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Argentine president watches final at home due to superstition

Latest News / Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

Out of superstition, Argentine President Alberto Fernández will follow the Qatar World Cup final between France and Argentina on his home screen.

“Like millions of my compatriots, I will enjoy the World Cup final at home,” Fernández wrote on Twitter ahead of Sunday’s game.

“I’m going to live this fantastic moment as I’ve done so far, together with my people. We’re going to do our best on the field and in the stands we’ll have a glorious crowd.” Fernández also posted a photo of excited Argentine fans in Qatar. “Besides, superstition is superstition,” Fernández wrote.

Like millions of compatriots, they will enjoy the World Cup Final at home. I will live this fantastic moment like now, with my people. En la cancha van astar los mejores de los nuestros y en la tribuna una gloriosa hinchada.
Also, cabals son cabals ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/tCbRDWyd5n
— Alberto Fernandez (@alferdez) December 17, 2022

Behind this lies a long tradition of Argentine heads of state who, after the South Americans lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the 1990 World Cup in Italy in the presence of then-president Carlos Menem, preferred to stay away from the “Albiceleste”. games in a World Cup.

Fernández was in touch with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Twitter. “Dear friend, I thank you very much and I wish you all the best for the future. Except for Sunday. Argentina is my wonderful country,” Macron replied in an exchange with future Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. If Argentina wins, Latin America will win too, Fernández said.

Argentine president watches final at home due to superstition Read More »

The UN will defend the rights of migrants on its International Day

Latest News / Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, in a Twitter message regarding the date, called for greater international support for investments in countries of origin to ensure people’s departure is an option, not a necessity.

“There is no migration crisis; there is a crisis of solidarity,” the headline wrote.

This week, a new United Nations report drew attention to how often foreign workers are being dehumanized and called for action to ensure their rights and dignity.

Titled We Wanted Workers, But Humans Came, the report finds how millions of people leave their countries each year on temporary work programs that promise economic benefits but are forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary housing because they cannot are able to pay for necessary or sufficient food and medical care. .

Regardless of the reasons that force people to leave their countries, they are among the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society and are often subject to abuse and exploitation, the United Nations noted.

They also have limited access to essential services and face xenophobic attacks and stigmatization through the spread of disinformation.

Despite this, these groups have proven to be sources of prosperity, innovation and sustainable development for countries of origin, transit and destination, while their contributions through remittances provide a lifeline for families, the source added.

It is estimated that millions of people continue to make dangerous journeys every year due to the ongoing lack of safe and regular movement routes, and since 2014 more than 50,000 migrants have lost their lives on routes around the world.

A report by the International Organization for Migration warned that “these deaths represent only part of the true total, as no state is currently publishing figures on them”.

It also stresses that despite the mounting impact of the scourge, little has been done by governments in countries of origin, transit and destination.

In 2000, in view of the increase in migration flows, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the International Day, a date on which information about the human rights and fundamental freedoms of these people is disseminated.

wmr/cgc

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Why Abbie Chatfield Vs Brittany Hockley Slut-shaming Feud Fight Is A Good Thing, writes JANA HOCKING

Entertainment News / Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

I figured this was the season to be merry, not the season to sharpen your claws.

If you’ve perused the Instagram accounts of some of Australia’s most followed women at the moment, you’ll see that cat flights abound.

Whether it’s Abbie Chatfield calling out misogyny, Roxy trying to stay relevant, Laura Byrne jumping on the bandwagon, Em Rusciano clapping back at Meshel Laurie… it’s all on the gram.

Jana Hocking says the bitch-shaming feud between Abbie Chatfield and Brittany Hockley is a good thing and online boxing matches are a sign of bravery

Abbie, 27, hit out Tuesday after learning that Brittany, who fills in for Jackie ‘O’ Henderson on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, joked about her dating life during an interview with American rapper Yung Gravy

Listen, I’m not gonna lie, I’ll make popcorn and make sure I get a front row seat, ’cause I live for drama, live for drama.

But it wasn’t until I heard a group of men giggle about it, one of whom exclaimed, “everybody hates a woman like a woman,” I stopped and thought, “Wait… are we embarrassing ourselves here? Are we living up to the popular belief that women can’t get along? Are we really trying to put each other down all the time?’

