The lost post: Flashback to November 2021
KATHRYN CHAVEZ: Finals are sneaky— disguising behind the cornucopia of joy that is Thanksgiving break. This past December was my first finals as a graduate student, and boy did I feel it. This resulted in many things going to the back burner, this column being one of them, and my sleep schedule being another.
This article is the one that slipped through the cracks. It was half-written, with the links to some posts just chilling on the word doc for weeks. But, some of these moments from within the blurry haze of finals season are too good not to share. So I give you a blast from the not-so-far past.
Best: The reality of being Russia's favorite Ex
Whoever runs the Ukraine Twitter account needs a raise right now, as this post made me snort-laugh. It perfectly captures the current geopolitical moment, the possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, in the funniest way possible. Russia is that clingy ex-boyfriend trying everything to get you back, even willing to show up right at your doorstep.
Best: A Scarf with Stance Against Abortion (Lloyd’s Version)
A scarf isn't just a scarf this winter; it's a message, a statement, an acknowledgment of the power fabric can have in the cultural zeitgeist. Or, if you’re not a Swiftie, you may just use a scarf to keep your neck warm. But, even if Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett is not a Swiftie, he still knew the power of a scarf. Embroidered on his white scarf is a reminder that many want to take away a woman’s right to get an abortion through the reversal of Roe v. Wage, especially in Congressman Lloyd and I’s shared state of Texas.
Side question, if Taylor ever became an elected official, would the title of every bill she signed have (Taylor's Version) on them? Because I want that.
Well Done: Money rains for well-done social posts
Economic policy is not where I will dig in my heels and claim that I know best, but I will say this graphic posted by the Republican Party Twitter account is very well-done. The Republican Party Twitter account has a track record with posting content that makes one cringe, it is just a fact. However, while I disagree with their stance on the issue, I admit that this graphic is kinda cool— the raining money was such a good touch.
???: Finding small joy in Texas wherever possible
Locker room etiquette usually dictates that taking photos is a huge no-no, but I will let this one slide. Back in November, liberal politician Julian Castro posted a photo on Instagram of a typical swimsuit dryer found in most locker rooms. Julian Castro must not spend a lot of time at public pools because I have never seen someone find so much joy in a machine that squeezes and spins a swimsuit. This post is bizarre, but is it Castro's way of making Instagram casual again? In the dark reality of Texas politics, it is essential to find happiness where you can, and I'm glad Castro was able to.
Adorable: Great American Bake-off
There is nothing quite like homemade desserts on Thanksgiving, and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand seems to agree. During Thanksgiving, the Senator shared her love of baking with a video posted to Tik Tok. Authentic moments captured on social media can really ground elected officials in the public eye. Often the most liked pictures of politicians are those that depict them being normal people. Other elected officials should take note of how Gillibrand used Tik Tok to show the public she is just like us, regardless of the fact she votes on policy that has the potential to change the way we live our life.
Kathryn Chavez is a First Year Master of Public Policy student at the McCourt School. Originally from outside Dallas, Texas, she graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2021 with degrees in Business Management, Advertising and Fashion Media with a minor in Journalism.