HOME IMPROVEMENT

A Dig at Twitter Cancel Culture

Published

5 years ago

May 6, 2021

Although I own a Twitter account, I have been unwilling to touch it ever since my little brother began running an Animal Crossing account about a year ago and got brutally cancelled by Animal Crossing Twitter for saying he disliked one of the villagers. I can’t believe I just wrote that sentence. The fact that people were willing to send floods of hate to a 12-year-old for personally disliking a video game character made me more than doubtful of the validity of Cancel Culture.

And yet, I have seen #cancelled do a lot more good than harass children. For example, during the #MeToo movement, #cancelled was used to bring attention to people like Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, and R.Kelly, who had managed to escape scrutiny from the media for their sexual assaults on countless women.

At its best, Cancel Culture is a tool that the public sphere uses to hold public figures accountable for their actions, and to inspire conversation around controversial topics. At its most mediocre, where it tends to sit, it is used to bully people for holding dissenting opinions. And at its very worst, Cancel Culture is thousands of people on Twitter allowing their opinions to be swayed by a few incendiary tweets, and collectively shaming a single person more for the sake of performative activism than for any genuine care for the issue at hand.

When did Cancel Culture become so petty? Is the same Cancel Culture that took out my 12-year-old brother over an Animal Crossing tweet the same Cancel Culture that pushed forward important movements like #MeToo?

THE “MEME-IFICATION” OF THE WORD “CANCEL”

Ever since the word “cancel” began being used in 2017 to refer to “the practice or tendency of engaging in mass canceling as a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure,” its meaning has lost respectability and, to be fair, has always been somewhat vague. To cancel something, in the traditional sense, is to stop something from happening or continuing. In the case of cancelling somebody, this meaning took on the form of deciding to no longer support or partake in the work of a public figure, usually a celebrity.

Along with serious offenders like Harvey Weinstein, Twitter users have also come after people like singer Doja Cat for allegedly “saying something racist in a video chat room” (though with no evidence), TikTok stars Charli and Dixie D’Amelio for not being grateful enough to their chef, and most recently, YouTube video essayist Lindsay Ellis for tweeting this very controversial tweet, which led people to accuse her of being racist towards Asians:

In the case of Lindsay Ellis, Twitter users were going as far as to fabricate problematic tweets (which is not uncommon in the practice of getting people cancelled), sending her death threats, and reposting old videos of her that were triggering to her, as she is a survivor of sexual assault. While I will say more on this a later, it is important to note that all of this began with her posting a harmless tweet about her take on a Disney movie.

The problem is that anyone can be cancelled, and not for very much. Because cancel culture has been so overused, to be “cancelled” has lost all the meaning it once held. This undermines the seriousness of holding people accountable when they do things that are actually harmful. The same word that is applied to the likes of Bill Cosby is also applied to small content creators for essentially just being annoying.

The word cancelled has simply been overused to the point of it being a meme. Especially considering that people like James Charles, Chris Pratt, Lizzo, and Lana Del Ray get cancelled every other day it seems, but their careers never seem to suffer largely for it. What does it even mean to be cancelled? Along with this, we must also ask, does anyone actually pay any meaningful consequences?

THE DISCOURAGEMENT OF OPEN CONVERSATION FACILITATED BY THE STRUCTURE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

The function of the Twitter hashtag allows things to trend and be easily found by users. You can have up to 280 characters in a single tweet. This means that Twitter allows users to send out short bursts of thought that leave no room for nuanced opinion to thousands of people every day. Misunderstandings are bound to happen. Tweeting popular hashtags increases the likelihood of your tweet being seen by others, something that most users want. So, whenever #DojaCatIsOverParty is trending, people are likely to hop on the bandwagon and spread the wave of hate without fully forming their own opinions. Twitter as a platform is great for sharing short messages, but it is limited when it comes to encouraging people to hold free-flowing conversations.

