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(03/31/21 10:53pm)
Growing up playing a lot of video games, I noticed the lack of female representation to be a regular issue in the gaming community. Even now, a majority of gamers that I watch are men, and I hate that. There are a lot of women who play video games but aren’t often given the opportunity to be seen without judgment— or at all. In fact, there is currently a myth going around the internet that women have it easier on platforms like Twitch. However, studies have shown that it’s actually harder to get consistent views as a female streamer and you’re likely to get paid less. This is clearly shown by the small number of women included in the lists of the most followed Twitch channels, as well as the “fake gamer girl” stereotype that continues to be popular in the gaming community. I want to start trying to change not only the lack of support for female gamers but the idea that it’s so easy for them to be successful. Therefore, here is my list of underrated female streamers in the gaming community.
(03/31/21 10:30pm)
by Lia Weisbecker-LotzGrowing up playing a lot of video games, I noticed the lack of female representation to be a regular issue in the gaming community. Even now, a majority of gamers that I watch are men, and I hate that. There are a lot of women who play video games but aren’t often given the opportunity to be seen without judgment— or at all. In fact, there is currently a myth going around the internet that women have it easier on platforms like Twitch. However, studies have shown that it’s actually harder to get consistent views as a female streamer and you’re likely to get paid less. This is clearly shown by the small number of women included in the lists of the most followed Twitch channels, as well as the “fake gamer girl” stereotype that continues to be popular in the gaming community. I want to start trying to change not only the lack of support for female gamers but the idea that it’s so easy for them to be successful. Therefore, here is my list of underrated female streamers in the gaming community.
(03/13/21 9:10pm)
(02/27/21 5:00am)
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
(03/03/21 6:46pm)
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
(02/27/21 3:00pm)
by Lia Weisbecker-Lotz
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
February is Black History Month and for a while now, I’ve wanted to write about Black punk bands. Punk has always been a community meant for those angry at the world, for screaming for change, for the chance to be heard, and most importantly, to be able to be themselves without backlash. Even so, after my last article on female punk bands, I realized that punk has not been so perfect at making sure everyone is heard and appreciated. But it’s the groups that aren’t as heard that are the most important to listen to. Black punk bands help spread not only a form of education as to what the Black community is going through, but also offer each other a sense of belonging in a largely white community. While the bands listed are Black punk bands, some are also infused with people of different races. However, this doesn’t change the importance or the impact of their messages and how they help the Black punk community. I do want to leave a disclaimer: I’m a white person who has never dealt with racism or its horrors, and I will never claim to. I can only hope to learn from the Black community about the problems they face and ways that I can support them through it.
Red Arkade
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="403"] Image from Afropunk[/caption]
Red Arkade is a high-energy, aggressive band from New York City. They released their first EP, Livewire, in 2016 which introduces the group’s main message: the desire for and importance of freedom. Red Arkade’s songs largely focus on being who you are and doing what you want with your life. Strangely for a punk band, their music is incredibly positive and invigorating, full of speedy riffs and hard-hitting drums. Red Arkade consistently mixes elements of hip hop and hard rock into their songs, which adds to their uniqueness in the punk community. Their latest EP, We Don’t Sing Pretty, was released in 2018 and seems to be about them claiming their spot as a punk band.
Big Joanie
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="401"] Image from Rolling Stone[/caption]
This London-based trio formed in 2013 to join a DIY festival and quickly started cranking out EPs. Big Joanie has become a haven where the members can “be completely themselves as Black women.” The three of them work to bring attention to the Black punk community in the UK and the fact that POC members of the punk scene exist. Big Joanie’s members even created the Decolonise Fest, an annual London DIY festival specifically for POC punks, and the Stop Rainbow Racism campaign. Their music is strongly reminiscent of post-punk bands, experimenting with heavy, harsh, and slow sounds. Most of Big Joanie’s songs center on the emotion behind the end of a relationship, full of a certain bitterness and longing. Some of their other songs discuss the racism they and others have dealt with from both individuals and society. Sistahs was their 2018 debut album, and they plan on releasing a follow-up album this year.
