Podcasts > The Broski Report with Brittany Broski > My Controversial Thoughts on Shrek 2

My Controversial Thoughts on Shrek 2

By Brittany Broski

In this episode of The Broski Report with Brittany Broski, the host candidly discusses the emotional toll of failed relationships and grappling with feelings of hopelessness. She reflects on accepting her unique physical features and embracing an aesthetic that accentuates her natural look, challenging contemporary beauty standards.

Broski also explores the power of art, pondering the symbolism in renowned paintings like "The Roses of Heliogabalus" and the historical accuracy of colossal works like "The Coronation of Napoleon." Additionally, she touches on the emotional resonance found in Ariana Grande's song "Eternal Sunshine," which captures the universal struggle to heal from lost love.

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My Controversial Thoughts on Shrek 2

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My Controversial Thoughts on Shrek 2

1-Page Summary

Mental Health Struggles

Brittany Broski offers an open discussion on the emotional toll of failed relationships, which she says can breed hopelessness. She laments the recurring disappointment of superficial connections where men lack emotional availability, prompting her decision to forgo relationships for now. Broski also touches on the heartbreaking loss of Mac Miller, labeling his death as devastating for Ariana Grande due to addiction's complexities.

Beauty Standards and Self-Expression

Broski describes accepting her prominent facial features like big eyes and a large forehead—features once seen as desirable. After facing Los Angeles' stringent beauty standards, she resists the urge to alter her appearance, fearing her addictive personality may lead her down an endless path of cosmetic changes.

Instead, Broski embraces the 1920s aesthetic, leaning into dramatic makeup styles that accentuate her natural look. She praises this cinematic style for flattering her unique features, challenging contemporary beauty ideals.

The Power of Art

Brittany Broski marvels at how the neoclassical painting "The Roses of Heliogabalus" transports the viewer to ancient Rome's opulence and excess through rich symbolism and detail. She questions the historical accuracy of Jacques-Louis David's massive "Coronation of Napoleon" work, wondering about its creation process.

Broski finds deep emotional resonance in Ariana Grande's song "Eternal Sunshine," which Grande wrote about her personal relationship turmoil. The lyrics poignantly capture a universal yearning to move past lost love's pain.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Brittany Broski, also known as Kombucha Girl, is a popular internet personality known for her comedic content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. She gained fame for her viral reaction video to trying kombucha for the first time. Broski often shares personal stories and insights on various topics, including mental health, beauty standards, and art appreciation. She has a significant following and is recognized for her authenticity and humor online.
  • Mac Miller was a talented rapper and singer who tragically passed away in September 2018 due to a drug overdose. His death deeply affected his ex-girlfriend, Ariana Grande, as they had a close relationship and she struggled with the complexities of his addiction issues. Ariana Grande has publicly expressed her grief and the impact of his passing on her mental health and well-being.
  • The 1920s aesthetic in makeup styles was characterized by bold and dramatic looks, featuring dark, defined eyes, vibrant lip colors, and a focus on accentuating facial features. This era marked a shift towards more liberated and experimental beauty trends, influenced by the flapper culture and the rise of cinema. The makeup styles of the 1920s often emphasized a youthful and rebellious spirit, breaking away from traditional Victorian ideals of beauty. This period embraced a more modern and avant-garde approach to makeup, reflecting the changing social norms and attitudes of the time.
  • Jacques-Louis David's painting "Coronation of Napoleon" depicts the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of the French in 1804. The painting showcases the grandeur of the event held at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, with Napoleon crowning himself, symbolizing his power and authority. David, a prominent Neoclassical painter, was known for his close association with Napoleon and his skill in portraying historical events with dramatic flair. The painting is significant for its portrayal of Napoleon's self-coronation, a bold move that emphasized his authority and ambition.
  • Ariana Grande's song "Eternal Sunshine" is a track that she wrote about her personal experiences with relationship struggles and heartbreak. The lyrics of the song delve into themes of longing, healing, and moving forward from the pain of lost love. The title "Eternal Sunshine" suggests a desire for enduring happiness and peace despite past difficulties. The song resonates with many listeners due to its emotional depth and relatable themes of love and loss.

Counterarguments

  • While Brittany Broski's decision to avoid relationships is a personal choice, it could be argued that not all relationships or connections are destined to be superficial or disappointing, and that emotional availability can be found in partners.
  • The impact of Mac Miller's death on Ariana Grande is indeed profound, but it's important to recognize that individuals grieve differently, and the complexities of addiction can affect people in various ways.
  • Embracing natural features is commendable, but it's also valid for individuals to choose cosmetic alterations if it contributes positively to their self-esteem and body image, as long as it's done responsibly and not compulsively.
  • Adopting a 1920s aesthetic is a personal style choice that challenges contemporary beauty ideals, but it's also worth noting that beauty standards are subjective and constantly evolving, and what is considered non-conformist today might become the norm tomorrow.
  • Appreciation for art is subjective, and while "The Roses of Heliogabalus" may evoke a sense of ancient Rome's opulence for some, others might interpret the painting differently or critique its historical accuracy.
  • Questioning the historical accuracy of "Coronation of Napoleon" is a valid point of discussion in art criticism, but it's also important to consider the artist's intention, which may have been to idealize or dramatize historical events rather than provide a literal representation.
  • Emotional resonance in music, such as the connection Broski feels with Ariana Grande's "Eternal Sunshine," is a personal experience, and while the song may capture a universal theme, its impact can vary greatly among different listeners.

