iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by taylor crumpton

Soraya Nadia McDonald @soraya.press · 02/10/2026

The better soraya.press does, the sooner I can afford to commission and publish critics like @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social and my other wonderful, talented, smartass, underemployed colleagues and pay them the respectable rates they deserve! 💗✊🏽 Because FUCK YEAH CRITICISM, THAT'S WHY!

soraya.press

Membership

I write for freedom, but I cannot write for free. Your paid membership makes freedom a little more possible. Thank you! Privacy Policy Terms of Service

084

Reposted by taylor crumpton

Soraya Nadia McDonald @soraya.press · 01/10/2026

"The show felt anemic and cutesy in a way that is common among Netflix originals ... The reasons for those deficiencies are largely structural, informed by rapid transitions in the television landscape over the last decade that were spurred by Netflix’s enormous, algorithmic data-driven approach."

soraya.press

'A Different World' spends too much time mining nostalgia

Don't blame critics for identifying flaws. It's part of the job.

1165

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Thank you @soraya.press for including my cultural commentary and critique in your latest piece about Netflix’s A Different World.

1153

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Wrote about how Love Island USA's failure to protect Trinity Tatum, Kayda Bosse, Aniya Harvey, and Melanie Moreno from anti-Black racism and sexism online is a threat to the franchise for @time.com #LoveIslandUSA time.com/article/2026...

time.com

Love Island USA’s Failure to Protect Black Women Is a Threat to the Franchise

The record-breaking reality TV franchise is built on the popularity of its Black female stars, but it does not do enough to keep them out of harm's way.

123

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

For the past two years, I’ve contributed to @thebarbedwire.com and it breaks my heart to read the news of its closure. Texas needs and deserves independent media, like TBW. It deserves to have an editorial staff who is brave enough to go against the grain. As a Texan and writer, I am heartbroken.

092

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

If you wanted to take my pop culture criticism course in the spring, I’m bringing it back for the summer semester and this time..it’s online! sign up at @storystudiochicago.bsky.social

013

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

I know it's been a minute since I logged into BlueSky, but why am I getting a forbidden error message? Is this normal y'all?

120

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

When I interviewed Ebony Bailey about "The Afro Mexpats", her documentary film that follows the lives of three Black women who moved to Mexico for @url-media.bsky.social She had one question in mind, how do I prevent Black Americans from becoming settlers. url-media.com/what-leaving...

url-media.com

What leaving the country really costs Black Americans who move to Mexico

The migration of Black Americans to Mexico spurs discourse about their role and responsibilities.

042

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

please support @thebarbedwire.com, so I can keep on writing about all things Texas! 🤎

052

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

If you've been enjoying my cultural criticism as of late, I highly encourage you to sign up for my in-person pop culture essay writing course via @storystudiochicago.bsky.social!

021

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

If you’ve liked my recent essays as of late, please sign up for my essay writing class at @storystudiochicago.bsky.social! It’s two weeks away.

020

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

“The protection given to Paul by the network was not bestowed upon Rachel Lindsay, who made history as the first Black woman to lead The Bachelorette.“ I wrote Taylor Frankie Paul, The Bachelorette, and how ABC enabled her behaviors for sheknows.com www.sheknows.com/entertainmen...

sheknows.com

A Black 'Bachelorette' Could Never Do What Taylor Frankie Paul Did

After years of racial controversies, The Bachelorette dropped the ball in its resuscitation attempt.

0308

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Happy First Day of Spring! My EBONY Magazine debut went live on the Black origins of astrocartography, and the Black astrocartographers who are at the forefront! In 1969, EBONY made history as of the first Black publications to feature Black astrologers. www.ebony.com/astrocartogr...

ebony.com

Astrocartography is trending—but its roots go deeper

The astrology travel trend known as astrocartography has deep ties to African spiritual traditions and Black ancestral knowledge.

01512

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

"In the spiritual language that shaped the story, the film had already been anointed. And in Hoodoo tradition, an anointing carries more weight than a trophy—because while awards are temporary, ancestral recognition endures." My #Oscars review for @time.com time.com/article/2026...

time.com

The Oscars Can’t Measure the Power of Black Storytelling

The Oscars rivalry between Sinners and One Battle After Another shows how Hollywood still struggles to recognize the full power of Black storytelling, writes Taylor Crumpton.