The TxLips
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="400"] Image from VOX ATL[/caption]
A musical collective, meaning that membership and participation are flexible and rotated, The TxLips currently have 14 members. Established and led by Gabriella Logan, this all-black, and mostly female group has been making music since 2018 and has been working toward its goal: to push “the status quo of what the world says artists of marginalized identities can do.” With a variety of artists, the music The TxLips produce is diverse, influenced by a lot of different backgrounds and genres. Many of their songs do contain consistent emotions regarding angst, anger, and the desire for a different life. In 2020, they released their album Prison of Life, which contains some remakes of songs from their original EP, Queens of the New Age.
FEVER 333
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="399"] Image from The Guardian[/caption]
FEVER 333 is a punk band that was created to be the soundtrack of the rebellion. They formed in 2017, debuting in the most punk way imaginable, an “unpermitted” demonstration at an LA landmark to share their ideas. Shortly after, FEVER 333 worked on releasing their first EP, Made An America, (its title song earned a Grammy nomination) a year later. The group’s songs are vehemently, unapologetically about the rampant amount of racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and general inequality in the U.S. The trio has songs calling out the unjust system capitalism is built on: “BURN IT,” “Walking in My Shoes,” “SUPREMACY,” “Soul’d Me Out,” etc. Often labeled post-hardcore, FEVER 333’s music is rapid and raucous, while experimenting with elements of rap, trap, and metal music. They use their latest EP, Wrong Generation, which came out in 2020, and continue to use their unique sound to spread their message demanding change.
The Muslims
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="404"] Image from Scalawag Magazine[/caption]
Another trio, The Muslims are an all-queer punk band that was prompted by the aftermath of the 2016 election to come together. They released their first album, The Muslims, in 2017 where they specifically call out the Islamophobia that’s pervasive in the U.S. They regularly use satire and humor to make songs that both mock white supremacists, transphobes, fascists, etc. whilst furiously pointing out the impact they have on African-American, queer, and other minority communities. The Muslims’s music is energetic, fun, and full of disgust at the current state of society. The trio’s lyrics switch between clever and blunt and are always complemented by the gritting, potent riffs and drums. Gentrified Chicken was their last album; it was released in 2020 and is focused on the government’s failures in recent years.
The 1865
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="404"] Image from Musical Notes Global[/caption]
Created in 2017, The 1865 was launched by well-known music journalist and producer/director Sacha Jenkins. Jenkins has stated that he created The 1865 to be able to “voice his frustrations and expressions of the current political landscape.” The band is named after the year the Civil War ended and slavery was abolished. While this was a turning point in history, The 1865 uses their music to point out how slavery continued to have an impact on African-Americans. Their songs are based on the perspective of enslaved and previously enslaved African-Americans during that tumultuous time. The 1865’s music matches the intensity of their lyrics, with powerful bass lines and full of violent energy. Their last album came out in 2019 and is titled Don’t Tread On We!
Sources: Afropunk, Big Joanie, BTRToday, Chardine Taylor Stone, Ebert Fest, Facebook, Genius, IMDB, Indy Week, Kerrang!, Kill Rockstars, Kit Monsters, Gal-dem, Play Alone Records, Riot Fest, Spotify, The Fader, The Grammys, The Guardian, The Muzlimz, The Txlips Band, This Magazine
Images: Afropunk, The Guardian, Musical Notes Global, Rolling Stone, Scalawag Magazine, VOX ATL
Featured Image: Scalawag Magazine
(02/16/21 5:00pm)
Welcome back to another episode of the Coven! In this episode, join in as we dive into female tropes in TV and movies! Tune in as we discuss why tropes are harmful, how it limits women's opportunities in film, and cover a couple of prominent examples of female tropes in media!
(02/15/21 3:35pm)
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
(02/14/21 10:30pm)
by Lia Weisbecker-Lotz
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
I love celebrating Valentine’s Day, but not for the reasons most people do. For many, Valentine’s Day is about spending the day with their significant other, showering them in love and care. For me, it’s about expressing my love and appreciation for my friends, family, and myself. I started this tradition in high school where I would make personal Valentine’s Day cards for all of my friends, or anyone I wanted to be friends with. I’d spend hours making these cards, using a list of people I enjoyed being with and a list of things they were interested in. I’d write down any puns I could think of that were also compliments and practice drawing cute versions of animals or characters they liked. As an example, I made one friend who liked hiking and camping, a card with a drawing of a s’more with a cute face below the words “I need s’more friends like you!” I wanted to remind people, especially the ones who weren’t in romantic relationships, that someone loves them. I wanted them to know that I listen to and care about what they’re interested in and passionate about. Because you shouldn’t have to be someone’s partner to be valuable to them.
