How to Handle a Bully [Video Included]

How to Handle a Bully (Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels)

It’d be nice to think that once you’re out of school, you’d be done with bullies for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, that can be far from the truth, as anyone who’s ever had a bullying boss, co-worker or friend can attest.

We all know what bullying looks like as a kid: name calling, pushing, meanness, just to name a few. But how do you know that someone is an adult bully?

Often, in the name of security and keeping the peace, we may let bullying just roll off our back. But if someone you know is a bully, they may take subtle actions such as:

• Ignoring you - This is a form of disrespect, and aims to control you by keeping you guessing and never knowing. You make a request or ask a question, and don’t get a response.

• Being late, or not showing up at all - Again, this is another form of disrespect, but it can sometimes have more serious consequences, such as missing an important appointment or being late for a meeting.

• Starting rumors - The bully that starts untrue rumors is seeking to sabotage you and your reputation. Seeing you react (or overreact) to hearing lies told about yourself is what they thrive on. 

• Passive-aggressive behavior - Backwards compliments, deliberate procrastination, having to have the last word... these are all examples of passive-aggressive behavior that a bully might exhibit.

These are only a few examples of how a bully might act as an adult to control a situation. How you handle each situation is the key to taking away the bully’s power.

How to Handle a Bully (Photo by Josh Hild from Pexels)

First and foremost, if you find yourself being bullied a lot as an adult, take a close look at whether you’re playing the victim. Due to your upbringing, you may not even realize that you’re doing it, but often, a bully will instinctively aim for the person who already has a victim mentality. If that’s you, you’ll need to learn to stand up for yourself and become more assertive in the face of the bully.

If all else fails, simply separate yourself from the bully. This may be more difficult to accomplish in a work situation, but be creative, and try to create space between you and the bully. The less you are around them, the less harm they can do.

Also, try to remember that most bullies end up that way because of low self-esteem and a fragile sense of self-worth. By asserting yourself, you take away the bullies power, and maybe... just maybe... you’ll show them that they don’t have to be that way.

The Video:

Related Stories:

• How To Be Daring and Stand Up to Others
• The Anatomy of a Boss from Hell [Infographic]
• 5 Memorable Bullies From The Big Screen

'Apocalypse Love Story' is a Film the World Needs Today [Trailer Included]

"Apocalypse Love Story" trailer released by award-winning director Justin Wilder Neese

Award-winning director and producer Justin Wilder Neese has released the trailer for his upcoming independent feature film "Apocalypse Love Story."

The story revolves around two 8-year-old children – a Caucasian girl and African American boy, who are the sole survivors of an ecological worldwide apocalypse. Their struggle to survive and dependence on each other sets them on a journey of self-discovery, friendship and love.

Sam was the daughter of a survivalist father, possessing the knowledge and skills to survive on her own. James is the survivor of domestic abuse. Despite his kind, brave heart, he lacks any survival skills. Each character battles the overwhelming loneliness of this desolate world – until one fateful day they meet.

Sam is played by 11-year-old actress Kayden Tokarski with 10-year-old actor Byron McCray in the role of James. The movie also features cameos by actress and model Jena Sims, celebrity trainer Corey Calliet, and actress Sage Kirkpatrick. 

'Apocalypse Love Story' - Two kids are the sole survivors of an ecological worldwide apocalypse

"Our protagonists are children whose journey is essentially an uplifting and inspiring tale: One where there is no prejudice or hate – only the harsh environment around them and a growing reliance on each other," said Director Justin Wilder Neese. "Their minds are uncynical and unbiased … children see each other like we should see each other – as equals. This film tells a story that is full of hope, something today's society is clearly desperate for, and it's message is one the world needs right now."

• Los Angeles-based Neese is the award-winning director of "Hummingbird" and "Glass of Scotch."

The Trailer:

• "Apocalypse Love Story" is set to be released by early January 2021.

Bonus Video:

• For more information follow Apocalypse Love Story on Instagram at @apocalypselovestory and Twitter at @apocalypseloves.