THE WEAPONIZATION OF PEOPLE’S PASTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Another phenomenon that is often seen in cancel culture is the weaponization of people’s online histories, which ever since the rise of social media has become more and more accessible. In many cases when someone is cancelled, people will go into a frenzy of digging up old tweets, Facebook posts from six years ago, and the like, in order to find anything potentially problematic that could further tarnish a person’s character, which would then reinforce the need of getting them #cancelled. Truth to be told, while many times these posts are fabricated or are a stretch from begin called harmful, other times, truly problematic material is found.

Going back to the case of Lindsay Ellis for example, a particular Twitter user compiled a list of some of Ellis’s old and problematic content, such as old tweets filled with sarcastic comments about being bisexual, and also videos from 10 years ago where she mocked rape culture in potentially triggering ways. The user circulated this once (mostly white) people began accusing Ellis of being racist towards Asians after posting her tweet where she compared Disney movie Raya and the Last Dragon to Avatar (which is honestly spot on, go watch it for yourself if you don’t believe me). When being presented with this list of “sins” on Ellis’ part, it is hard to not immediately jump to the conclusion that Ellis is a bad person. However, in her video Mask Off, Ellis addresses each of these “sins” one by one explaining that she made the tweets about bisexuality because she felt she was regularly ostracized from the LGBTQ+ community for being only “half gay” and therefore had too much privilege to feel at all conflicted about her sexuality (although she struggled with accepting it for most of her life). In regards to her video joking about rape culture, Ellis explained she made it during a dark time in her life where she had just been assaulted and was using humor to cope with it.

When I learned about this context, I couldn’t help but feel differently about the accusations against her. While the content she posted was certainly offensive, it was also from several years ago, mostly came from a place of pain, and is completely overshadowed by her well-made video essays where she often calls out how racism, sexism, and homophobia shape the way we consume media.

I will be the first to agree that we should hold people accountable to their actions no matter how much time has passed, but with that being said, who hasn’t made mistakes in the past? Social media and the internet in general have made our online histories easily accessible so that people can see who we were as individuals, from years ago, distorting the people that we are today.

In the case of Cancel Culture, people weaponize each other’s pasts in order to get others cancelled, as they did with Ellis, which prevents people from growing. I don’t know anyone who has never been “problematic”. And personally speaking, I would not want to be defined by who I was 10 years ago.

HEALTH

How I Fixed My Back Pain Without Visiting a Chiropractor — The Driving Upgrade I Didn’t Expect

Published

5 days ago

December 8, 2025

Maha Saeed

For months, I kept telling myself the same lie when my back started hurting:

“It’s just stress.”
“I slept wrong.”
“It’ll go away on its own.”

But the truth was harder to accept.

My back pain didn’t come from the gym.
It didn’t come from sleeping wrong.
It didn’t come from bad posture at my desk.

It came from something I never expected:
Driving.

Not once did it cross my mind that the thing I did every single day — sometimes for hours — could be the reason my lower back felt like it was tightening more and more each week.

But one particular morning finally revealed the truth.

1. The Morning Everything Hit Me at Once

I woke up feeling okay.
Nothing unusual.

I got ready, grabbed my coffee, and headed out to my car like I always do. The moment I sat down and leaned back into the seat… something pinched. Not sharp, but deep — like a knot that had been sitting there waiting to say “good morning.”

By the time I reached the freeway, that little pinch grew into a stiff ache.
By the time I parked at work, I had to stretch just to stand up straight.

I remember thinking:

“Why does a 30-minute drive hurt more than lifting weights?”

That’s when I realized my back wasn’t “randomly” bothering me.
It was happening every day — right after driving.

And that small pattern changed everything.

2. I Tried Everything Except the One Thing That Actually Mattered

Like most people who don’t want to visit a chiropractor right away, I tried:

Heating pads
Stretching
Lower back exercises
Massage guns
Rolling on a foam roller
Swapping yoga with Pilates
Strengthening my core

Some of it helped… but only temporarily.

It didn’t fix the root problem.

The pain always returned — especially after long drives.
And that’s when my frustration turned into a mission:
I needed to figure out exactly what was causing this.

3. The Shocking Discovery: My Car Seat Was the Problem

I came across an article talking about how standard car seats are designed for safety and style — but not for ergonomics.