Later that day, during a WhatsApp group chat, my friends and I analyzed the fight between Brittany and Abbie, and a friend said: “I just hate that there’s female vs. female. We shouldn’t be at each other’s throats’ and at first I agreed, but then I thought about it and they’re both wrong.

You see, never before have we seen so many fierce, strong women stand up for something they believe in and it’s better not to back down just yet.

While host Kyle Sandilands was the one to conduct the conversation, Abbie said Brittany was complicit in his “misogyny” by remaining silent

WHY ARE ABBIE CHATFIELD AND BRITTANY HOCKLEY OUT?

The couple’s falling out stems from a segment on The Kyle & Jackie O Show last month in which Brittany allegedly made disrespectful comments about Abbie’s love life.

Brittany apologized for her remarks during an interview with Yung Gravy, in which she joked about his plans to date Abbie, but The Masked Singer judge said it was insufficient and only showed her “internal misogyny”.

Abbie dismissed the excuse that mistakes were made on live radio and that she tried to limit her contributions during the interview once Abbie was mentioned.

The former Bachelor star also slammed Brittany for not taking a stand against her co-host Kyle Sandilands when he said Gravy had to “get in line” if he wanted to date Abbie.

“Live radio is difficult, but if I say something off the air, I text the person immediately. But you didn’t do that to show you weren’t ashamed after you did it. You didn’t realize the very clear issue until after I called you,” she wrote.

It brings misogyny to the fore, it calls for slut shame, it makes people reconsider their values. I’m certainly wondering if it’s time to update my beliefs. Should I really laugh in 2023 if a radio host makes a sexist joke?

When I first saw Abbie walk away after finding out she’d been slut-shamed in a public forum, I thought “sister preach” because bitch-shame is my absolute favorite hate.

When Brittany reevaluated the segment and was brave enough to publicly apologize and admit that she was wrong, I thought – yes, that’s how you take responsibility for the role you played in it.

Watching someone brave enough to grab it by the chin and speak up takes big women’s balls.

And while we may not be seeing the full impact right now, I believe good old-fashioned combat is actually therapeutic. Something is obviously brewing beneath the surface.

Whether it’s Abbie constantly being called a bitch for simply living her best life, or Laura being upset by the amount of hate directed at her best friend, they both have a right to express, and both make good arguments.

No joke, if you were accumulating points it would be hard to count.

While it feels like a tennis match at the moment with each camp throwing a fresh retort across the other side of the net, they are actually airing it all out. Bleed girl, bleed!

It’s one thing to say things behind someone’s back, but here are grown women outright saying, “Hey, I have a problem with you, and here’s why.”

In this case, while the man has mysteriously gone silent, the women speak up. I call it brave.

Also, the endorphins you get from hashing cannot be replaced. Earlier this year, I got into a verbal disagreement with a friend who I felt had been screwing me for months. I lost my composure completely.

There was swearing and foot stomping and a really good shouting match. I realized I had accumulated all this anger for so long and when it finally reached capacity I just had to let it all out.

Laura Byrne (right), who co-hosts the popular podcast Life Uncut with Brittany (left), called Abbie a hypocrite for denouncing her best friend’s alleged misogynistic behavior – only to find herself hosting a troubled new dating show just two days later to be announced later.

Jana says the feud brought misogyny to the fore, cried out slut shame and made people reconsider their values

Now I’m sure there are far better ways to express yourself than screaming “fuck yourself” but my god did I feel better after letting it all out.

It took a few weeks, but once we both calmed down, we were able to be open and honest about how we were feeling and sort out what was really going on. In fact, we had a great laugh about it. Was that funny back then? no Am I glad to have it all out? Yes.

So yes, our Instagram is a bit akin to a boxing match right now, but if it gets us to think deeper about the subtle ways we shame each other, or wonder if we might be holding on to some really old misogynistic undertones , then that can’t be bad, can it?

Fight girls, address anything that was clearly bothering you, and then walk away and think hard like I did. Did your opponent score some good points? Do we learn along the way? Are we allowing people to stuff and own their Oopsy Daisies? Wouldn’t it be nice to see this end in a hug and a white flag.