SOURCE: Justin Wilder Neese

"My Brothers' Crossing" - A Faith Based Film On Racial Reconciliation - Premiers In US Theaters Despite Covid-19 [Trailer Included]

"My Brothers' Crossing" official movie poster. It features Daniel Roebuck, James Black, Marsha Dietlein, Joe Estevez and Eliza Roberts.

"My Brothers' Crossing" is a spiritually uplifting film that depicts a true story about a black pastor that unintentionally has a head on collision with his car into a motorcycle killing a white couple shortly after the Missouri riots in August 2014. 

My Brothers' Crossing is based on the book, "In the Blink of an Eye: Forgiveness in Black and White" and tells the story of the tragic death of motorcycle bikers Bobby and Pam Clark. The story unfolds from the perspective of Bobby's brother, J.T. Clark, of whose on-screen character is played by award-winning actor Daniel Roebuck (The Fugitive, Getting Grace). Clark eventually forgives C.J. Martin, the black man who killed his brother and is played by veteran actor James Black (Godzilla, Days of our Lives).

The story dives deeper than just forgiveness, it also chronicles the journey of J.T.'s salvation during the turmoil of losing his brother. Clark stated that it's like one of those stories you wouldn't believe unless it happened to you.

• Movieguide gives the movie 3 out of 4 stars and says it's an inspiring story about the power of forgiveness, loving your neighbor and the importance of God.

The movie transcends human forgiveness and redemption, a much needed story amidst the current coronavirus pandemic, protests and economic chaos currently in the US today. Film director Ricky Borba says the film couldn't have come out at a better time.

"The film was initially set to premiere in theaters last fall, but we are very thankful it was delayed and is hitting theaters now when this country so desperately needs healing across all racial lines." Borba went on to say, "I really believe God saved the film to premier for such a time as this."

• Actor Black was moved by not just the forgiveness element of the story, but also said, "the fact that after the Clark family forgave the Martin family, they loved them unconditionally."

Borba said that he only had about two weeks to prepare for the directing of the movie, where his prior directorial debut faith based film, "The Talking Tree", he had 18 months to prepare. Having such a short period of time to prepare created a unique set of challenges but he said it also created an incredible bond among the crew to work together as a team. Borba beamed that he couldn't be more proud of the performances on screen and behind the scenes.

One thing he couldn't foresee was how many life-saving doors God would open on such short timing during the shoot. Borba's favorite example was when the production crew needed to film at the local courthouse on short notice, and thankfully, the court allowed the crew to use the courthouse without interruption for the day. That allowed them to stay on their shooting schedule without delay. Borba was thankful to the Lord.

The movie was produced by Tony and Edna White, and executive produced by Reverend Samuel Rodriquez, who co-produced the film "Breakthrough" in 2019. Rodriguez says the story of forgiveness is timely in a way that cannot be mere coincidence.

"Especially at a time when we are confronted with the unresolved problem of racism in America, our nation needs to remember that forgiveness can eclipse our racial divisions and heal even our deepest wounds." Rodriquez continued, "I am honored to be part of such a powerful and compelling film, one that shares the hope of transformation for individuals and entire communities through the power of Jesus Christ."

The Trailer:

• My Brothers' Crossing is being distributed by Atlas Distribution and will open in several hundred Regal and AMC theaters across the US starting Thursday September 3rd.

Tickets for the film can be purchased here:

• regmovies.com/movies/my-brothers-crossing
• amctheatres.com/movies/my-brothers-crossing-64447
• fandango.com/my-brothers-crossing-223115/movie-overview

SOURCE: Ricky Borba

#EmbraceYourPowers! Marvel's Avengers Available Now For Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC, And Stadia

Embrace Your Powers! Marvel's Avengers Available Now For Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC, And Stadia (PRNewsfoto/SQUARE ENIX)

SQUARE ENIX announced that Marvel's Avengers is now available worldwide for the PlayStation4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia.

Marvel's Avengers offers players a truly rich experience and combines the single player focused Reassemble story campaign with the ongoing Avengers Initiative's War Zone missions, which take the Avengers around the world and beyond. 

