-Hamas war. Roan made the statement during her performance at the New York Governors Ball Festival on Sunday, June 9.

Taking the stage at Queens’s Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter was dressed in green body paint and a crown, paying homage to the Statue of Liberty. She dedicated her song “My Kink Is Karma” to the Biden government, stating, “As a response to the White House who asked me to perform at Pride: we want liberty, justice and freedom for all. When you do that, that’s when I’ll come.”

Roan’s declaration was met with cheers from the audience. Continuing her set, Roan recited a portion of Emma Lazarus’s sonnet, “The New Colossus,” which is engraved on the Statue of Liberty. She reminded the crowd, “I am in drag of the biggest queen of all. But in case you had forgotten what’s etched on my pretty little toes, ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’”

Roan further emphasized the significance of freedom, specifically noting, “That means freedom in trans rights, that means freedom in women’s rights. And it especially means freedom for all people and the oppressed, including those in occupied territories.”

WATCH: 

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Rising pop artist Chappell Roan, known (to some) for her song “Good Luck, Babe!,” publicly announced that she declined an offer to perform at a White House Pride celebration over Joe Biden's stance on the Israel-Hamas war. Roan made the statement during her performance at the New York Governors Ball Festival on Sunday, June 9. show more
June 2, 2024
Culture

WATCH: Singer Adele Has Massive Meltdown After Anti-Pride Audience Heckle.

Singer Adele had a massive LGBT+ meltdown after an audience member at a Saturday night performance at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas shouted, “Pride sucks!”

Adele stopped her show to shout at the individual. “What was that? Did you just say, ‘Pride sucks?'” she asked. “Did you come to my f–king show and just say that Pride sucks? Are you f–king stupid? Don’t be so f–king ridiculous.”

Adele did not stop there, adding, “If you got nothing nice to say, shut up, all right?”

WATCH:

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Singer Adele had a massive LGBT+ meltdown after an audience member at a Saturday night performance at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas shouted, "Pride sucks!" show more

Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
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May 31, 2024
Culture

‘Can’t Be a Young Actress in Hollywood and Not Have Predators Around’ – Molly Ringwald.

Molly Ringwald stressed the pervasive predatory behavior in Hollywood during a recent podcast appearance, describing her personal experience of the industry as “harrowing.”

“You can’t be a young actress in Hollywood and not have predators around,” said the ’80s starlet. She credited her “incredible survival instinct” and “pretty big superego” for helping her navigate and protect herself in the industry.

The actress also discussed her sense of isolation during her formative years in Hollywood, noting, “I never really felt like I was part of a community when I was in Hollywood, just because I was so young, really.”

The conversation took a personal turn as Ringwald mentioned her concerns for her daughter Matilda, who is also pursuing an acting career: “I have a 20-year-old daughter now who is going into the same profession, even though I did everything I could to convince her to do something else. And it’s hard.”

Ringwald has expressed belated misgivings about some of the films she starred in during her rough, such as John Hughes’s Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club.

“Back then, I was only vaguely aware of how inappropriate much of John’s writing was, given my limited experience and what was considered normal at the time,” she said.

“Of course, I don’t want to appear ungrateful to John Hughes, but I do oppose a lot of what is in those movies,” she added.

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Molly Ringwald stressed the pervasive predatory behavior in Hollywood during a recent podcast appearance, describing her personal experience of the industry as "harrowing." show more
May 31, 2024
Culture

Jerry Seinfeld Misses ‘Dominant Masculinity,’ Calls for Return of ‘Real Men.’

Jerry Seinfeld, celebrated comedian and co-creator of the iconic “Seinfeld” sitcom, expressed nostalgia for the “dominant masculinity” of past decades during a recent appearance on the “Honestly with Bari Weiss” podcast. The 70-year-old entertainer discussed various topics, including his latest film, “Unfrosted,” which is set in the 1960s.

Seinfeld lamented the loss of what he described as an agreed-upon social hierarchy from his youth. “There’s another element there that I think is the key element and that is an agreed-upon hierarchy, which I think has absolutely vaporized in today’s moment,” he said. “And I think that is why people lean on the horn and drive in the crazy way that they drive, because we have no sense of hierarchy. And as humans, we don’t really feel comfortable like that.”

Reflecting on the era, Seinfeld noted the presence of dominant masculinity, citing figures like JFK, Muhammad Ali, and Sean Connery as examples of “real men.” He shared that he aspired to embody similar traits, even though he considers his profession as a comedian distinctly “childish.” He remarked, “But I miss dominant masculinity. Yeah, I get the toxic [masculinity], but still, I like a real man.”

This is not Seinfeld’s first commentary on modern culture. In a previous interview with The New Yorker, he criticized “extreme left, PC crap,” claiming it has stifled comedy. He argued that the pervasive concern about offending others has led to a decline in mainstream comedic entertainment.

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Jerry Seinfeld, celebrated comedian and co-creator of the iconic “Seinfeld” sitcom, expressed nostalgia for the “dominant masculinity” of past decades during a recent appearance on the “Honestly with Bari Weiss” podcast. The 70-year-old entertainer discussed various topics, including his latest film, “Unfrosted,” which is set in the 1960s. show more
May 29, 2024
Ed Kozak
Culture
Politics
World

Poland Erupts in Protests Over Warsaw Mayor’s Ban on Religious Symbols.

The recent decision by Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski to remove religious symbols from the city hall building has sparked significant protests across Poland. Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, has accused Trzaskowski’s European People’s Party (EPP) of attempting to “destroy religion and people’s faith.”

On May 8, Trzaskowski issued a decree on equal treatment standards within the town hall. The decree included a ban on the display of religious symbols in offices and on workers’ desks. Workers are still permitted to wear religious symbols on their bodies and clothing.