For some reason, our society holds romantic relationships above platonic ones, making them seem as if they are milestones for everyone to reach. Family members that you haven’t seen in a while always end up asking, “Have you found a boy/girlfriend yet?” Depending on your sexual orientation, hugging anyone of the opposite gender immediately leads to someone asking, “Oh, are you guys dating?” This is especially obvious around Valentine’s Day, as all the commercials and rom-coms begin to play. But if this is the holiday of love, then why doesn’t it include all types of love?
When we’re children, we go around giving cards and candy to every one of our classmates, even those we aren’t very close to. Then at some point, we’re convinced that Valentine’s Day is only meant for couples and crushes. The way there’s an emphasis on romantic relationships, is a mistake. A majority of the most important and longest-lasting relationships are platonic. And there are people who aren’t interested in dating during a certain period of their life, or at all. Which should be normal. And it should also be normal to celebrate your love for friends and family on a day about love.
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="404"] Image from Mashable [/caption]
Of course, I’m not the first person to think friendships should be celebrated. In the TV show Parks and Recreation, the character Leslie celebrates “Galentine’s Day,” a day dedicated to her female friends just before Valentine’s Day. And people have started to take up the holiday, making it a day to celebrate the special relationship that comes with female friendships. In 2011, the UN declared July 30 National Friendship Day. Many people in the U.S. celebrate this day by posting photos of friends on Instagram or Snapchat and typing out what they appreciate about them. There’s even a National Self Love Day on February 13 that some celebrate.
Despite this, I think it should be Valentine’s Day where we can celebrate the love of friends, family, and ourselves. The people who dislike Valentine’s Day often dislike it because of the focus on and pressure for romance. Or simply because seeing others in a romantic relationship makes them feel lonely. But this is a day about reminding people that love exists for them. That they have friends who love them, and that they should love themselves. By genuinely making it a day for love, we can stop making people feel alienated or like they’re missing out. Honestly, sometimes, it seems that only people who are in love get to experience happiness on this day. That if you can’t get or simply don’t want to have a date, you’ll never get the joy of this love-crazy day.
Platonic relationships are just as, if not more, important than romantic ones. When romantic relationships fail, it’s our friends and family that we rely on to help us through. When we’re insecure or worried about something going on in a romantic relationship, it’s our friends and family we turn to for advice. Platonic relationships are the backbone and basis of love. Family provides you roots and friendships help you grow. Self-love is the product of that growth, being able to enjoy, not only time with others, but with yourself should be prioritized. Because you have to spend every second of your life with yourself.
Valentine’s Day can and should be, a special day for everyone. To love and be loved, is a special feeling that is not always romantic. So don’t forget all of the people who are here to support you through every dip and rise you go through in life.
Sources: Her Culture, IMDB, Instagram, National Day Calendar, The Atlantic,
Images: Mashable
Featured Image: History
(12/23/20 11:05pm)
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
(12/23/20 3:30pm)
by Lia Weisbecker-Lotz
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the opinion of Byte or Byte’s editorial board.
Growing up, punk music always had a special place in my heart. It offered me a way to let out all of my built-up emotions and frustrations. If I was angry at the world or my parents or my sisters, I had punk music to help me yell it out and face it. If I was scared, it hyped me up with its snarky attitude and raw power. Recently; however, I noticed that all the punk music I had been listening to growing up consisted of all-male bands. Which disappointed me, because I knew that there must be bands full of women who are also furious at the world and at how they’re treated. Women who also had an attitude and humor that was so commonly a part of punk. Here are some female bands I found that shared even more viewpoints on music, the world, and what punk really means to them.