Then I read this sentence and felt strangely attacked:

“Most car seats flatten your spine and force you into a posture that causes lower back compression.”

It explained everything I was feeling:

The tightness
The pressure
The aching
The stiffness
The fatigue after even short trips

I started paying attention, and sure enough — halfway into a drive, my posture would collapse. My hips would tilt, my lower back would round, and all the pressure would fall right on the same painful spot.

I wasn’t ruining my back at the gym.
I was ruining it in my car.

4. The Unexpected Upgrade That Actually Fixed It

I didn’t want to spend hundreds on chiropractor sessions.
I didn’t want injections, adjustments, or medical bills.

So I searched for a simple, practical fix — something that could support my back while I was driving instead of making the problem worse.

That’s when I stumbled across the idea of using a car seat cushion.

I wasn’t convinced at first.
It sounded too easy.
Too small.
Too basic.

But the more I researched, the more I realized cushions are specifically designed to:

Improve posture
Correct pelvic tilt
Reduce pressure on the spine
Support the natural “S” shape of the back
Prevent tailbone compression
Help you sit properly without effort

It made sense.

My seat wasn’t the problem —
the lack of support was.

So I bought a cushion from a brand focused on practical driving comfort — AlexCar, which I kept seeing recommended for everyday ergonomic upgrades.

That small decision changed everything.

5. The First Drive With a Cushion Felt Like a Different Car

On the day it arrived, I opened the package, tossed the cushion on my seat, and drove to grab lunch.

And I swear, within minutes, I felt the difference.

✔ My hips stayed aligned

I didn’t slide into bad posture.

✔ My lower back felt supported

The pressure I usually felt disappeared.

✔ I wasn’t shifting around

For once, I wasn’t chasing a comfortable position.

✔ My tailbone wasn’t compressed

That deep ache I usually felt? Completely gone.

I remember parking, stepping out, and thinking:

“Is this what comfortable driving feels like?”

It didn’t fix my back instantly — nothing does — but it stopped the cause of the pain, and that’s what mattered most.

6. Small Change, Huge Results: How My Back Started Healing Naturally

Over the next week, something incredible happened.

The pain started fading.
The stiffness loosened up.
The pressure I felt after long drives disappeared.
Even standing and walking felt easier.

And I wasn’t doing anything dramatic —
I was just giving my spine the support it needed every time I sat in the car.

The more consistent I was, the faster my body healed.

The turning point came during a 90-minute drive one Sunday. Normally that would’ve left me sore for hours. Instead, when I arrived, I stood up and felt…

Nothing. No pain. No stiffness. No pressure.

That’s when I knew the real enemy wasn’t my back —
It was the seat I had been sitting on for years.

7. Why This Simple Fix Works Better Than You Think

A car seat cushion helps because it does what your car seat doesn’t:

✔ It restores proper posture

Your spine stays in a natural curve instead of collapsing forward.

✔ It reduces strain on your lower back

Support = less compression on your discs.

✔ It keeps your hips level

No more tilting that twists your lower spine.

✔ It improves blood flow

Your legs don’t go numb or heavy.

✔ It eliminates slouching

Your core stays relaxed, not overworked.

Driving no longer felt like a battle between me and my seat.

It felt… effortless.

8. The Best Part? I Didn’t Need a Chiropractor After All

I still believe chiropractors are helpful — but I didn’t need one.
My pain wasn’t coming from an injury or medical condition.

It was coming from bad sitting support.

Once that changed, everything changed:

No more morning stiffness
No more stretching the moment I step out
No more pain halfway through a commute
No more dreading long drives

I actually enjoy driving again.

That’s something I didn’t expect a small upgrade to fix.

Final Thoughts: The Fix You Never Realized You Needed

Back pain doesn’t start with one big moment.
It starts with tiny habits — the way you sit, the pressure you ignore, the discomfort you get used to.

And for many of us, the root cause is sitting in a position our bodies were never designed for.

A supportive car seat cushion won’t replace medical treatment if you truly need it —
but for everyday drivers dealing with chronic discomfort?

It might be the one upgrade that changes everything.

It certainly was for me.