Each mission in the Reassemble campaign is designed to showcase one or more hero's unique abilities, while the Avengers Initiative missions can be played solo with your own custom AI team or with a group of up to four players (Internet connection required. Your platform's online multiplayer requirements will apply...) as any Hero in the player's roster.

"At its heart, Marvel's Avengers is a game about hope in a modern Super Hero setting," said Shaun Escayg, creative director for Marvel's Avengers at developer Crystal Dynamics. "Our original story campaign features Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, as the point-of-view focus who is unflappably optimistic, and she uses her passion, natural curiosity, gifted intellect, and emerging powers to expose a conspiracy, leading her on an adventure to re-assemble and re-build the Avengers to their former glory."

Embrace Your Powers! Marvel's Avengers Available Now For Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC, And Stadia (PRNewsfoto/SQUARE ENIX)

To ensure a continuing heroic experience for all players, the narrative of Marvel's Avengers will expand over time, with the addition of new stories featuring new heroes, villains, mission types, regions, items, and more delivered to players at no additional cost once they own the core game. 

• These stories move the entire Marvel's Avengers narrative world forward on a multi-year arc, and all new missions are accessible to the entire roster of playable heroes.

Fans won't have to wait long for this new content, either. The game's first post-launch content season, focused on the recently announced Kate Bishop and her iconic mentor Hawkeye, Clint Barton, begins just weeks after launch with mysterious new Tachyon missions. 

Kate's Operation, "Taking AIM," kicks off in late October featuring a new villain and new mystery. Kate, an Olympic-caliber gymnast and master archer, comes with her own distinct set of Heroic Skills, outfits, and takedowns to unlock and master just like the core launch Heroes.

Embrace Your Powers! Marvel's Avengers Available Now For Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC, And Stadia (PRNewsfoto/SQUARE ENIX)

"Taking AIM" begins shortly after the conclusion of the game's Reassemble campaign and is just the first half of the two Hawkeyes' Story Arc. Clint Barton's Hawkeye takes the stage in November to complete the double-feature arc and set the stage for what's next. 

• All of these new missions are playable with the entire roster of heroes, and all of this content, including heroes, villains, game modes, missions, gear, and more will be made available at no cost to all owners of the Marvel's Avengers core game.

Players in Marvel's Avengers are also able to customize Earth's Mightiest Heroes in a number of ways. While each Super Hero plays true to their unique power sets, each has the flexibility to play differently based on the gear players equip and the skills they enable, so no two player's heroes play in exactly the same way. 

Each hero has dynamic combo systems, heroic moves, intrinsic abilities, and signature move sets to unlock and customize – many inspired by classic moves from over 80 years of Marvel history across all media, while others are crafted as originals just for the game.

• Players can also dress the iconic Super Heroes with classic, fan-favorite, and all-new original outfits, including Iron Man's suit from the 2014 Original Sin storyline, or Thor's Donald Blake identity, which is a nod to an alias of Thor's who first appeared in 1962's Journey into Mystery issue #83.

Embrace Your Powers! Marvel's Avengers Available Now For Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC, And Stadia (PRNewsfoto/SQUARE ENIX)

• Marvel's Avengers will be available on PlayStation5 and Xbox Series X when the consoles launch in 2020. 
• Players who own the current-gen version of the game will be able to upgrade to the next-gen version at no additional cost, regardless if players are moving from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 or Xbox One to Xbox Series X. 
• Those moving their saves to next-gen will transfer their player profiles and progression so they can pick up right where they left off. In addition, cross-gen play will be supported so PS5 players will be able to play with their friends on PS4 and Xbox Series X players can connect with their friends on Xbox One.

Embrace Your Powers! Marvel's Avengers Available Now For Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC, And Stadia (PRNewsfoto/SQUARE ENIX)

• Marvel's Avengers is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB.

Related Links:

• Official Homepage
• Official Twitter
• Official Facebook
• Official YouTube

SOURCE: SQUARE ENIX

Mega Spins Slot Feature Explained

Slot machines (image via Pexels.com)

A slot machine is excellent – it offers you entertainment for possibly hours (or maybe even longer if your finances are huge and/or you invest carefully), and also it is a fantastic method to unwind and relax. What can be better? Well the answer can be a slot game which hasn't got only one extra game hidden away inside it, but which really has a number of games all in one. If this is what you want, you can enjoy yourself to the max with Mega Spins - check out Free Slot Sites.