Warsaw is Poland’s first city to formally ban religious symbols in office spaces to promote non-discrimination.

The decision has sparked outrage among conservative groups, including the right-wing PiS and Confederation parties. Although Trzaskowski is not a candidate, these groups have linked the issue to the upcoming European elections.

Confederation MPs Michał Wawer and Roman Fritz have argued that Trzaskowski’s decision attacks Polish citizens’ freedom of belief and religion. PiS MP Małgorzata Gosiewska has requested that the provincial administration in Mazowieckie voivodship, where Warsaw is located, declare the decree illegal. Ordo Iuris, an ultra-conservative legal institute, has filed a complaint against Trzaskowski for abuse of office.

In their statement, Ordo Iuris cited the constitutional right to freedom of conscience and religion and referenced a 2010 Senate resolution and a 2011 European Court of Human Rights ruling to support their stance.

Significantly, Trzaskowski is a member of Poland’s governing Civic Platform party. A staunchly globalist party, Civic Platform’s rule has been marked by the persecution of conservative political opponents.

In the 2021 census, 71.3 percent of Poland’s 36.8 million people identified as Catholic, showcasing the country’s strong religious identity.

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The recent decision by Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski to remove religious symbols from the city hall building has sparked significant protests across Poland. Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, has accused Trzaskowski's European People's Party (EPP) of attempting to "destroy religion and people’s faith." show more
May 28, 2024
Jack Montgomery
Culture
News

Construction Crews Were Told to NOT Fly The American Flag. So A Convoy on Patriots Descend on the Site.

A “patriotic convoy” gathered at Denali National Park in Alaska this weekend after reports surfaced that construction crews in the area were instructed not to display the American flag. The convoy, consisting of dozens of cars and trucks adorned with American flags, departed from Fairbanks on Sunday and rallied at the park’s entrance to protest the alleged flag ban.

The Alaska Watchman claimed that Denali National Park Superintendent Brooke Merrell had told crews working on a 475-foot-long bridge project to cease flying flags due to complaints. The story rapidly gained attention. “It is absurd and defies all logic that a federal contractor, working on a project funded by American taxpayers, in a National Park — the week before Memorial Day — is prohibited from flying the American flag,” said U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan.

The National Park Service (NPS) has claimed the reports of a flag ban were “false.”

“At no time did an NPS official seek to ban the American flag from the project site or associated vehicles,” NPS spokesman Peter Christian said. He also claims the NPS is not administering the bridge project and lacks “the authority to enforce terms or policies related to the contract or contractors performing the work.”

HALF-TRUTHS. 

The Alaska Watchman stands by its reporting, describing the NPS response as disingenuous and out of line with workers’ experience of the situation on the ground. They say their source has “reiterated that [a] Federal Highway Administration official told the Granite Construction project manager that Park Superintendent Merrell wanted the flags removed from all construction trucks that were driving through the park, whenever they were outside of the confined construction area.”

Another contractor involved in the project also attributed the incident to Merrell’s leadership, noting she is the first female superintendent in the park’s 105-year history. “When these liberals get in charge of these parks, that’s how it is,” the contractor told the Alaska Watchman.

Keith Fons, who organized the patriotic convoy, expressed frustration that the NPS did not address the issue earlier. “They could have nipped this in the bud right from the get-go. But they decided to be quiet until they realized, ‘Oh no, these people are actually organized,'” he argued.

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A "patriotic convoy" gathered at Denali National Park in Alaska this weekend after reports surfaced that construction crews in the area were instructed not to display the American flag. The convoy, consisting of dozens of cars and trucks adorned with American flags, departed from Fairbanks on Sunday and rallied at the park's entrance to protest the alleged flag ban. show more
germany
May 24, 2024
Culture
Politics
World

Teens Embrace ‘Foreigners Out!’ Anthem in Nightclubs.

Recent polling indicates a notable shift to the right among German youth, with the anti-mass migration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party now the most popular choice among 14- to 29-year-olds. This political trend appears to be influencing both electoral prospects and cultural expression just weeks before the European Union elections, with several instances of young people engaging with a reworked Eurodance classic featuring anti-foreigner lyrics.

The song, set to DJ Gigi D’Agostino’s “L’amour Toujours,” has resurfaced repeatedly, promoting the slogan “Deutschland den Deutschen, Ausländer raus” (“Germany for the Germans, foreigners out”). The latest incident occurred at an exclusive nightclub on the German holiday island of Sylt, drawing widespread attention on social media.

A video circulating on social media depicts young men and women dancing and singing the contentious lyrics. German media have debated whether their gestures are merely dance moves or potentially Nazi salutes. Die Welt reports that Germany’s federal security police, typically focused on terrorism and international crime, are now investigating these activities.

Ferda Ataman, Germany’s Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, described the song as “pure racism,” asserting that it represents escalating discrimination. Green Party Integration Minister Aminata Touré echoed these concerns, calling for criminal investigations and describing the behavior as “Nazi yelling.”

The resurgence of this song highlights growing right-wing sentiments. Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) has noted that similar clips have appeared frequently at discos and festivals across the country. Despite the backlash, it remains a symbol of a broader cultural shift within the youth demographic.

Support for the AfD among young Germans has surged, with recent research showing a significant increase in party preference among the 14- to 29-year-old cohort. Professor Klaus Hurrelmann has attributed this shift to growing pessimism and anxiety about the future, noting a diminishing optimism and increased fear of economic and geopolitical instability.

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Recent polling indicates a notable shift to the right among German youth, with the anti-mass migration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party now the most popular choice among 14- to 29-year-olds. This political trend appears to be influencing both electoral prospects and cultural expression just weeks before the European Union elections, with several instances of young people engaging with a reworked Eurodance classic featuring anti-foreigner lyrics. show more