Here is hope.

Why Abbie Chatfield Vs Brittany Hockley Slut-shaming Feud Fight Is A Good Thing, writes JANA HOCKING Read More »

WM: Chaos in front of the stadium

Sports News / Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

DOHA, Qatar | For all we can fault Qatar for a month they have been more than efficient in running this World Cup and handling the crowds and their movements. That was until Sunday.

While the top organizing committee sent us a press release praising the organization from David Beckham, it was the local guerrillas.

The organizing committee bluntly dropped the ball in the hours leading up to the final.

The city of Doha is completely disorganized, making access to the Lusail Stadium almost impossible.

Overcrowded subway

Several hours before the game, the subway was stormed by fans wanting to get into the stadium, both with and without tickets.

A single subway line serves the stadium, which seats almost 89,000 spectators. Even at the closing ceremony, an hour before the start of the game, it was half empty.

And this subway line also stops at Fanfest, where tens of thousands of fans watched the game on a giant screen.

Results? Completely overcrowded subway stations with hundreds of people who have to wait more than hundred meters outside to finally be told that the station is no longer operational because it is too crowded.

Msheireb Station, the equivalent of our Berri UQAM, was overwhelmed more than four hours before the meeting. It was even closed for an hour because the security forces could no longer handle the influx of passengers even crossing the security barriers.

And culmination of the disorganization, an excuse of the technical problems to make the partisans dismount two stops before the one that is near the stadium. A short walk of 11.8 kilometers…

traffic jam

What we haven’t told you yet is that we had the brilliant idea of presenting the World Cup final on Qatar’s national day.

Remember that Sunday is our Monday here. The working week is in fact from Sunday to Thursday. That means it was a long weekend.

With roads already closed due to World Cup activity and all Qataris deciding it was a good idea to drive and stick your head out of the sunroof to wave a flag, it wasn’t just downtown , but also fast to hell on the freeways too.

And when the royal motorcade headed for the stadium, things only got worse.

Many fans were either late or couldn’t make it to the stadium at all.

The nail

We saved the climax of the story for the end. Yes, the Journal rep got caught.

As the subway was very efficient up until this point, even on the busiest of days, we left our hotel room at 3:30pm for a total journey of 35-40 minutes.

After a few minutes walk when the National Museum subway station was in sight, we thought something was wrong when we saw all these people standing outside around the entrance.

We are quickly told that it is impossible to board, that the subway is not working. Hop on an Uber to a subway station closer to the stadium. The car will be here in less than three minutes, which is a good sign.

Once in the car, it doesn’t move. We consult the phone to see that all subway stations have the same problem. We then consult maps to see that all the roads are red.

Change of plan, we go to the media center in the Qatar National Convention Center.

So this text was written in an amphitheater in front of a huge screen and we were forced to watch the finale that was supposed to be the apotheosis of a month spent in Qatar.

All for that.

WM: Chaos in front of the stadium Read More »

Antonio Panzeri, Pressure from Morocco: “Convince the Socialists”. Trips astray: “It looks more credible this way”

Latest News / Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

From the publication on the internet of the “Maroc-Leaks”, a series of confidential Rabat government documents which is the substratum of the Belgian judiciary’s investigation into the corruption network that has infiltrated the European Parliament, undermines the credibility of the EU institutions, is sketched. A hacker managed to extrapolate the dense internal correspondence that Moroccan diplomacy was conducting with the Rabat Foreign Minister in order to keep him constantly updated on the “mission of the Kingdom of Morocco”. Brussels, regarding the strategic issue of Western Sahara: an area disputed with the Polisario Front and very valuable to the Moroccan government, which extracts phosphates (white gold) from the subsoil. The aim of the “mission” is to put pressure on the euro chamber and in particular on the work of the joint EU-Morocco Commission, von der Pier Antonio Panzeri (former socialist MEP arrested), 2017 Abderrahim Atmoun (current Moroccan Ambassador to Poland) and finally Pd MEP Andrea Cozzolino (now suspended after being implicated in the investigation).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Qatargate, false payslips for staff: investigations into other MPs

