Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
“Distorted Communication”
“Distorted Communication” In his 1991 book The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere: An Inquiry into a Category of Bourgeois Society, Jürgen Habermas presents the Enlightenment as a time for change—a pivotal moment when humanity began transitioning from self-imposed immaturity to a state of maturity. In this mature state, individuals must use their reason in public discourse. Habermas envisioned a society where every person becomes a public intellectual, communicating ideas openly to the world. Today, this vision is partially realized through online media, where anyone can publish their thoughts globally. However, the rise of this communication medium has also fostered a climate of dissent, with the collision of countless perspectives creating tension rather than unity. The transformation of global communication into an international open-access platform is a defining event of the 21st century, symbolizing humanity's step toward intellectual maturity. Yet, this journey is hindered by the planned obsolescence of communication, a kind of intellectual adolescence that prevents full independence and fosters the "manufacture of dissent."
By Peter Ayolovabout 2 hours ago in Critique
Kindness
I’ve noticed a common trait among the passive aggressive (aside from the glaringly obvious ones): when called out, they without exception refer to the failed sideways attack as evidence of their “kindness.” I can’t count on an abacus how many times I’ve experienced this, and, frankly, I’m fed up.
By Harper Lewis3 days ago in Critique
Movie Review: "I Heard the Bells"
"I Heard the Bells," produced by Sight & Sound Films (which shares the same parent company that operates the popular Broadway-style theaters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Branson, Missouri), is a treat to watch every Christmas. It depicts the true story behind the Christmas carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," written by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
By Heather Clark3 days ago in Critique
The Broken Bugs in the Palms of My Hands. Content Warning.
Part 1: Are you all serious? I played no part in my being born, besides taking those first breaths when I came into this world. I was told not to cross my legs as a young boy, a rule I played no part in conceiving. I was told to complete my assignments on topics I told were important to me. I spoke and dressed in a way that made others find me likable or, at the very least, tolerable.
By Stanley Davis5 days ago in Critique
Initiation. Content Warning.
*note: This is an unfinished draft of a story I’m working on for The Rule Everyone Knows. Just doing a temperature check for characterization. I’m going to keep it here until I complete the draft and finish editing it. Do not be gentle if something isn’t working.
By Harper Lewis6 days ago in Critique
The reason Hulk refused to fight Thanos
The Real Reason Hulk Refused to Fight Thanos 🚨 Most people think that in Avengers: Infinity War, Hulk refused to fight Thanos because he was scared. After all, this was the first time anyone had seen the Green Goliath genuinely overwhelmed in hand-to-hand combat. But the truth might be much deeper than simple fear.
By Literary fusion6 days ago in Critique