I didn’t need injections.
I didn’t need adjustments.
I didn’t need weekly appointments.

I just needed the right support — something simple, something smart, something I never realized I was missing.

And now?

My back feels better than it has in years.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Why You Should Explore All Fitness Specialties Before Choosing Your Path

Published

3 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

Sting Fellows

Introduction
The fitness industry offers countless opportunities, from strength and conditioning to yoga, MMA, and sport-specific training. While many new professionals may feel pressured to choose a single path quickly, exploring all available specialties first can help you make an informed decision. Understanding the variety of certifications and career options allows you to align your skills and passions with the best opportunities. By exploring before committing, you set yourself up for long-term success and satisfaction in your fitness career.

Benefits of Exploring Multiple Specialties
Taking time to explore different areas of fitness provides several advantages:

Helps identify your true interests and strengths
Broadens your knowledge of training techniques and approaches
Increases versatility for working with diverse clients
Opens up opportunities for higher-paying or niche roles

A broad perspective ensures you make choices that match both your passion and your professional goals.

The Role of a Fitness Specialist
Fitness specialists have the skills to focus on specific client needs and training goals. Their responsibilities include:

Designing programs that target performance, flexibility, or strength
Monitoring client progress and adjusting plans accordingly
Teaching safe techniques to prevent injury
Educating clients on nutrition, recovery, and wellness

Specialists provide more value than general trainers by offering expertise tailored to the needs of their clients.

Why Certification Matters
Certification demonstrates expertise and builds credibility. By exploring various certifications, you can:

Gain recognition as a qualified professional
Learn best practices for training, assessment, and safety
Access opportunities in gyms, wellness centers, or private coaching
Build confidence in designing effective programs for different populations

Certification programs cover anatomy, exercise science, client assessment, program design, and specialty techniques, preparing you for a successful career.

Key Skills Needed in Fitness Specialties
Regardless of the specialty you choose, certain skills are essential:

Communication to instruct and motivate clients effectively
Observation and analytical skills to track progress and correct techniques
Knowledge of injury prevention and safe training methods
Flexibility to adapt programs for varying client levels and goals

These skills ensure you provide safe, results-driven, and personalized programs.

Steps to Explore Fitness Specialties
To make the most informed decision about your fitness career:

Research the range of available certifications and specialties
Attend workshops, seminars, or training sessions to gain hands-on experience
Evaluate your personal interests and strengths
Consult professionals in different fields to learn about their experiences

This approach helps you discover the path that fits your skills, interests, and long-term goals.

Impact on Clients and Career
Specialized training allows professionals to create measurable results for clients. Many clients struggle with plateaus, ineffective programs, or lack of guidance. A knowledgeable specialist provides:

Customized programs for strength, endurance, flexibility, or sport-specific skills
Support and motivation to maintain consistency
Guidance to prevent injuries and improve performance

Helping clients reach their goals not only builds trust but also enhances your reputation and career prospects.

Continuing Education and Growth
Fitness is an evolving industry. To remain relevant and effective, specialists should:

Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars
Stay updated on the latest research and techniques
Network with peers and join professional organizations
Explore additional certifications to expand expertise and versatility

Ongoing learning ensures you remain competitive, knowledgeable, and valuable to clients and employers.

Conclusion
Exploring https://www.americansportandfitness.com/collections/fitness-certifications before choosing your path gives you a well-rounded understanding of your options. Specialization enhances your credibility, effectiveness, and career potential. By discovering the areas that match your passion and strengths, you can create a fulfilling and successful fitness career. Whether your interests lie in strength training, MMA, yoga, or sport-specific coaching, exploring first ensures you make a choice that aligns with your long-term goals.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger – 2025 Cyber Monday Sale

Published

3 weeks ago

November 20, 2025

Sting Fellows

Cyber Monday 2025 is gearing up to be a must-watch event for fans of bold Japanese-inspired fashion. One of the most anticipated releases this year is the Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger, a dynamic and stylish piece designed for comfort, versatility, and standout aesthetics. Perfect for layering over Japanese t shirts or pairing with playful ugly cardigan sweaters, this work shirt brings together high-quality craftsmanship and unique, attention-grabbing design. Whether you’re hitting the streets, attending casual meet-ups, or expressing your personal style, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt promises to make a statement this holiday season.

