The controversial 2005 “Access Hollywood” video of current US President Donald Trump has resurfaced on TikTok, shocking some young voters ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Some TikTok creators have been sharing clips of the video, which contains audio of Trump making lewd comments about women. At the time of its initial release in 2016, several Republican officials withdrew their support for Trump, though he went on to win the election. The video has also been cited occasionally as evidence against Trump in court cases, such as in the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial in 2019.
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Trump’s ‘grab them’ comment was more than a passing scandal; it became a stark reflection of societal attitudes towards women, power, and privilege in America. It’s astonishing to think that eight years have passed since that infamous audio surfaced, yet it feels more relevant than ever, especially now that it’s making waves among young voters on TikTok. The conversations surrounding that tape show just how much has changed—or perhaps how much has failed to change—in our political landscape and culture.
Encountering the clip on TikTok, young people are grappling with the stark reality of what Trump said. For many, this is their first exposure to a moment in history that exposed the casual misogyny of someone who once held the highest office in the land.… Continue reading
As the news of states suing TikTok over its effects on kids’ mental health circulates, I can’t help but analyze the situation from different angles. The debate surrounding social media and its impact on youth has been ongoing, with many arguments pointing fingers at both the platform itself and the parents who allow unrestricted access. While it is easy to blame TikTok for its addictive nature and potentially harmful content, the reality is that parental supervision plays a crucial role in mitigating these issues.
There is no denying that TikTok, like many other social media platforms, has the potential to negatively influence the mental health of children and adults alike.… Continue reading
The recent decision by TikTok to remove Russian state media outlets RT and Sputnik from its platform due to “covert influence operations” is quite interesting, to say the least. I mean, let’s be real, it’s not exactly a secret that these outlets have been pushing Russian propaganda for quite some time. The fact that they’re finally being called out on it is definitely a step in the right direction.
But here’s the thing – what about all the influencers they fund to spread their BS? It’s not just about RT and Sputnik, but also the individuals who are essentially puppets pushing this propaganda.… Continue reading
As the Head of Canada’s intelligence agency warns Canadians not to use TikTok, the concerns raised about the popular social media platform are undeniably valid. We are living in an age where data privacy and security have become paramount, with governments around the world closely monitoring the flow of information to protect their citizens. The fact that Chinese companies are obligated to share data with their government is a cause for alarm, especially when considering the implications of such actions.
While some may argue that data collection is a common practice among many tech companies, the key difference lies in the legal frameworks that govern these actions.… Continue reading
The tragic news of Iraqi TikTok star Umm Fahad being shot dead in Baghdad has sparked a wave of outrage, confusion, and grief across social media platforms. The details surrounding her untimely demise paint a grim picture of the dangers faced by individuals who dare to challenge societal norms, particularly in regions marked by conservative ideologies and oppressive practices.
The complex web of celebrity drama and power dynamics that allegedly led to Umm Fahad’s murder sheds light on the darker aspects of fame and influence in a society rife with corruption and impunity. Reports of her involvement with senior Iraqi officials and the subsequent threats made by a fellow influencer reveal the high stakes involved in navigating the murky waters of fame in a volatile environment where personal vendettas can escalate into fatal consequences.… Continue reading
As I scrolled through my feed and stumbled upon the news that TikTok will not be sold, ByteDance telling the US to essentially take a hike, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, there’s a sense of relief that the app I’ve grown accustomed to using won’t be disappearing from my life anytime soon. However, on the other hand, there’s a looming sense of uncertainty about what this decision means for the future of TikTok in the US.
The saga of TikTok’s potential sale has been ongoing for quite some time now, with the US government attempting to force ByteDance to divest its popular social media platform.… Continue reading
The news of Iraqi TikTok star Om Fahad, whose real name is Ghufran Sawadi, being shot dead in Baghdad is truly tragic and disheartening. It is reported that she was attacked by a lone person on a motorbike, pretending to be a food delivery person. Another woman was also injured in this cowardly act of violence. Fahad gained fame on TikTok for sharing videos of herself dancing to pop music, which earned her a considerable following. However, her success and freedom of expression were met with backlash, leading to her imprisonment for sharing videos deemed to undermine “modesty and public morality.”… Continue reading
As a resident of Wisconsin, the recent series of bomb threats faced by a middle school in our state has left me deeply disturbed. What is even more alarming is the connection these threats have to a TikTok account known as Libs of TikTok. This particular account has been identified as the source of numerous incidents where individuals or institutions mentioned in their posts subsequently received bomb threats or other forms of violent intimidation. It is appalling that such actions are being taken in response to mere social media posts.
The fact that these threats are targeting schools, libraries, hospitals, small businesses, and elected officials in multiple states is a cause for grave concern.… Continue reading
Steve Bannon suggests Donald Trump has been bought. As if this is groundbreaking news, the fact that Trump can be swayed by money or personal gain is not a shock to anyone who has been paying attention. From his business dealings to his time in office, it has always been clear that Trump is willing to do whatever it takes to benefit himself, even if it means sacrificing the well-being of the country he was elected to serve.
The recent shift in Trump’s stance on TikTok is a perfect example of his willingness to change his position based on financial incentives.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood