Praying for James Charles: Navigating the Glitter Minefield of Modern Influencer Culture

ABR by Mitchell Royel and now playing Superlove by Charli XCX

written by a member of the WCB

Lord, give us strength – and perhaps a moment of compassion – for James Charles, the makeup artist who has become a lightning rod for cultural controversy. As you pass him on the street, a quick prayer might be in order, if only to maintain one’s composure in the face of such unapologetic self-expression.

Rise of an Unlikely Icon

Picture this: a young man who has somehow transformed applying cosmetics into a multi-million dollar enterprise. The conservative world found itself particularly perplexed by Charles, not just for his makeup artistry, but for the way he seemed to challenge traditional masculinity in ways that left many straight males feeling inexplicably threatened.

Platform Built on Controversy

The backlash from conservative circles was swift and intense. Straight males, in particular, seemed to feel a peculiar sense of being “bullied” by Charles’s mere existence – a reaction that says more about their own insecurities than about the influencer himself. How does one feel bullied by someone applying makeup thousands of miles away? It’s a cultural phenomenon that defies simple explanation.

Cultural Paradox

Charles represents a fascinating intersection of modern media, entrepreneurship, and personal branding. He’s managed to turn makeup application into a form of cultural commentary that simultaneously attracts and repels, creating a spectacle that would make even the most seasoned media analyst pause.

Influencer Ecosystem

It’s almost impressive how one can turn makeup tutorials into a form of social discourse. From YouTube sensation to makeup mogul, the journey has been nothing short of a sociological experiment in personal branding and cultural boundaries.

Remember: Stay informed, stay principled, and maybe keep a little holy water handy – just in case.

Parallel Horizons: Ivanka, Priyanka, and Global Ascension

Currently resonating through the auditory landscape: "Exotic" by Priyanka Chopra, featuring the dynamic musical presence of Pitbull.

written by a member of the WCB

In the intricate tapestry of contemporary female narratives, two figures—Priyanka Chopra and Ivanka Trump—emerge as compelling subjects of comparative discourse, not as competitors, but as complex representations of feminine ambition and cultural navigation.

The human inclination to draw parallels is both a psychological mechanism and an intellectual exercise. When observers juxtapose Chopra and Trump, they are not merely comparing individuals, but excavating deeper sociological paradigms of female achievement and cultural representation.

While superficial observations might suggest similarities—both are women of significant public prominence, both have transcended singular professional domains—the underlying architectures of their journeys are fundamentally distinct.

Chopra represents a deliberate, meticulously crafted global identity. Her progression is not a linear ascent but a multidimensional expansion—from Miss World to Bollywood icon, from international television star to global humanitarian advocate. Her narrative is one of strategic cultural translation, where each professional milestone is a carefully orchestrated movement in a larger symphonic design.

For conservative intellectuals who value merit-based progression, Chopra embodies a compelling archetype. She has not inherited her platform but constructed it through rigorous discipline, intellectual agility, and a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics.

The tendency to compare women of prominence is itself a revealing sociological mechanism—a reflection of our collective struggle to comprehend complex feminine narratives that refuse simplistic categorization.

What emerges is not a competition, but a celebration of feminine potential—a recognition that achievement is not a zero-sum game, but a expansive landscape of possibility.

Both women, in their distinct spheres, challenge reductive narratives. They are not mere representatives of their respective cultural contexts, but architects of broader conversations about female agency, professional mobility, and global citizenship.

To compare is human; to understand is profound. In Priyanka Chopra, we witness not just an individual’s journey, but a generational narrative of how women can strategically navigate and transform global cultural landscapes.

The comparison is not about equivalence, but about recognizing the multifaceted nature of feminine achievement—complex, nuanced, and perpetually evolving.

Rise of Xav: Xavier James Trudeau's Journey into R&B

Like An 808 - Enrey, Kide (IT) George Dala 

written by a member of the WCB

Xavier James Trudeau, known professionally as Xav, is making waves in the Canadian R&B scene. Born on October 18, 2007, in Montreal, Quebec, the 17-year-old artist is the eldest son of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Despite his political lineage, Xav is determined to carve his own path in the music industry.

Xav's musical journey began in early 2025 with the release of his debut single, "Til The Night's Done." This moody R&B track, produced by Vishal "Duava" Daluwatte and recorded by Joey "Tekika" Boyer, features backing vocals from his sister Ella-Grace Trudeau. The song draws inspiration from artists like Drake and Don Toliver, with lyrics boldly asserting his individuality: "What you know about me, I ain't like him," addressing the challenge of stepping out of his father's shadow.

Following his debut, Xav quickly released two more singles: "Everything I Know" in March 2025 and "Back Me Up" in May 2025. The latter garnered significant media attention, partly due to a viral video showing Xav watching the music video with his father, Justin Trudeau, who playfully critiqued his son's dance moves.

