TOK: The Arts
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The Vogue cover image dividing America
Should we portray politicians with more respect? The cover of American Vogue has been attacked for its portrayal of the US vice-president elect, raising tensions over race and gender.
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The genius who revelled in deception
Was John le Carré really a “giant of literature”? The spy novelist’s death has prompted a host of reverential tributes – but some critics believe that they overstate his achievements.
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Elliot Page: I am transgender, says Juno star
Could this be a turning point for the film industry? A Hollywood icon has embraced his gender identity. Some say it is a landmark not only for him, but for the trans actors of tomorrow.
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Historians launch encyclopaedia of smells
Are smells the key to history? The EU is to spend £2.5m capturing ancient aromas. They hope this will help bring the past alive. Others say we will never know what it felt like at the time.
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Prince Charles blistering attack on The Crown
Has Netflix gone too far? The new series of The Crown, depicting the Prince of Wales’s troubled first marriage, has been widely criticised, and he himself is said to be furious about it.
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Bitter row over naked statue of feminist icon
Is the new statue for Mary Wollstonecraft offensive? The women’s rights activist is finally being recognised more than 200 years after she died. Now critics are asking: why is she naked?
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Paul McCartney: my lockdown ‘messing around’
Is he the greatest songwriter of all time? Paul McCartney has announced a new solo album, nearly six decades on from the height of Beatlemania. It is already being tipped as a Christmas hit.
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Excuse me for pressing you on this, but…
Have we lost the art of the interview? A series of classic conversations with 20th-century icons has just been reissued by the BBC. It reveals the surprising power of old-fashioned TV.
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Louise Glück wins Nobel prize for Literature
Does literature still matter? The American poet Louise Gluck won the Nobel Prize yesterday for her “universal” work – but some think literature is no longer a major part of modern culture.
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The school that set its sights on Hollywood
Can we all achieve our dreams? Today sees the premiere of a full-length film made by a London state school that will be streamed all over the world – making stars of its teenage actors.
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Zephaniah: the poet who set the world on fire
Does inspiration come from within? To mark Black History Month, The Day is launching a series of stories about modern black role models. Our first is the hugely popular Benjamin Zephaniah.
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Netflix deal makes Harry a Hollywood icon
Are they hypocrites? The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to become TV stars after signing a multi-year Netflix deal, six months after saying they wanted to stay out of the spotlight.
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Animal Farm at 75 ‘still as relevant as ever’
Is Animal Farm still relevant today? As Orwell’s classic celebrates its 75th birthday, some commentators warn its anti-totalitarian message remains grimly pertinent to the modern world.
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Angry fans split over future of James Bond
Should James Bond change with the times? As Hollywood producers ditch the iconic spy’s womanising ways for a more modern man, a new poll shows that fans still favour the old-fashioned 007.
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Beyoncé film sparks debate over Afrofuturism
Has Beyoncé romanticised Africa? The superstar’s new movie, the visual album Black Is King, has wowed the critics. But some say she has focused too much on what Africa was in the past.