Month: August 2025

How a cartoon skull became a symbol of defiance in Indonesia

How a cartoon skull became the face of defiance in Indonesia

In recent times, an eye-catching yet subtle depiction has surfaced as a powerful sign of resistance throughout Indonesia—a whimsical skull, typically illustrated with striking outlines and bright hues. At first sight, it might seem like a work of street art or a piece of alternative graphic design; however, it has evolved into a collective emblem for activists, creatives, and regular individuals resisting against oppression, dishonesty, and societal injustice. The ascent of this emblem from being little-known to widely recognized is not merely a tale about art; it captures Indonesia’s intricate political milieu, the influence of grassroots efforts, and the timeless…
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'We had no idea of what it would become': How Keep Calm and Carry On became a divisive 21st-Century phenomenon

‘We had no idea of what it would become’: Keep Calm and Carry On’s journey to a 21st-Century icon

Few slogans in modern history have experienced such an extraordinary transformation as "Keep Calm and Carry On." What began as a forgotten British wartime poster has become a global cultural touchstone, appearing on everything from coffee mugs to protest signs. Its journey from obscurity to ubiquity reveals much about how societies reinterpret historical symbols to suit contemporary needs.The tale starts in 1939, when the British authorities ordered a set of motivational prints to boost public spirits during World War II. Three designs were developed, with "Keep Calm and Carry On" reserved for situations of looming invasion. Unlike "Your Courage" and…
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Trump's sweeping new tariffs take effect against dozens of countries

New Trump tariffs begin, affecting numerous countries globally

El texto original está escrito en inglés y no contiene palabras clave entre llaves. Aquí está su versión reformulada: The United States has introduced a large-scale increase of import tariffs impacting products from various nations, indicating a significant change in global trade policy. These actions, enforced this week, apply to an extensive array of items and signify one of the most notable trade policy actions in recent times. This decision perpetuates the existing pattern of employing tariffs as a key instrument for achieving economic and diplomatic goals.This latest round of trade restrictions builds upon previous tariff policies introduced in recent…
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US says secondary sanctions on Russia to go ahead, even though Putin-Witkoff meeting ‘went well’

Secondary sanctions on Russia to move forward, US confirms after Putin-Witkoff talks

El gobierno de Estados Unidos ha reiterado su intención de aplicar sanciones secundarias a las entidades rusas, indicando así la persistencia de la presión económica a pesar de los recientes contactos diplomáticos entre el presidente ruso Vladimir Putin y el empresario estadounidense Elliott Witkoff. Funcionarios de la administración subrayaron que el régimen de sanciones sigue igual, describiendo las medidas económicas como independientes de las interacciones diplomáticas individuales.This position arises following news of a fruitful discussion between Putin and Witkoff, a real estate developer based in New York, which had led to conjecture regarding possible changes in U.S. policy towards Russia.…
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