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My Controversial Thoughts on Shrek 2

Mental Health Struggles

Brittany Broski offers candid insights into the complex challenges associated with mental health struggles related to the quest for meaningful relationships and the profound impact of loss.

Feelings of hopelessness about relationships

The discussion delves into the emotional turbulence and disillusionment tied to forming substantial connections.

Repeated relationship disappointment

Broski opens up about the repeated disappointment she faces in her interpersonal relationships, pointing to a cycle that breeds a sense of hopelessness.

Lack of emotional availability in men

She speaks to the lack of emotional availability in men, underscoring the need to feel seen and heard. Broski conveys her disappointment with men who show interest superficially, without a genuine desire to understand or truly appreciate women, precipitating her decision to forego pursuing relationships.

The role of standards

Her experiences bring the importance of standards into sharp relief as Broski contemplates the emotional investments made and the outcomes often hoped for in relationships.

Struggles with addiction and loss of loved ...

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Mental Health Struggles

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Brittany Broski, also known as Kombucha Girl, gained fame through a viral video in 2019. She is a content creator known for her comedic and relatable content on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Broski often shares personal experiences and insights on various topics, including mental health, relationships, and pop culture. Her openness and authenticity have resonated with a wide audience, leading to a significant following online.
  • Mac Miller was a rapper and music artist who was in a relationship with Ariana Grande. Their relationship was highly publicized and followed by fans and the media. Mac Miller's struggles with addiction and his tragic death had a significant impact on Ariana Grande, as she openly expressed her grief and the complexities of loving someone battling addiction.
  • Brittany Broski shares insights into the impact of addiction and loss, particularly reflecting on the d ...

Counterarguments

  • Emotional availability is not solely a gender-specific issue; both men and women can struggle with being emotionally open and available in relationships.
  • The perception of a lack of emotional availability in men could be influenced by societal norms and expectations that discourage men from expressing vulnerability.
  • Disappointment in relationships can sometimes stem from personal expectations and communication issues, rather than the inherent qualities of the other person.
  • The importance of standards in relationships is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person; what is considered a high or low standard can be relative and personal.
  • The discussion of addiction and loss should acknowledge that recovery and grief are highly individual experiences and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with them.
  • While the death of a public figure li ...

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My Controversial Thoughts on Shrek 2

Beauty Standards and Self-Expression

Brittany Broski explores the changing relationship between makeup, self-image, and personal acceptance in the context of evolving beauty standards.

Evolving relationship with makeup and self-image

Broski speaks candidly about her own facial features—big eyes, a prominent forehead, and a smaller mouth—which she relates to past beauty standards where a large forehead signified wealth and status. She has found a new acceptance for her features, moving away from the pressure to conform to the ever-evolving beauty trends.

Upon moving to Los Angeles, Broski felt the pressure to conform to the prevalent beauty standards there. She considers the temptation to alter her appearance now that she can afford cosmetic procedures, but she fears that due to her addictive personality, starting to make changes may lead to an inability to stop.

Embracing natural features

Accentuating 1920s makeup styles

Brittany Broski shares her vision of herself as having the face of a 1920s silent film actress, and is inspired by Evelyn on TikTok to embrace 1920s makeup styles. Broski has been tagged in content and has opted to experiment with this aesthetic herself, revealing in a YouTube video her shock at how much she liked the distinct look. Broski articulates her intention to begin dressing and a ...

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Beauty Standards and Self-Expression

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Brittany Broski has big eyes, a prominent forehead, and a smaller mouth. These features are discussed in the context of evolving beauty standards and self-acceptance in the article.
  • In past beauty standards, a large forehead was often associated with wealth and status. It was considered an attractive feature that symbolized privilege and beauty. This perception stemmed from historical figures and cultural influen ...

Counterarguments

  • While embracing historical beauty trends can be empowering, it's important to recognize that each era had its own restrictive standards that might not be inclusive or healthy to idealize.
  • The idea of challenging modern beauty standards by adopting those of a past era could be seen as simply replacing one set of arbitrary standards with another, rather than promoting true self-acceptance.
  • Cosmetic procedures are a personal choice, and while there is a risk of addiction, many people undergo them without developing such issues. It's important to avoid stigmatizing those who choose to have these procedures done.
  • The pressure to conform to beauty standards is not unique to Los Angeles or any other city; it is a widespread issue that affects individuals globally, regardless of their location.
  • While Broski's adoption of a 1920s aesthetic is a form of self-expression, it's worth considering whether this style might be seen as a novelty or trend rather than a sustainable way to challe ...