MEDIATION

These documents show how the more than decade-long relationship between the Maghreb state and Panzeri was born, the link that would have been used to “sway” the other socialist MPs who were notoriously more sensitive to the situation of the Saharawi refugees. There is an “urgent” letter outlining the positions of the political groups with regard to the International Trade Commission’s vote on the EU-Morocco agricultural agreement. “There is strong pressure within the S&D group against the agreement, because of the alleged impact on European agriculture, but also in view of the opportunistically instrumentalized Sahara question. The group discussed the issue in meetings described by various contacts of this mission as “stormy”. A “strong current within the S&D”, led by Panzeri, “is pushing for the separation of the agriculture agreement from the Sahara issue and promises to competent bodies of the European Parliament, in particular the Parliament, a debate on the latter question “External Affairs Committee”.

«A STRONG ALLY»

When Panzeri’s position seemed too partisan, Moroccan diplomacy immediately worked out the countermove, organizing a trip to Tindouf (in Algeria, on the border with the Saharawi refugee camps) for November 7, 2011 to reconstruct his image of impartiality in the eyes the euro chamber. “The visit to Tindouf is essential to boost Mr Panzeri’s credibility with Algeria and the Polisario Front, after they accused him of being pro-Moroccan. It is not in Morocco’s interest for Panzeri to be perceived as such – reads the confidential message from the ambassador to the EU to the then foreign minister in Rabat – In the European Parliament, great attention is paid to the Sahara issue, which is regularly raised by MEPs and heavily exploited by the pro-Polisarios, who exert great pressure (especially on the Social Democrats). The best way to manage this pressure is to contain it within the framework of the Foreign Affairs Commission and channel it through Panzeri, who is capable of being a credible interlocutor. Then Ambassador Menouar Alem (now deceased) praised the arrested former Socialist MEP, speaking of his “constructive ambiguity”, of his political agenda, which is “sometimes carried out in a dangerous manner, but always with tact and mastery”, and of the “ability “. to disturb’: all this demonstrates how it can be ‘a formidable ally or a formidable adversary’. “Aware of the delicacy of his visit to the fields of Tindouf (preceded by a four-day crossing to Rabat, ed. ed.), he is making considerable efforts not to endanger his “affairs” with Morocco definitively,” the note concludes .

The North African state’s diplomacy went on high alert when Federica Mogherini (Pd) was appointed High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and immediately devised a “counteroffensive”. “At the beginning of the motion against Morocco in the Italian Parliament, Mogherini took positions in favor of the separatist thesis on the Sahara issue. It is therefore necessary to work with friends of Morocco (high-level European officials and members of the S&D party, notably Gilles Pargneaux and Antonio Panzeri) to raise awareness of this issue,” said a confidential statement dated September 11, 2014. Years go by and Panzeri continues to exert his “influence” on the Sahara question: in 2019 he voted – together with 414 other MPs – for the fisheries agreement, which also explicitly includes Western Sahara; Annulled by the European Court of Justice in 2021 precisely because it was drafted without the consent of the Saharawi people.

Antonio Panzeri, Pressure from Morocco: “Convince the Socialists”. Trips astray: “It looks more credible this way” Read More »

one dead and five wounded in Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Belgorod region

Latest News / Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

UPDATE ON THE SITUATION – Localities and infrastructures in the region very often suffer from fires, often fatal, which Moscow attributes to the Ukrainian army.

Ukrainian shots at Belgorod, visit of the Russian defense minister to the operating room, Russian attacks on Western arms shipments… This Sunday, December 18, Le Figaro takes stock of the latest information on the war in Ukraine.

One dead and five injured in Russia’s Belgorod region

One person was killed and five others wounded in Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, on Sunday, the region’s governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram. According to him, the shots were aimed at Belgorod, the region’s capital, wounding four people and a nearby district where, “unfortunately, there is one dead and one injured.”

Also readWar in Ukraine: Russia is discreetly developing its spy satellites

The windows of several buildings were smashed and 14 houses were damaged, Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Localities and infrastructures in the region very often suffer from fires, often fatal, which Moscow attributes to the Ukrainian army. The regional capital Belgorod was also directly hit several times. The governor announced in late November that a line of fortifications was under construction along the border, without giving details of its length and location.