Tacocat
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="389"] Image from Sub Pop[/caption]
Tacocat is a largely female, indie pop-punk band that originated, as many punk bands have, in Seattle, Washington. The band’s songs are coated in humor and sarcasm, describing silly situations and topics. But the band also discusses issues women face every day: catcalling, period-shaming, and mansplaining in their songs “Hey Girl,” “FDP,” and “Men Explain Things to Me,” respectively. And despite Tacocat’s vibrant look, their songs are less high energy and more surf punk. Their latest release was their 2019 album, This Mess Is a Place. The focus of the album is the weird reality of America after the 2016 election.
Glitoris
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="388"] Image from The Rockpit[/caption]
This Australian punk band first formed as a one-off band for a festival, where they performed in nothing but glitter in 2014. However, the audience’s reaction to their music encouraged them to stay together and continue making music. Glitoris is well-known for its incredibly blunt, abrasive, and political songs. Their music has a chaotic, fury-filled energy to which goes well with the lyrics detailing their frustration with society and the obstacles it places in women’s lives. In 2018, they released their most recent album, The Policy, which showcases not only their political message but also their abilities as musicians.
Skinny Girl Diet
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="266"] Image from Louder Than War[/caption]
Skinny Girl Diet is a British sister duo that got their start in London. An indie band, these two have performed at various small venues, DIY spaces, and festivals. Skinny Girl Diet is a part of the Riot Grrrl movement, a subculture combining feminism, punk indie music, and politics. Many of their lyrics are about intersectionality in feminism and the struggles POC continue to face in the world. Their heavy grunge sound and biting lyrics even earned them a spot on Billboard’s 2015 “20 All-Female Bands You Need To Know.” The group was originally a trio consisting of the Holliday sisters and their cousin, but in 2017 their cousin decided to break away from the band. Their latest album, Ideal Woman, was released in 2018 and discusses the expectations placed on women and the lack of representation of marginalized groups.
Fea
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="386"] Image from Blackheart Records[/caption]
This next band is incredibly reminiscent of the origins of punk, with a high-energy, edgy sound. Fea is a Latina rock band that originated in San Antonio, Texas. This all-women band brings intense guitar riffs and strong vocals back into the punk scene, and some of their music has a pinch of country twang that oddly goes well with the rock. That’s not the only thing that makes this band unique. A lot of their songs tend to be bilingual, often using Spanish, but also French, German, and a bit of Japanese. Fea’s most recent album, No Novelties, was released in 2019, and it covers a lot of topics including the negative effects of social media, financial hardships, and toxic relationships.
QUEEN BEE
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="404"] Image from Ziyoou-Vachi[/caption]
This is probably the strangest punk recommendation, but I wouldn’t put it on this list if it weren’t quality. QUEEN BEE is a Japanese rock band that describes itself as “fashion-punk.” Their music style is unparalleled as it’s a mix of j-pop, rock, and disco. This majority female band started in 2009 and has since risen in fame in Japan, with several of their songs being used in popular anime such as Tokyo Ghoul: re and Dororo. QUEEN BEE’s songs often offer commentary about identity and the struggle of trying to be oneself with beautiful imagery. Their lyrics are frequently in reference to being a part of the LGBT+ community and being a person of color. The band has released several EPs and albums, with their last one, BL, releasing in early 2020.
Meet Me @ The Altar
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="377"] Image from The Fader[/caption]
This pop-punk trio met online in 2015 and released its first album in 2017. Although Meet Me @ The Altar’s lyrics detail missing old relationships, mental health issues, and chasing difficult dreams, their music is upbeat and energetic. Unlike the previous bands, the core idea behind Meet Me @ The Altar’s music is their hope for the future. While the group doesn’t have many released songs, in October of 2020 they were signed to Fueled by Ramen, a record label well-known for their punk bands. This means there’s hope for future releases as they continue to pave their way into the punk community. Their latest release was “Garden,” a song about helping a loved one through a rough patch.
Sources: Bandsintown, Billboard, Fueled by Ramen, Gen Rise Media, Grinnell College, HistoryLink, Moshi Moshi, SpeakerTV, Spotify, The Music, Ziyoou-Vachi
Images: Blackheart Records, Sub Pop, Louder Than War, The Fader, The Rockpit, Ziyoou-Vachi
Featured Image: Kellyn Harrison
(11/03/20 11:04pm)
Three years ago, the Nintendo Switch was released, and it quickly became one of the company’s most popular home consoles. Everyone quickly became focused on the console’s unique design and the game sequels Nintendo planned to release for it, some being: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Splatoon 2. However, one aspect of the Switch that was less marketed was the company’s decision to let indie game developers publish and port their games to the console. This has given a variety of indie games a chance at a wider audience and greater acknowledgment for their work. Here is a list of the top underrated indie games.