What Are Mega Spins?

Mega Spin video games are a combination of five different games in one. They have multiple screens, and show the different elements you can play with. This was a concept by Microgaming, and although Mega Spins came out quite a while ago, they're equally as popular now as they have always been. Continue reading to find out much more about these five games and the reason they're fun to play.

Mega Spin Major Millions

Mega Spin Major Millions has six distinct screens, and every one is really a slot alone, with three reels and three paylines. This is what you may call a traditional slot, since the symbols are conventional cherries, 7s, and bars from a single to triple. You are able to play with as little as 1p per bet, so this is a fantastic one to extend that budget as far as it will go. When you play, you may run into the wild sign, that in this instance would be the slot logo. This could substitute for another symbol, therefore it is a good way to finish a winning combination.

Mega Spin Double Magic

As opposed to Major Millions which is fixed, in Double Magic you are able to pick the quantity of screens you wish to play with. The minimum number is four and the maximum is nine. Each and every display screen features one payline, and then the symbols are the standard types, though stars may also be put into the mix. The minimum bet is still 1p (the maximum is £5). The blue stars are everything you want to see right here since this is the wild which will enable you to finish more winning combinations.

Mega Spin High 5s

Another Mega Spin game with nine screens, plus a different option (from four up) depending on just how many you wish to activate and play in the same period. In reality, this game is really exactly the same as the Double Magic, except with regards to just how much you are able to play with. You can bet with as much as £135 per spin if you wish to – that is the reason why this Mega Spin is the one for any high rollers. But with a high risk will come a potentially high prize, since you are able to earn as much as 15,000 coins if you find the wilds aligned in the proper places.

Mega Spin Fantastic 7s

This game is quite eike High 5s, though it is much easier, harking right back to the first fruit machines. That means you can find absolutely no wilds, absolutely no extras, simply the pure slot game. And so, in case you are a high roller that wants their slots played in the most conventional method, Fantastic 7s is the game for you.

3 Celeb Workout Plans Which Will Motivate You Today

Man and woman holding battle ropes (image via Pexels.com)

If you have found your workout routine has relaxed dramatically over the quarantine period, you aren’t alone. Since March, people around the world have been quarantined in their homes, watching Netflix, baking banana bread and trying to come to terms with the COVID-19 pandemic. Unsurprisingly, then, we have all gotten a little less fit, and a little more fat. People on Instagram have been hashtagging the #Quarantine15, referring to the 15 pounds it has become customary to gain while in quarantine.

It’s totally normal that our bodies have changed as our lives have so dramatically. But if you’re ready to get back to kicking your own ass in the gym, here are three celeb workouts which will motivate you to put down the chips, switch off the TV, and get that butt back into some workout gear.

1- Lebron James’ Home Workout

Lebron’s basketball workout has been a popular one for LA Lakers fans to research and emulate. After all, Lebron is one of the most celebrated athletes of all time for a good reason. The guy embodies dedication, excellence and relentless hard work in all he does. Lebron broadcasted on Instagram over lockdown, showing off his workout routine despite being unable to play basketball as normal. Lebron’s home workout consisted of gym equipment because, well, he obviously has a home gym. But now the gyms are back open again, why not watch Lebron’s powerful workout and get motivated to reach his levels.

2 - Khloe Kardashian’s Weight Loss Workout

Khloe Kardashian has undergone one of the most dramatic celebrity transformations ever. Part of this transformation has been from using facial reconstruction surgery to change her look, but part of this has been her weight loss. Khloe reportedly lost 40 pounds in recent years and regularly shows off her svelte physique on Instagram. In addition, the third oldest Kardashian sister has released a clothing line, Good American, which now stocks workout gear. Khloe is serious about this fitness lifestyle.

Luckily, Khloe has also let us in on her workout secrets. Snippets of her workouts are regularly posted to Instagram, and her personal trainer also posted this helpful video with advice and tips on how Khloe got her body in shape.