053

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

It’s not to late to register for my session on how to make money as a freelance journalist at this year’s @indiejournalists.bsky.social conference!

032

Reposted by taylor crumpton

Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Rep. Al Green was holding a sign that reads "Black People Aren't Apes" at the #SOTU:

Rep. Al Green was holding a sign that reads "Black People Aren't Apes" at the State of the Union:

602232964945

Reposted by taylor crumpton

URL Media @url-media.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

This year’s Academy Awards are asking a radical question: What does it mean to be a Black mother? Read @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social's story on the performances of Black motherhood by award-winning actresses Teyana Taylor and Wunmi Mosaku url-media.com/this-years-a...

url-media.com

This year’s Academy Awards are asking a radical question: What does it mean to be a Black mother?

Two visions of Black motherhood are in the spotlight at this year’s Oscars.

031

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Registration is now open for the @indiejournalists.bsky.social ’s 2026 Freelance Conference on March 5 and 6! For only $89, take advantage of sessions on AI, fellowships, newsletters, and more! Plus, participate in the first-ever Pitch Fest! Register now: theiij.com/sessions-26

013

Reposted by taylor crumpton

Tressie McMillan Cottom @tressiemcphd.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

One thing we don’t do well, societally or interpersonally, is digest harms when there really isn’t anyone to blame. Being called a n*gger on international television in front of your peers is a harm. Having a disability that creates that harm through no choice of your own is a harm.

121961272

Reposted by taylor crumpton

Andrew Lawrence @ndrew.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

so we paid the tariffs and now the corporations that passed the costs on to me and you are the ones that are going to be reimbursed, do i have that correct

1564269999

Reposted by taylor crumpton

Texas Observer @texasobserver.org · 20/02/2026

New from María Del Carmen Unda: For generations, women of color have shown that “neutrality” is often a way to police whose stories matter and whose expertise counts. Knowledge rooted in lived experience is repeatedly framed as political, while dominant perspectives are treated as universal.

texasobserver.org

The UT System's New 'Controversial Topics' Policy Is About Policing Knowledge

When politically appointed regents and administrators determine which topics are “germane,” academic freedom quietly shifts into political compliance.

25027

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

"It is fair to say that Black women are the mothers of the world. At the same time, the empires that rule and govern this world have never had the well-being of Black women and children in mind." for @url-media.bsky.social, I wrote about Black motherhood at the Oscars url-media.com/this-years-a...

url-media.com

This year’s Academy Awards are asking a radical question: What does it mean to be a Black mother?

Two visions of Black motherhood are in the spotlight at this year’s Oscars.

031

Reposted by taylor crumpton

The Barbed Wire @thebarbedwire.com · 12/02/2026

Chanté Joseph started a debate when she wrote, in Vogue, “Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?” But our contributor @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social says it doesn’t have to be. Now more than ever, Americans are yearning for a radical, revolutionary type of love. thebarbedwire.com/2026/02/12/b...

thebarbedwire.com

Having a Boyfriend Really Doesn’t Have to Be Embarrassing. I Promise.

Yearning for love in unprecedented times is hard enough.

033

Reposted by taylor crumpton

The Institute for Independent Journalists @indiejournalists.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Hear from Condé Nast Traveler editor Lale Arikoglu, and writers @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social, @soleilho.com, and Meena Thiruvengadam on how to find anchor clients on the culture, travel, style and food beats. Learn more and register for just $69: theiij.com/sessions-26

INSTITUTE FOR
NDEPENDENT
URNALISTS
Taylor Crumpton Independent Journalist
2026 IIJ Freelance Conference
March 5 and 6, 2026 – live, online
Lifestyle Freelancing
Soleil Ho Worker Owner, Coyote Media
Register at theiij.com
Lale Arikoglu
Articles Director,
Condé Nast Traveler
Meena Thiruvengadam
(Moderator) Independent Travel
Journalist

111

Reposted by taylor crumpton

The Institute for Independent Journalists @indiejournalists.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

It’s still possible to get paid for reporting on food, style, culture, travel and wellness! Learn from journalists like @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social, contributor to @thebarbedwire.com, at this year’s IIJ Freelance Conference: theiij.com/sessions-26

012

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

“For the majority of Black households in the U.S, the tradition of eating a bowl of black-eyed peas on New Year's Eve to bring in good luck and prosperity is second nature.” www.essence.com/culture/why-...

essence.com

Why Do We Eat Black-Eyed Peas On New Years? Hoodoo | Essence

For the majority of Black households, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Eve to bring in good luck and prosperity is second nature. Find out why.

