Year: 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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Trump’s shoot-the-messenger tactic will only hurt the economy more

Trump’s shoot-the-messenger tactic spells more trouble for the economy

A worrisome trend has surfaced regarding the way certain political figures react to negative economic signals. Recent instances reveal a tendency to question the integrity of specialists and organizations that provide unflattering financial information. This unhelpful tactic poses a risk to decision-making grounded in evidence and might worsen current economic issues by encouraging skepticism towards vital data providers.When leaders choose to discredit economic messengers rather than address the substance of their reports, they risk creating several systemic problems. First, it erodes public confidence in the nonpartisan institutions responsible for collecting and analyzing economic data. Organizations like the Bureau of Labor…
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