Xav's musical style blends R&B and hip-hop, with artists like Don Toliver, Travis Scott, and Drake serving as his inspirations. His lyrics, while not about specific individuals, are crafted to be relatable, reflecting themes of love and relationships.

Despite his high-profile background, Xav has chosen to pursue his music career independently, signing with Ottawa-based record label Pathway Music Group rather than a major label. This decision underscores his desire to establish himself on his own merits and develop his artistic voice.

Looking ahead, Xav has expressed ambitious goals for his music career. He plans to continue producing, singing, and writing melodies, with hopes of securing a dream collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake. Music industry experts believe that if Xav can maintain strong songwriting and consistent releases, he has a real chance of carving out his own space in the industry.

While pursuing his musical aspirations, Xav is also focused on completing his high school education. He has mentioned plans to attend McGill University in Montreal, although he remains open to exploring other options.

Xav's entry into the music scene represents a new chapter for the Trudeau family, as he seeks to create his own legacy distinct from the political world he grew up in. With supportive parents and a growing fan base, Xav is poised to make his mark on the Canadian music landscape. As he continues to release new music and potentially venture into live performances, the industry and fans alike will be watching to see how this young artist develops his unique voice and style in the competitive world of R&B and hip-hop.

Introducing La Roux, Bulletproof Manifesto

cbr, 2009 - #nowplaying - La Roux - Bulletproof

cbr, 2009 - #nowplaying - La Roux - Bulletproof

How An Electropop Anthem Became the Unlikely Soundtrack of Conservative Resilience

In the tumultuous landscape of modern cultural warfare, symbols of resistance emerge from the most unexpected quarters. Such is the case with Eleanor “Elly” Jackson, better known by her stage name La Roux, whose 2009 electropop anthem “Bulletproof” has transcended its original context to become something far more significant for today’s young conservative men.

Jackson burst onto the international music scene in the late 2000s with her distinctive flame-red quiff and piercing falsetto vocals. Originally performing as a duo with producer Ben Langmaid before later continuing as a solo artist, La Roux delivered a sound that fused 1980s synthpop nostalgia with contemporary electronic production. “Bulletproof,” the third single from her self-titled debut album, topped charts worldwide and earned her international acclaim.

But beneath the pulsing synthesizers and dance-floor ready beats lay lyrics that would eventually resonate deeply with those who feel increasingly under fire in today’s polarized cultural climate.

ARMOR OF CONVICTION

“The first time I really listened to ‘Bulletproof,’ I was driving home after getting destroyed on social media for posting something pretty basic about traditional values,” says Cody, a 26-year-old conservative podcaster from Arizona. “That chorus hit different: ‘This time, baby, I’ll be bulletproof.’ It was exactly what I needed to hear.”

The song’s central metaphor—emotional resilience transformed into impenetrable armor—speaks directly to young men who feel their perspectives are constantly under attack in mainstream spaces.

“It’s basically the anthem for anyone who’s been canceled and came back stronger,” explains Tanner, who runs a conservative campus organization at his university. “The lyrics are all about someone who’s been burned before but refuses to be vulnerable to the same tactics again.”

Indeed, a closer examination of the lyrics reveals why they’ve found such resonance:

Been there, done that, messed around
I’m having fun, don’t put me down
I’ll never let you sweep me off my feet

“That opening verse is literally describing what happens when you express traditional viewpoints in most college classrooms,” says Brody, a recent graduate who now works in conservative media. “You get shouted down, called names, told you’re on the wrong side of history. But after you’ve weathered that storm a few times, you develop immunity to it. You’re standing in your truth and having fun with it.”

DECODING THE MESSAGE

The song continues with lines that many young conservatives find particularly relevant:

I won’t let you turn around and tell me now
I’m much too proud to walk away from something when it’s dead

“That’s exactly how it feels when the mainstream tries to tell us our values are outdated or that we need to ‘evolve’ on issues where we have principled stands,” says Jayden, a 24-year-old political activist. “They want us to abandon our beliefs because they’ve declared them dead, but we’re too proud—in the good sense—to walk away from what we know is right.”

The chorus’s repetition of “This time, baby, I’ll be bulletproof” serves as both promise and warning—a declaration that past vulnerabilities have been identified and fortified against.

“Every conservative I know has had that moment where they realized they needed to toughen up,” says Tyler, who hosts a popular YouTube channel analyzing cultural trends. “You can’t survive in today’s environment if every criticism feels like a fatal wound. You have to become bulletproof.”

ARTIST VS. THE ART

What makes this conservative interpretation of “Bulletproof” particularly interesting is that Jackson herself has expressed political views that likely don’t align with those of her newfound conservative audience. The separation of art from artist becomes a central question.