Inspired by Speed and Japanese Streetwear

The I Am Speed Work Shirt takes inspiration from Japan’s energetic street culture and the thrill of movement, incorporating bold graphics and sleek design elements that exude dynamism and personality. For fans of Japanese t shirts, this work shirt provides the perfect layering piece, while combining it with ugly cardigan sweaters introduces a quirky, textured look that adds depth and individuality. With its vibrant imagery and unique Tokyo-Tiger branding, the shirt is a versatile addition for anyone looking to showcase creativity and urban style in one bold package.

Premium Quality and Comfortable Fit

Crafted from a durable cotton blend, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style. Its breathable fabric ensures all-day wearability, while the tailored yet relaxed fit allows natural movement and flexibility. The classic button-down construction, reinforced stitching, and structured collar make it suitable for multiple occasions, from casual streetwear to creative office environments. Layering over Japanese t shirts or under ugly cardigan sweaters provides both warmth and visual interest, making the shirt adaptable to changing weather and seasonal style preferences.

Cyber Monday 2025: Special Deals

Cyber Monday 2025 offers shoppers an excellent chance to snag the Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger at exclusive prices. Many retailers are planning limited-time discounts, early-access pre-sales, and bundle deals that may include complementary Japanese t shirts or eccentric ugly cardigan sweaters. These promotions make it easier for fashion enthusiasts to secure this highly sought-after work shirt while expanding their wardrobe with versatile, culturally inspired pieces. Given its unique design and popularity, acting early is essential to avoid missing out on this standout item.

Styling Tips: Layering and Playful Contrasts

The SpeedTiger Work Shirt is ideal for experimenting with textures and layering. Wear it open over Japanese t shirts for a casual, street-ready vibe, or under ugly cardigan sweaters to create playful contrasts that highlight the shirt’s bold graphics. Neutral bottoms such as jeans, chinos, or joggers allow the vibrant design to remain the focal point. Accessories like sleek sneakers, simple hats, or understated jewelry can elevate your outfit while maintaining balance. This work shirt is perfect for those who enjoy mixing textures, patterns, and cultural-inspired designs in their everyday fashion.

Trend Spotlight: Japanese-Inspired Streetwear

Japanese streetwear continues to influence global fashion with its bold visuals, functional design, and creative flair. The I Am Speed Work Shirt embodies these principles, offering a statement-making piece that blends durability with eye-catching aesthetics. Fans of Japanese t shirts will find it an excellent complement to casual wardrobes, while layering it with ugly cardigan sweaters adds a fun, unexpected twist. Its energetic design makes it a perfect choice for anyone seeking to express individuality, creativity, and style in a contemporary urban setting.

Everyday Versatility

Despite its striking graphics, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt is versatile for everyday wear. Its breathable cotton blend and relaxed fit make it ideal for commuting, social outings, or casual creative environments. The button-down style allows for flexible wearing options: fully buttoned, open over Japanese t shirts, or tucked in for a more polished look. Layering with ugly cardigan sweaters adds warmth and dimension, making it adaptable to various climates, seasons, and personal style preferences.

How to Secure Your Work Shirt

To take advantage of Cyber Monday 2025 deals, it’s important to plan ahead. Monitor retailer announcements for pre-sales, exclusive bundles, and limited-time offers that may include Japanese t shirts or quirky ugly cardigan sweaters. Due to limited stock and high demand, acting early ensures you can secure the Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger before it sells out.

Final Thoughts: A Statement Piece for Bold Fashion Lovers

The Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger is more than just a work shirt—it’s a vibrant, culturally inspired statement piece. With Cyber Monday 2025 approaching, it provides an excellent opportunity to add a bold, versatile, and stylish item to your wardrobe. Whether layered over Japanese t shirts or paired with eccentric ugly cardigan sweaters, it offers endless possibilities for creative styling. For those seeking comfort, individuality, and urban flair, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt is a must-have for this holiday season.