Dear Readers In Issue 4, we invite you to enjoy the creative and critical writing of eight undergraduates at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University....
Issue 4
The Cursed Life of Carl Flowers
On the Planet of Larutan, everyone grows a tree on their head. At birth, a small sprout is already present on top of every Larutanian’s head…
How does Zhang Hongtu’s Artwork Reflect his Cultural Diversity?
Political Pop artist Zhong Hongtu is a Muslim born and raised in China, who later immigrated to the US. The themes and messages of his controversial artwork are explored in this analytical essay.
The “Dear Sisters” Who Can’t Hear the Time’s Up Alarm
“The clock has run out on sexual assault, harassment and inequality in the workplace.” Or so claims the website of a movement started by a group of high-profile personas who might be living in a bubble that needs to be burst.
Which Legal Approach to Prostitution Protects the Sex Workers Best?
The “world’s oldest profession” employs more than 40 million people, predominantly female. Critical issues linked with prostitution highlight the need to explore the best option to address prostitution’s role in society.
Membership with a Price: Weakened Sovereignty in the Age of the WTO
The World Trade Organization (WTO) aims to ensure a free flow of trade and solve trade disputes with a rule-based model. While membership provides certain protection and benefits, the cost of WTO membership is explored in this critical essay.
Shifting Female Identity in Paris: Manet’s Altered “Barmaid” in Folies-Bergère as an Allegory (1880s)
The identity of the barmaid Suzon in Manet’s painting Un Bar aux Folies-Bergère has been the subject of much academic debate. This essay explores Manet’s provoking creation through a multi-layered analysis.
Counting Stars
The world was a beautiful place before the government was replaced by human-droids.
Now, all systems were operated by “trusted professionals” made from electric machines. They were advanced and sophisticated, but literally heartless…
Shifters
“Every shape-shifter must earn their beast. You know that.”
“Yes! I know! But it’s been 10 years of just training, trying to hunt, and what do I have to show for it? A snake. Just a freaking snake!”…