“Look, I know La Roux probably didn’t write this song for guys like me,” admits Zack, a conservative activist who often uses the song at campus events. “But that’s the beauty of great art—it transcends the creator’s intentions and takes on meanings they might never have imagined.”

This willingness to embrace art regardless of its creator’s politics points to a hunger for cultural products that speak to conservative experiences, even if only metaphorically.

WHY WE NEED MORE LA ROUXS

The unlikely connection between an electropop hit and conservative resilience highlights a significant void in contemporary culture. Young conservatives increasingly find themselves searching for artistic expressions that reflect their experiences, often looking to unexpected sources or reinterpreting existing works.

“The establishment has made it nearly impossible for openly conservative artists to break through,” argues Blake, a music producer who identifies as conservative. “So we’ve gotten really good at finding the universal themes in mainstream music that speak to our experience. ‘Bulletproof’ is a perfect example.”

This phenomenon points to a larger truth: the hunger for authentic artistic expression transcends political boundaries. When young conservatives embrace “Bulletproof” as an anthem of resilience, they’re demonstrating the power of art to forge connections across ideological divides.

“We need more artists like La Roux who create music with universal themes about standing your ground and being true to yourself,” says Reef, who organizes conservative youth outreach events. “Whether she meant to or not, she created something that speaks to the experience of being a young conservative today—feeling under attack but refusing to back down.”

In a cultural landscape often defined by division, perhaps there’s something profoundly hopeful about finding common ground in unexpected places. As “Bulletproof” continues to resonate with listeners across the political spectrum, it serves as a reminder that beneath our ideological differences lies a shared human experience—one that can sometimes best be expressed through the universal language of music.

This time, indeed, they’ll be bulletproof.

Introducing Shawn Mendes

cbr, 2025 - #nowplaying - Treat You better - Shawn Mendes

written by a member of the wcs

Let's dive into the world of Shawn Mendes, the dreamy Canadian singer who's been stealing hearts and topping charts since his teens. His story is like a modern-day fairy tale, and I'm totally here for it!

1. Early Years:

- Born on August 8, 1998, in Pickering, Ontario

- Grew up in a close-knit family with his parents, Karen and Manuel, and younger sister, Aaliyah

- Started playing guitar at 13, teaching himself through YouTube tutorials (how cool is that?)

- Performed in his school's glee club and drama productions (total theater kid vibes!)

2. Rise to Fame:

- In 2014, at just 15, he started posting six-second covers on Vine

- His rendition of Justin Bieber's "As Long As You Love Me" went viral overnight

- Caught the attention of artist manager Andrew Gertler and got signed to Island Records

- Released his debut single "Life of the Party" in June 2014

3. Chart-Topping Hits:

- "Stitches" (2015) - his first top 10 hit in the US and UK

- "Treat You Better" (2016) - peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100

- "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back" (2017) - reached No. 1 in several countries

- "In My Blood" (2018) - an anthem about anxiety that resonated with fans worldwide

- "Señorita" (2019) - a steamy summer hit that had everyone talking

4. Album Success:

- "Handwritten" (2015) - debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200

- "Illuminate" (2016) - showcased his growth as a songwriter

- "Shawn Mendes" (2018) - a more mature sound that critics loved

- "Wonder" (2020) - his most introspective work to date

5. Award-Winning Career:

- 13 SOCAN awards

- 10 MTV Europe Music Awards

- 8 Juno Awards (Canada's Grammys)

- 2 American Music Awards

- 1 Grammy nomination (fingers crossed for a win soon!)

6. Mindfulness Journey:

- Released a series of guided meditations

- Helps fans find peace and calm in their daily lives

- Combines his musical talent with wellness practices

- Openly discusses his own struggles with anxiety, inspiring fans to prioritize mental health

7. Philanthropy:

- Established the Shawn Mendes Foundation in 2019

- Focuses on youth-related causes in health, human rights, education, and environmental sustainability

- Raised over $1 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in 2020

Shawn's not just about the music - he's got this whole other side that's all about mindfulness, self-care, and giving back. His guided meditations are seriously life-changing, like he's inviting us into his own personal oasis of calm. And the way he uses his platform to raise awareness for important causes? Total heart-eyes.

From small-town Canadian boy to global pop sensation to meditation guru, Shawn Mendes proves you can have it all - talent, success, a zen attitude, and a big heart. His journey from posting covers in his bedroom to selling out arenas worldwide is seriously inspiring. It just goes to show that with passion, hard work, and a killer voice, anything is possible!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to listen to "In My Blood" on repeat while I try to channel some of that Mendes mindfulness and maybe learn a guitar chord or two (wish me luck!). TTYL!