Articles
PureWow
Since February 2021, Joel has been a part of the news and entertainment team at PureWow (as the only weekend editor), publishing everything from film and TV reviews to celebrity fashion stories. You can find an up-to-date list of all his published articles below.
The rest of the articles featured on this page were originally printed in one of the two publications described below.
ROCKET Magazine
ROCKET Magazine is the premier fashion and arts publication at the College of William & Mary. ROCKET is dedicated to telling political stories through art and writing. From 2017-2019, Joel was a member of the features team, eventually becoming the features co-editor from 2019-2020. To learn more about the magazine and see previous editions, visit their website at the button below.
Inside Tucker Hall
Inside Tucker Hall is the bi-annual newsletter for the English department at the College of William and Mary. In 2018, Joel was one of four students who were hired to spearhead the brand-new publication in order to elevate interest in the department among alumni and current students alike. To learn more about the newsletter and see previous issues, click the link below.
Feeling Animated
There is an urge to return to the comforts of our childhood amidst social distancing, and Joel Calfee discusses the importance in enjoying the animated works that remind us of our youth. While watching a cartoon show or Pixar film might feel like an inactive and lazy way to spend all this “free” time, these comforting works have plenty to offer in the form of progressive messages and innovative storytelling.
Transparency
Many of the stories we see in the media of trans/gender noncomforming (GNC) people — and marginalized folks generally — follow a script of laying out their trauma for a disengaged audience. Though doing so can be cathartic for subjects, what does it mean for audiences to consume these narratives? This article explores what it means for mainstream audiences to need these narratives in order to think of trans/GNC people as people.
Strike A Pose
Historically, ballet has been an inaccessible art form that celebrated the slender, ethereal, Caucasian woman. However, social media may be a conduit through which the field can be salvaged and, quite literally, seen in color. [Content Warning: Brief mention of body image/eating disorder]
White Noise
In the past few years, queer representation in the music industry has skyrocketed, allowing for the pop music scene to feel increasingly diverse. However, Joel Calfee argues that while LGBTQ+ artists have become more visible, there is an underlying glorification of white artists, and the media, as well as consumers, must strive to elevate the work of queer artists of color.
Suit & Tired
Menswear, as prolific as it is in today’s fashion lexicon, offers certain privileges and restrictions, depending on who’s wearing it. Here, Joel Calfee discuss the implications of this division of fashion.
Paranormal Artistry
In the wake of the 2016 election, absurdity began to feel more prevalent than ever. In this article, Joel Calfee explores the ways in which artists began to search for answers outside of their own world.