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My Controversial Thoughts on Shrek 2

The Power of Art

Brittany Broski and Ariana Grande offer insights into how art serves as a conduit for history and emotion, whether it be through painting or music.

Art as a portal to history

Art offers a rich window into the past, capturing both the zeitgeist of an era and the historical events that shaped it.

Symbolism in The Roses of Heliogabalus painting

Brittany Broski admires the painting "Roses of Heliogabalus," an 1888 work by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema that typifies neoclassicism and its 1890s resurgence with interests centered on Greek and Roman culture. The painting symbolizes the opulence of these ancient cultures, emphasizing luxury, gluttony, and empire. Broski notes the decadence of the scene, replete with Greco-Roman figures, columns, detailed facial expressions, textures and colors reflective of skin, feathers, and marble, and the rose petals blanketing the floor in diverse hues.

Broski remarks on the inclusion of other elements of splendor, like fruit, pomegranates, cloth, grapes, reflective gold accents, cherubs, and lavish jewelry and fabric that all contribute to an air of upper-class life and festivity. The painting's musical elements also caught her attention for their scene-setting ability, and she revels in the sensory immersion it provides.

The painting is rooted in a specific historical narrative—it illustrates the Roman Emperor Elagabalus, known as Heliogabalus, watching as guests are swamped by petals. This opulent display is actually an event where Elagabalus is reputed to have smothered his guests to death with flowers, signifying the perils of excessive indulgence and the imbalance often present in human nature.

Historical accuracy in The Coronation of Napoleon painting

Jacques-Louis David's massive 1807 painting, "The Coronation of Napoleon," depicts the emperor’s coronation at Notre Dame and raises questions about its historical authenticity and creation process. Broski wonders about the accuracy of the figures, the scene's setting, and potential edits influenced by Napoleon's demands.

She ponders the logistics of creating such a grandiose piece—the room it was painted in, the scaling for such a massive canvas, the preliminary designs, and even the transport method for the finished piece. Broski also speaks of the artwork's re ...

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The Power of Art

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Neoclassicism was an artistic movement that drew inspiration from classical art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. It emerged in the 18th century as a reaction against the extravagance of the Baroque and Rococo styles. The 1890s saw a revival of neoclassical themes and aesthetics in art, architecture, and literature, reflecting a renewed interest in the ideals of order, simplicity, and harmony associated with classical antiquity. This resurgence emphasized a return to classical forms, symmetry, and themes in artistic expression.
  • Greco-Roman figures typically represent individuals or characters from ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, reflecting their art, culture, and history. These figures often embody classical ideals and aesthetics that were prominent in the art and literature of that era. They serve as symbols of the cultural heritage and influence of both Greek and Roman societies on later artistic expressions.
  • Elagabalus, also known as Heliogabalus, was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 218 to 222 AD. He was infamous for his extravagant and scandalous behavior, including hosting lavish and often bizarre events. One such event involved him reportedly smothering his guests with rose petals, symbolizing the dangers of excessive indulgence and the darker aspects of human nature. Elagabalus' reign was marked by controversy and excess, leading to his eventual assassination at a young age.
  • "The Coronation of Napoleon" is a monumental painting by Jacques-Louis David depicting Napoleon's coronation as Emperor of the French in 1804 at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The painting raises questions about historical accuracy, particularly regarding the portrayal of figures and the setting. It also sparks curiosity about the painting's creation process, including potential alterations influenced by Napoleon himself. The artwork's journey from creation to its current display in the Louvre adds to its historical significance.
  • The Louvre is a renowned art museum in Paris, France, housing iconic works like the Mona Lisa. Origina ...

Counterarguments

  • While art can serve as a conduit for history and emotion, it is also subject to the interpretations and biases of its creators, which can distort historical facts or emotional truths.
  • Art's depiction of the past may not always capture the zeitgeist accurately, as it often reflects the perspective of a particular social class or cultural group, potentially marginalizing other experiences and narratives.
  • The symbolism in "Roses of Heliogabalus" may be interpreted in various ways, and some might argue that it romanticizes or misrepresents the historical context of the Roman Empire.
  • The painting's warning against excessive indulgence could be seen as a moralistic interpretation that may not fully encompass the complexities of Roman history or the emperor's character.
  • "The Coronation of Napoleon" might be appreciated as a work of art in its own right, regardless of its historical accuracy, with some arguing that its aesthetic qualities are more important than its fidelity to the historical record.
  • The creation process of historical paintings like "The Coronation of Napoleon" could be seen as a collaboration between the artist and their patron, reflecting the power dynamics of the time rather than a purely artistic endeavor.
  • While music often connects deeply with e ...

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