3 - Beyoncé’s 44 Day Coachella Workout

Beyoncé headlined Coachella in 2019 after giving birth to twins just a few months prior. Her trainer, Marco Borges, designed a 22 day nutrition program which Bey followed for 44 days while rehearsing for her iconic Coachella performance which is now immortalized in the Netflix documentary, Homecoming.

For this diet and workout, Beyoncé worked out daily alongside full days of dance rehearsals and eating a purely plant based diet. No sugar, no caffeine, no meat, no dairy, no processed foods. This plan is now available to members of the program, so you too can sweat, eat and eventually look like the Queen B herself.

"Pandemically Single" Hilarious New Comedy Webseries Featuring An All-Star Cast [Trailer Included]

"Pandemically Single" Hilarious New Comedy Webseries Featuring An All-Star Cast (image via Dee LaSure on Facebook)

In the midst of a pandemic, those looking for love must now navigate life and relationships around the world while trying to stay alive. From award winning producer Re'Shaun Frear and writer, Dee LaSure comes "Pandemically Single" a scripted comedy series. 

The series boasts an exciting cast including Loretta Devine, Kym Whitley, Angie Stone, CeCe Peniston, Denise Dowse, Wendell James, and more. Singles will follow mandatory social distancing guidelines while trying to connect with love interests over social media. Singles will work to balance old school dating ideals with dating in today's social media driven era. The series will bring some much-needed entertainment to viewers during one the most challenging times in America's history. 

The Trailer:

• The show will premiere Sunday, September 6, 2020 at 3p.m. & 7p.m. PST, during Labor Day weekend on LaSure TV on Youtube.

About Re'Shaun Frear:

He's an award-winning Film/TV producer with more than a decade of experience. His film credits include the critically acclaimed and NAACP nominated film "Dirty Laundry" starring Loretta Devine and Rockmond Dunbar. "Black Poker Stars" starring Katt Williams and Anthony Anderson, and "Pastor Brown," starring Salli Richardson and actor/director Rockmond Dunbar on Lifetime with more than 2.2 million viewers.

About Dee LaSure:

Dee LaSure is an award-winning playwright best known for her SOLD OUT stage plays "Color Blind", "It's Not About You", and "A Cross To Bear". With more than 20 years of experience as a writer, LaSure worked for Jupiter Entertainment on the hit show "Justice By Any Means". She was Associate Producer on the first season of "ATL Homicide" and has made appearances on various Jupiter crime reality shows including; Snapped, Fatal Attraction, and For My Man. She's the author of "Men On Women: Perspectives on Life, Love, and Relationships".

SOURCE: Dee LaSure

Xenia LeBlanc (From "Orange Is the New Black") Launches "Gritty & Pretty" At Dances with Films [Trailer Included]

Xenia Leblanc wrote, directed and stars in the five-episode series, whose pilot episode premieres at the Dances with Films festival on September 5, 2020.

Xenia Leblanc, the actress that brought to life Young Red's character in Netflix's hit series Orange Is the New Black, is premiering her new series, Gritty & Pretty, at Dances with Films on Saturday, Sept. 5 with a second screening scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 6.

A female-driven comedy centered around boxing gym owner Kira Waikovsky (Xenia Leblanc) and Lauren Barton (Kelly Russo), Gritty & Pretty tackles female empowerment and friendships with a punch. 

• LeBlanc wrote, directed and stars in the five-episode series, whose pilot episode will premiere at the festival. A Q&A with the filmmakers will follow.

"Gritty & Pretty" premieres on Sept. 5, 2020 at the Dances with Films festival.

"I wanted to create a show that highlights female friendships and empowers up-and-coming female filmmakers to take charge and create the content they want to see on their screens. The sarcastic nature of my Russian upbringing has taught me to find humor in everything and that's why I gravitate towards comedy. Today, more than ever, actors must learn how to amplify their own unique voice and adapt all the tools available to tell their story. I hope that Gritty & Pretty inspires people to pursue their dreams while embracing their authentic selves," said Leblanc, who recently won this year's Film Riot's Stay At Home Film Challenge during quarantine.