The Russian Defense Minister visited the theater of operations in Ukraine

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has visited the area of the military operation in Ukraine to inspect Russian forces stationed there, the Russian military said in a statement on Sunday. Sergei Shoigu “inspected the Russian forces stationed in the area of the special military operation,” including going to the front to speak with soldiers, the statement said.

Military officials on the ground also provided him with reports on the current situation on the ground and the actions of Russian forces, according to the same source. The press release does not specify when this trip took place, but its announcement comes two days after a meeting between Vladimir Putin and leaders of Russia’s operation in Ukraine, including Sergei Shoigu.

Faced with a string of military setbacks this fall, Russia, which launched an offensive in Ukraine at the end of February, has since October opted for a tactic of massive strikes targeting Ukraine’s power grids and transformers, dumping millions of civilians in the midst of cold and darkness winter

Russia claims to have prevented foreign arms shipments

The Russian army on Saturday claimed it had prevented a shipment of foreign arms to Ukraine’s armed forces after massive strikes were staged in Ukraine the day before, which led to power outages across the country.

“On Friday, December 16, a massive attack using high-precision weapons was carried out against military command systems, the military-industrial complex and energy sites of Ukraine,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement. “The goal is reached. All designated locations were attacked,” the same source said.

“As a result of the strike, a supply of foreign-made weapons and ammunition was prevented, an advance of reserves (Ukrainian Armed Forces) to combat zones was blocked, operations of manufacturing and repairing weapons (…) were suspended,” the statement said.

New Russian attacks kill five

Five people were killed in fresh Russian attacks in Ukraine on Saturday, a day after deadly bombings. The heaviest casualties from the new attacks were recorded in the central Dnepropetrovsk region, where four people were killed and 15 others injured, Ukrainian Vice President Kyrylo Tymoshenko said.

Also readHow Poland intends to create the largest land army in Europe

He added that Saturday’s shelling also left one dead and three wounded in the southern region of Kherson. For his part, its governor, Yaroslav Yanushevich, emphasized that a geriatric center in the village of Stepanivka had been hit, but without injuries.

Ukraine is striving to restore electricity supply

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv and fourteen regions were affected by power or water cuts. Measures to restore the power supply are being carried out across the country. “Our engineers and repair crews have already started work during the air raid and are doing everything possible to restore power generation and supply. This will need time. But it will be done,” said the Ukrainian President.

In Kyiv, metro service, which was halted on Friday to allow residents to seek refuge there, resumed early in the morning and water supplies were restored, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. “75% of the capital’s residents already have heating” and work is continuing to “stabilize the situation” in this area, he assured. According to regional governor Oleg Sinegoubov, power has also been restored in Kharkiv (east), Ukraine’s second largest city.

one dead and five wounded in Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Belgorod region Read More »

Christmas is only a week away! Here are the best last minute gifts – all priced under $90

Latest News / Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

Christmas is only a week away! We’ve rounded up the best last minute gifts for your loved ones in tech, beauty, home, fashion and more – and they’re ALL under $90

By Tanya Sharma for

Published: 13:54 GMT, 18 December 2022 | Updated: 13:54 GMT, 18 December 2022

SHOPPING: The products featured in this Mail Best article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase through the links on this page, earns an affiliate commission.

With just a few days left until Christmas, there’s not much time to snag gifts for everyone on your list. Luckily, there are more than a few items you can order today and receive in time.

We’ve rounded up favorites in fashion, tech, homeware, beauty and more, all under $100, so you don’t break the bank with frantic last-minute shopping. Here are some of the highlights that are available now.

This little luxury from UGG comes just in time for the winter weather. Made from a delicious combination of wool and acrylic, it has an ultra-soft feel and a classic textured finish. It’s destined to be a year-round favorite!

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Giving these earrings is like giving three pairs in one! The dangling link can be worn face forward to show off a gorgeous shine, or vice versa to reveal a solid finish. Or the wearer can disconnect entirely and rock the adorable huggies solo. Who doesn’t love options?

