The week has seen some stark reminders that, despite our best efforts, the world still hasn't quite gotten the hang of this whole "not being a dystopian nightmare" thing.
In Minneapolis, the presence of ICE agents has proven to be both deadly and farcical at the same time. Their attempts to intimidate have been undermined by their own incompetence, with agents often slipping on ice and tumbling about in full battle gear - the kind of slapstick sequence that one can only imagine playing out behind closed doors.
It's also worth noting how ICE seems to be embodying the very aesthetic of fascism they're supposedly trying to suppress - think Nazi boy bands and SS-inspired garb, all served up with a side of Broadway theatrics. The image of border patrol chief Greg Bovino swanning about in his long green trenchcoat, complete with eBay-acquired SS accessories, is particularly cringe-worthy.
And yet, despite the absurdity of it all, the situation remains deadly serious. If one laughs too hard at ICE's antics, they risk facing real consequences - including, potentially, a bullet to the head.
In other news, Nicki Minaj's recent appearance with Donald Trump has left many scratching their heads. One can only imagine how her fans must have felt watching their hero declare themselves "probably the president's number one fan." It's a move that smacks of desperation and a desire to cling to relevance.
On a more positive note, Deacon Blue was recently subjected to some awkward attention from Reform UK leader Malcolm Offord after he referenced their 1987 hit song "Dignity" in a speech. The band responded with a statement expressing their discomfort at the idea of their music being used to bolster an ideology they clearly disagree with.
Finally, the Australian Open has provided some much-needed respite from the world's troubles - if only for those who have found themselves over-invested in the news cycle and are looking for something to do. Coco Gauff's on-court meltdown was a cathartic spectacle, while Naomi Osaka's Edwardian jellyfish outfit added an extra layer of absurdity to the proceedings.
As for Sundance, it seems that some celebrities still feel the need to show their support for Donald Trump - even if it means attending events at the White House. The launch of Amazon's Melania documentary was a timely reminder that, despite all our best efforts, the line between reality and fiction remains perilously thin.
In Minneapolis, the presence of ICE agents has proven to be both deadly and farcical at the same time. Their attempts to intimidate have been undermined by their own incompetence, with agents often slipping on ice and tumbling about in full battle gear - the kind of slapstick sequence that one can only imagine playing out behind closed doors.
It's also worth noting how ICE seems to be embodying the very aesthetic of fascism they're supposedly trying to suppress - think Nazi boy bands and SS-inspired garb, all served up with a side of Broadway theatrics. The image of border patrol chief Greg Bovino swanning about in his long green trenchcoat, complete with eBay-acquired SS accessories, is particularly cringe-worthy.
And yet, despite the absurdity of it all, the situation remains deadly serious. If one laughs too hard at ICE's antics, they risk facing real consequences - including, potentially, a bullet to the head.
In other news, Nicki Minaj's recent appearance with Donald Trump has left many scratching their heads. One can only imagine how her fans must have felt watching their hero declare themselves "probably the president's number one fan." It's a move that smacks of desperation and a desire to cling to relevance.
On a more positive note, Deacon Blue was recently subjected to some awkward attention from Reform UK leader Malcolm Offord after he referenced their 1987 hit song "Dignity" in a speech. The band responded with a statement expressing their discomfort at the idea of their music being used to bolster an ideology they clearly disagree with.
Finally, the Australian Open has provided some much-needed respite from the world's troubles - if only for those who have found themselves over-invested in the news cycle and are looking for something to do. Coco Gauff's on-court meltdown was a cathartic spectacle, while Naomi Osaka's Edwardian jellyfish outfit added an extra layer of absurdity to the proceedings.
As for Sundance, it seems that some celebrities still feel the need to show their support for Donald Trump - even if it means attending events at the White House. The launch of Amazon's Melania documentary was a timely reminder that, despite all our best efforts, the line between reality and fiction remains perilously thin.