• Dances with Films began in 1998 as a film festival dedicated to finding tomorrow's talent today and continues to carry on this mission. With many world and West Coast premieres, Dances with Films is a coveted first stop on the festival circuit.

The Trailer:

Dances with Films Screening Schedule:

• Saturday, Sept. 5 at 3:15 p.m. PT
• Sunday, Sept. 6 at 3 p.m. PT

"Gritty & Pretty" series creator, writer, director and actor Xenia Leblanc. The filmmaker recently won this year’s Film Riot’s Stay At Home Film Challenge for a project shot during quarantine.

About Xenia Leblanc:

Actress, comedian and filmmaker Xenia Leblanc graduated from Queen Mary University of London with a BA Degree in Film Studies and moved to Los Angeles to train at the Playhouse West School and Repertory Theatre. She landed the role of Young Red on the critically acclaimed Netflix Original Series Orange Is the New Black followed by an opportunity to work on the WB blockbuster series Justice League.

In addition to acting, Leblanc has had numerous opportunities to work on the production side of filmmaking, including script-supervising the first Russian/American 3D film. An active member of the Elizabeth Banks' WHOHAHA platform, LeBlanc constantly writes, edits and produces independent films and sketches, which have appeared at the NYC Independent Film Festival. 

• Her short film Covert Message was shot entirely during quarantine and won this year's Film Riot's Stay At Home Film Challenge.

"Covert Message" - The Video:

SOURCE: Xenia LeBlanc

9/11 Augmented Reality Video Reveals "Hidden History" at Ground Zero [Video Included]

9/11 Augmented Reality Video Reveals "Hidden History" at Ground Zero (Screengrab)

An online video that uniquely memorializes imagery from 9/11 was filmed in lower Manhattan using an augmented reality (AR) app that overlays scenes from past events on the present-day locations right where they happened. The result is a haunting sequence of clips in which the New Yorkers of September 11, 2001 intermingle with the New Yorkers of today, neither aware that they will have ever crossed paths.

• The project is part of ReplayAR's "AR Time Capsule" series which uses patented locational AR technology to explore the hidden history that surrounds us in everyday life. 

The video series has previously featured historical tours of other New York City neighborhoods, as well as some west coast locations like Santa Barbara and the Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles.

Augmented reality tech reveals people passing by a Beekman Street parking garage as they flee lower Manhattan through smoke and ash on September 11, 2001.

"As this year's 9/11 anniversary approaches, we again find ourselves moved by the tremendous sacrifices of our first responders and frontline workers facing unimaginable challenges, just as they did 19 years ago in the heart of ground zero," said Hell's Kitchen resident Jay Huddy, who invented the free app as a means to preserve historical events and personal memories.

The 9/11 video was shot using ReplayAR (pronounced "replayer") on an iPhone 11 in and around the Financial District by Brandon Martin, Huddy's neighbor and collaborator.

From Rockefeller Center's "Top of the Rock" observation deck, augmented reality reveals a bird's eye view of yesteryear as the World Trade Center's twin towers stand tall in the setting sun.

"I showed the footage to a friend of mine who was actually there on 9/11 when it happened. He mentioned how the audio reminded him of that day when in fact, we didn't do any sound design at all," Martin said. "It turns out that in this age of the COVID-19 pandemic, the natural sound of the city now echoes the same eerie stillness and quietude heard in the aftermath of 9/11."

This is not Huddy's first digital creation born from the tragic events of 9/11. In 2003, he created a controversial video game based on the real-life timeline of events leading up to and following the attacks called "Blood of Bin Laden" which was discussed in MIT Technology Review and From Sun Tzu to Xbox, a book by former Village Voice writer Ed Halter.

Unlike a video game, ReplayAR is an AR creation tool that offers anyone with a cellphone the ability to easily make their own augmented reality content, as well as preserve their memories in the form of locational AR photography. 

Huddy hopes to see the technology adopted by museums, walking tours and cultural landmarks focused on historical preservation.

"It's all about contextualizing these photographs in their original surroundings to provide a deeper understanding of the temporal reality they depict," Huddy said. "We hope that by using locational AR visualizations to remember the past, we can honor and preserve the stories of those who came before us, and truly never forget."