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This handwoven throw adds a distinctive finishing touch to any living room or bedroom. It’s made from ultra-soft acrylic and nylon yarns with a statement check pattern in a medley of festive tones. It’s great for curling up on the couch or tossing around on the bed on a chilly evening.

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Pillow Talk is Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic lip color, a gorgeous nude pink that flatters a wide range of skin tones. This kit contains four different formulas, including matte and creamy lipsticks, an eyeliner and a gloss in this pretty shade.

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If you never go without your headphones and value good style, you’ll love how this set brings a fashionable touch to your life. With a comfortable fit, beautiful color and built-in controls for adjusting the volume and taking calls, this is perfect for every need.

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This innovative sleep mask will make every night more restful. It is enriched with fragrance-free microbeads that weigh down the capsules and apply intense yet comfortable pressure to the eye area to relieve stress and help you sleep better.

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Suitable for both students and professionals, this backpack from Herschel Supply Co. offers a streamlined silhouette without sacrificing space. With details such as inner and outer pockets, there is enough space for all the important things of everyday life.

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Filled with some of Sugarfina’s very best candy, this bento box includes eight flavors like Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel, Peppermint Marshmallow Puffs, Cranberry Cocktail Bears, Espresso Martini and Holiday Gift Gummy Candy.

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This solid knit is a must have for the cool weeks ahead. Wonderfully soft and warm, it features three distinctive patterns on a modern silhouette. The golden honey shade is the perfect partner for everything from blue jeans to black pants.

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For people who love to cook but don’t have enough space in the kitchen, a compact air fryer like this is the perfect solution. The 2.1 liter capacity is just right for preparing your favorites – without taking up too much space.

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Christmas is only a week away! Here are the best last minute gifts – all priced under $90 Read More »

Why We Can’t Get Enough of Wednesday Dance

Entertainment News / Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected]

CNN —

Wednesday Addams doesn’t do anything by mistake. As the most stoic and thoughtful member of the Addams Family, she rarely makes unnecessary movements, including smiling and blinking.

When the spirit of dancing took hold of the typically grumpy teenager at her school dance in the new Netflix series that bears her name, it immediately caused a stir, on and off screen.

The brief scene accounts for less than three minutes of the entire series, but has quickly become “Wednesday’s” most iconic moment for how free our wacky protagonist seems to feel. Her eyes betray a rare, creepy passion. Her limbs, usually taped to her side, are flung around freely. The dance is her, sure – lots of rigorous, stilted moves and cues from decades past. Surely no one could mistake Wednesday dance for the latest TikTok trend, right?

Something about that quirky dance sparked something strange in all of us, and it started faster than a fire at Camp Chippewa. Clips of the choreography inspired viewers to watch the series, making it one of the streamer’s most-watched shows of all time (“Stranger Things,” who?). Its online popularity propelled Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary” back up the charts more than a decade after the song’s release, and it’s only been featured on fan-made TikToks, not the show itself! “Wednesday” star Jenna Ortega’s admission that she choreographed the choreography herself invited new fans – including celebrities – to try it out and even infuse the routine with moves from their own culture.

Wednesday Addams would probably be embarrassed knowing her moves have gone mainstream, shudder, but her dance just won’t die — and she might just enjoy it. This gives the “Wednesday” dance its supernatural staying power.

The “Wednesday” dance scene only made its debut a month ago, but it already has a certain “mythology,” said Jenna Drenten, an associate professor of marketing at Loyola University Chicago, who studies how users of TikTok and other digital platforms interact express their identity.

Most of the scene’s lore was developed off-screen. Ortega, who plays a teenage wednesday with her pitch black humor, said she choreographed the routine herself. she counted among her influences were Bob Fosse, Siouxsie Sioux and ’80s goth dance clubs (she probably snuck in some references to the ’60s TV series The Addams Family, too).

The Cramps set the dance to music on Wednesday in their eponymous Netflix series.

Additionally, Ortega has admitted that she’s not a trained dancer, which perhaps makes her routine even more inviting to non-dancers who found the routine on TikTok, Drenten said.