(11/03/20 7:30pm)
by Lia Weisbecker-Lotz
Three years ago, the Nintendo Switch was released, and it quickly became one of the company’s most popular home consoles. Everyone quickly became focused on the console’s unique design and the game sequels Nintendo planned to release for it, some being: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Splatoon 2. However, one aspect of the Switch that was less marketed was the company’s decision to let indie game developers publish and port their games to the console. This has given a variety of indie games a chance at a wider audience and greater acknowledgment for their work. Here is a list of the top underrated indie games.
A Short Hike
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="343"] Image from Nintendo[/caption]
Created by Adam Robinson-Yu
If you love Animal Crossing, you will very likely love A Short Hike. The focus of the game is merely to relax and explore. You play a bird, named Claire, who has started living in a vast and beautiful mountain valley. As Claire, you go on adventures around the area as well as help any neighbors with some basic tasks, such as collecting shells and finding lost items. You can climb and glide your way around the mountain, allowing you to collect a variety of items and meet several friendly characters. These characters help you do minigames and activities, such as fishing or playing volleyball. The music and art style of the game adds a simple beauty that works to create a peaceful setting.
Raji: An Ancient Epic
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="331"] Image from Nintendo[/caption]
Created by Nodding Heads Games
Raji: An Ancient Epic is an action-adventure game that is similar to Gods of War in both its combat and focus on mythology. Raji is a girl in ancient India whose little brother, Golu, has been stolen by demons. In order to get him back, and help the gods, she takes on the quest of defeating the demons and their leader. The game is a homage to India’s culture, as it manages to teach the player pieces of Hindu and Balinese mythology while also being beautifully painted in a traditional Indian art style. This aspect of the game helps expand its story and world as well as explain the abilities of the weapons Raji uses for combat. The game is both a hack and slash game and a platformer game, as you get to use a variety of powerful, mythical weapons and traverse India in order to save not only Raji’s brother but the world.
Spiritfarer
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="338"] Image from Nintendo[/caption]
Created by Thunder Lotus Games
Spiritfarer is a gorgeous management game where you play as Stella, a ferry master for the dead. You’re able to build different rooms on your boat to craft different items, grow a farm, and accommodate your passengers. Throughout the game, you get to delve into the lives of several spirits in order to help them cross over to the afterlife. The story is a major aspect of Spiritfarer. You get to take your time going through it; enjoying the beautiful, vibrant art style and setting. While you work on your boat, you also help take care of your passengers by serving them homemade meals and spending quality time with them. The game has a bit of an open world where you get to travel around to different islands and meet their inhabitants. The game also has a cooperative mode where a second player can join as Stella’s cat, Daffodil.
Inmost
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="336"] Image from Nintendo[/caption]
Created by Hidden Layer Games
This game is an incredibly beautiful and melancholic puzzle platformer. In Inmost you switch between playing three different characters: a middle-aged man, a knight, and a little girl. Each character involves a different style of gameplay in a dark, pixelated world. The little girl uses items in her house to climb around and explore, while the middle-aged man travels around a strange world and solves more complex puzzles. The knight travels in a similar world, fighting a variety of shadow enemies. While the worlds and stories seem completely different, they all end interconnected. A warning has to come with this game; however, as the story is very dark and deals with serious issues surrounding love and grief.
There are hundreds of more interesting indie games that the Switch offers. This means no matter your preference, you are likely to find an indie game to fall in love with. The world is in a state of uncertainty, and while it’s important to stay informed and be involved, it’s just as important to take care of yourself and find ways to enjoy your life. Games like these are often meant to bring comfort, adventure, and catharsis. So, do yourself a favor, and try out some of these games because you might find your new favorite.
More Recommendations:
Rime
Celeste
Hades
Summer of Mara
Bastion
Hyper Light Drift
Sources: CNET, Video Game Chronicle: VGC
Images: Nintendo
Featured Image: The Verge