The Video:

About ReplayAR:

ReplayAR, Inc. is an augmented reality software company. Its mission is "to pioneer innovative technologies that preserve and protect historical truth while connecting and inspiring a global community through the shared continuum of our human experience."

ReplayAR Related Videos:

• ReplayAR's 9/11 augmented reality reel and other videos in the "AR Time Capsule" series are available to watch on YouTube and at ReplayAR.com. 

• The ReplayAR augmented reality app is available for free on the App Store for iOS and Play Store for Android.

SOURCE: ReplayAR Inc.

'Torinaoshi': YouTube Series Traverses Countries, Racial Identity [Trailer + Episodes 1, 2 & 3 Included]

"Torinaoshi" - Poster

"Torinaoshi," a YouTube series exploring the nuances of racial and family identity, highlights a young Japanese-American woman's journey from New York to Osaka, Japan -- her mother's hometown. 

The production is a collaboration between Alex Iskounen's Tsukuba Indy LLC, Yusuke Kitaguchi's Ichibiri Pics Inc., and Yosuke Kumakura's Bear Create Japan.

An ode to the emotions of multicultural migration and return, the series shines a light on family discord and renewal. After realizing she has no real knowledge of her roots, Kiyoko (aka Koko) travels to her mother's hometown of Osaka from New York City, discovering that learning about one's identity, especially on foreign soil, can be complicated. She befriends an African-Japanese boy who travels with her as she encounters several relatives, learning hard lessons about family, race relations and her struggle for identity; will Koko accept what she learns about herself and her roots as she dives deeper into her unresolved family history?

"Torinaoshi" - Kiyoko a.k.a. Koko (Megan Murayama)

• The series features several recognizable cast members from Japanese media, including notorious comedian Minoru Torihada, African-Japanese actor and popular YouTuber BiX, bilingual actress Megan Murayama, and Okinawa-born improv artist Osamu Hirata. 

• The series is directed by Osaka native Yusuke Kitaguchi, whose short film "Baby in the Dark" won the Osaka 48 Hour Film Festival in 2017 and was later screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2018.

Alan Ng, Managing Editor of FilmThreat.com, stated, "The reality is racism is not unique to the States -- it's everywhere. What's interesting about 'Torinaoshi' is that it's not that much different abroad. What the series shows is that as different cultures spread and intermingle across the globe, the struggle to find one's identity on foreign soil becomes increasingly complicated. What do I hold on to from my heritage and what do I embrace in my new homeland."

"Torinaoshi" stands as a tribute to the quest for self-understanding -- and connection -- in all its complexity and challenges people to think about how they unravel their cultural and family identities. "Where do I belong?" and "How can I connect with someone different than me?" are some of the central themes explored in "Torinaoshi."

"Torinaoshi" - Shunya (Bix)

The filmmakers invested $5,000 per episode in production, crew and the acquisition of local talent. The three-episode release has since garnered over 1.3 million views worldwide on YouTube, gained international fans with enthusiastic appeals for more episodes, and is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between local Osaka actors and filmmakers.

The Trailer:

Episode 1:

Episode 2:

Episode 3:

• See the rest of the series on the Torinaoshi YouTube channel.
• To learn more about "Torinaoshi," visit the official website and IMDb page.

SOURCE: Tsukuba Indy LLC

Misinformation: Tech Companies Are Removing 'Harmful' Coronavirus Content – But Who Decides What That Means?

Misinformation: Tech Companies Are Removing 'Harmful' Coronavirus Content – But Who Decides What That Means? (Pearl PhotoPix/Shutterstock)

The “infodemic” of misinformation about coronavirus has made it difficult to distinguish accurate information from false and misleading advice. The major technology companies have responded to this challenge by taking the unprecedented move of working together to combat misinformation about COVID-19.

Part of this initiative involves promoting content from government healthcare agencies and other authoritative sources, and introducing measures to identify and remove content that could cause harm. For example, Twitter has broadened its definition of harm to address content that contradicts guidance from authoritative sources of public health information.