“I’m not a dancer and I’m sure that’s obvious,” Ortega told NME.

But Ortega’s involvement has also sparked outrage – she told NME she filmed part of the dance while awaiting Covid-19 test results, which later came back positive. This prompted some to condemn the production for not following proper on-set Covid-19 prevention protocols – but ‘Wednesday’ continued to make waves.

The viral trends that stay in the cultural conversation the longest don’t usually just stay on their platform of origin, Drenten said. Check out the Corn Kid: He appeared on a YouTube series singing the praises of the corn on the cob, then clips of his performance went viral on TikTok and he’s continued to work with him ever since chipotleGreen Giant and the State of South Dakota promoting corn offline.

“To achieve longer shelf life, TikTok trends need to make the leap into a cultural trend beyond the confines of TikTok,” she said. “The ‘Wednesday’ dance had an advantage in that sense because the dance and the legacy of ‘The Addams Family’ have been outside of TikTok since the beginning.”

There is something else about the “Wednesday” dance – the human tendency to learn a dance for social currency.

Think electric slide, macarena, cupid shuffle—bat mitzvah and wedding standards, moves many of us know so well we can do them without thinking. Performing them en masse at such an event might feel like a Pavlovian reaction to a DJ’s song choices, but it’s also a shared ritual that encourages “a sense of solidarity and belonging,” Drenten said.

“Every gesture and movement inherently allows the person performing it to say, ‘I understand, I know, we have this shared experience,'” Drenten said.

It’s one of the reasons dance routines, from “Renegade” to Lizzo’s “About Damn Time,” so often dominate TikTok. But bucking those trends, the “Wednesday” dance wasn’t set to a popular song, though The Cramps’ punk anthem “Goo Goo Muck” has since garnered some new fans. The moves were easy to learn, said Drenten, “simple but unique.”

Lady Gaga put her own spin on the now iconic story

But it took Lady Gaga to take the “Wednesday” dance to the stratosphere. The version that has gone viral on TikTok is a sort of “fancam,” or mashup of clips, to match Gaga’s “Bloody Mary,” a biblical ode to uninhibited dancing. Even Mother Monster herself performed a version of the “Wednesday” dance, sporting two long pigtails.

Millions of users have since put their own spin on Wednesday’s school dance solo, with some users incorporating Polynesian or Indian dance styles into their versions or creating their own Wednesday looks (Thing, the disembodied hand, included!).

Belonging, of course, contrasts with Wednesday’s ethos, which has never bothered to fit in. She’s perfectly content on an island of her own, where the sun never shines and old-fashioned tools of torture abound. Wednesday’s idiosyncratic moves, copied so widely, may diminish her status as the patron saint of the mad — except that Wednesday’s style and demeanor has been copied for decades.

Wednesday Addams has existed in some form since the late 1930s — first as an unnamed comic book character, then as a tiny child on a TV sitcom, then, in its most famous iteration before the premiere of “Wednesday,” as the dead-eyed Christina Ricci. And Wednesday fans have dressed up like her for decades, Drenten said, often inspired by Ricci’s portrayal. The eldest Addams child is no longer a secret for her biggest fans to hide from mainstream pop culture.

Since debuting on Wednesday, her uncompromising commitment to the macabre has made her an idiosyncratic icon for loners and goth aficionados alike. Yet she is still an “outlier” among the women and girls of fiction, wrote Emily Alford for Longreads, because she has never softened or committed to particular story tropes. She is what she is and she doesn’t change.

“She brought to screen a morbid self-acceptance that set her apart and became a crucial blueprint for a generation of girls to develop their own gallows humor,” wrote Alford.

And now many of these girls and other users can be found on TikTok, where niche communities can flourish (or reach mainstream users). The app is a “space for people to find out who they are and, more importantly, to find other people who share the same interests,” Drenten said, although those interests include cosplaying as certain dispassionate teenagers.

“TikTok arguably encourages a lot of reproduction and users may feel pressure to act, appear and look a certain way,” Drenten said. “But Wednesday reminds people that being themselves in this sea of equality is liberating.”

Why We Can’t Get Enough of Wednesday Dance Read More »