Facebook has hired extra fact-checking services to remove misinformation that could lead to imminent physical harm. YouTube has published a COVID-19 Medical Misinformation Policy that disallows “content about COVID-19 that poses a serious risk of egregious harm”.

The problem with this approach is that there is no common understanding of what constitutes harm. The different ways these companies define harm can produce very different results, which undermines public trust in the capacity for tech firms to moderate health information. As we argue in a recent research paper, to address this problem these companies need to be more consistent in how they define harm and more transparent in how they respond to it.

Science is subject to change

A key problem with evaluating health misinformation during the pandemic has been the novelty of the virus. There’s still much we don’t know about COVID-19, and much of what we think we know is likely to change based on emerging findings and new discoveries. This has a direct impact on what content is considered harmful.

The pressure for scientists to produce and share their findings during the pandemic can also undermine the quality of scientific research. Pre-print servers allow scientists to rapidly publish research before it is reviewed. High-quality randomised controlled trials take time. Several articles in peer-reviewed journals have been retracted due to unreliable data sources.

Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has changed its position on the transmission and prevention of the disease. For example, it didn’t begin recommending that healthy people wear face masks in public until June 5, “based on new scientific findings”.

The World Health Organization has updated its advice as new evidence has emerged. (FABRICE COFFRINI/EPA)

Yet the major social media companies have pledged to remove claims that contradict guidance from the WHO. As a result, they could remove content that later turns out to be accurate.

This highlights the limits of basing harm policies on a single authoritative source. Change is intrinsic to the scientific method. Even authoritative advice is subject to debate, modification and revision.

Harm is political

Assessing harm in this way also fails to account for inconsistencies in public health messaging in different countries. For example, Sweden and New Zealand’s initial responses to COVID-19 were diametrically opposed, the former based on “herd immunity” and the latter aiming to eliminate the virus. Yet both were based on authoritative, scientific advice. Even within countries, public health policies differ at the state and national level and there is disagreement between scientific experts.

Exactly what is considered harmful can become politicised, as debates over the use of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and ibuprofen as potential treatments for COVID-19 exemplify. What’s more, there are some questions that science cannot solely answer. For example, whether to prioritise public health or the economy. These are ethical considerations that remain highly contested.

Moderating online content inevitably involves arbitrating between competing interests and values. To respond to the speed and scale of user-generated content, social media moderation mostly relies on computer algorithms. Users are also able to flag or report potentially harmful content.

Despite being designed to reduce harm, these systems can be gamed by savvy users to generate publicity and distrust. This is particularly the case with disinformation campaigns, which seek to provoke fear, uncertainty and doubt.

Users can take advantage of the nuanced language around disease prevention and treatments. For example, personal anecdotes about “immune-boosting” diets and supplements can be misleading but difficult to verify. As a result, these claims don’t always fall under the definition of harm.

Similarly, the use of humour and taking content out of context (“the weaponisation of context”) are strategies commonly used to bypass content moderation. Internet memes, images and questions have also played a crucial role in generating distrust of mainstream science and politics during the pandemic and helped fuel conspiracy theories.

Transparency and trust

The vagueness and inconsistency of technology companies’ content moderation mean that some content and user accounts are demoted or removed while other arguably harmful content remains online. The “transparency reports” published by Twitter and Facebook only contain general statistics about country requests for content removal and little detail of what is removed and why.

This lack of transparency means these companies can’t be adequately held to account for the problems with their attempts to tackle misinformation, and the situation is unlikely to improve. For this reason, we believe tech companies should be required to publish details of their moderation algorithms and a record of the health misinformation removed. This would increase accountability and enable public debate where content or accounts appear to have been removed unfairly.

In addition, these companies should highlight claims that might not be overtly harmful but are potentially misleading or at odds with official advice. This kind of labelling would provide users with credible information with which to interpret these claims without suppressing debate.

Through greater consistency and transparency in their moderation, technology companies will provide more reliable content and increase public trust – something that has never been more important.

About Today's Contributors:

Stephanie Alice Baker, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, City, University of London; Matthew Wade, Lecturer in Social Inquiry, La Trobe University, and Michael James Walsh, Associate Professor, University of Canberra

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.