050

Reposted by taylor crumpton

Olivia Messer @oliviamesser.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Hello, a moment for earnestness this holiday season: It was miraculous when we scraped together enough money to launch a newsroom 16 months ago. I had a clear vision of what @thebarbedwire.com could be, but it required a lot of things to go right. Many did not! thebarbedwire.com/2025/12/23/2...

thebarbedwire.com

Gutsy, Fearless Journalism Isn’t Dead. Don’t Let Bari Weiss Convince You It Is.

Gutsy, fearless journalism is alive and thriving. Look back with us at the hopeful and heartbreaking reporting from The Barbed Wire in 2025.

315357

Reposted by taylor crumpton

The Barbed Wire @thebarbedwire.com · 23/12/2025

A thirst trap who oozes irresistible charm. Texas’ finest leading man. A boy every mom dreams of her daughter bringing home for the holidays. The inimitable wordsmith @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social on her burning desire for Cuffing Season’s #1 Draft Pick, Glen Powell thebarbedwire.com/2025/12/23/g...

thebarbedwire.com

What Do I Want for Christmas? Two Words: Glen Powell.

Congrats to Michelle Randolph this cuffing season. Desire is important, and it’s time more women talk about smoking hot movie stars.

142

Reposted by taylor crumpton

Dr. Aria Halliday @drariahalliday.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

You know what it is— If Taylor wrote it, YOU NEED TO READ IT!

051

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

I wish there was a Spotify Wrapped for journalists because I wrote my ass off this year.

180

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

I wrote about the never-ending reign of "All I Want for Christmas Is You", everyone's desire to make the next holiday classic, and how nostalgia prevents us for opening up to new Christmas songs for @time.com time.com/7341203/chri...

time.com

Why Holiday Music Charts Are Stuck in the Past

Mariah Carey isn’t the problem. Nostalgia is.

046

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

“But, what about those who were country before it was trendy? What about the generations of Black farmers and ranchers whose lands were seized from them by eminent domain?“ I reviewed #HighHorse : The Black Cowboy for @thebarbedwire.com

0194

Reposted by taylor crumpton

Matthew J Kuiper @matthewjkuiper.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

“The rise of the creator economy has blurred the line between the personal and the performative.” Really enjoyed a short piece in the recent Time magazine by @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social These opening lines on the frankly out-of-control “content creator”/“influencer” economy are excellent.

1185

Reposted by taylor crumpton

19thnews @19thnews.org · 24/11/2025

Emmanuel’s story enraged many Houston residents as community members grappled with the cruelty of keeping a disabled child locked away from his mother. This article was published in partnership with @thebarbedwire.com:

19thnews.org

A disabled child’s mom reported him missing. He was in federal custody for 48 days.

When Emmanuel Gonzalez walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October, Houston Police called ICE instead of reuniting them.

28359

Reposted by taylor crumpton

Kit O'Connell (🏳️‍🌈Big & Bright Queerdo👽) @kitoconnell.com · 20/11/2025

‪It's official! I'm now the Newsletter Writer and Contributor to Big & Bright from @thebarbedwire.com. I'll be creating a twice-monthly newsletter and regular stories about the highs & lows of LGBTQ+ Texas life, with an emphasis on queer joy. 🏳️‍🌈⭐👏 Subscribe for free: thebarbedwire.com/subscribe/

54215

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Black women are experiencing the highest rates of unemployment since the COVID pandemic. 91,000 Black women lost their jobs in the month of September. I reported on the Black women's unemployment crisis and possible solutions to resolve it for @url-media.bsky.social url-media.com/black-women-...

url-media.com

Black women are in an employment crisis. The solution isn’t ideal.

Black women’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average, twice as high as white women’s unemployment rate, and slightly higher than Latinas’ unemployment rate.

089

Reposted by taylor crumpton

URL Media @url-media.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Black women’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average, twice as high as white women’s unemployment rate, and slightly higher than Latinas’ unemployment rate (by @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social) url-media.com/black-women-...

url-media.com

Black women are in an employment crisis. The solution isn’t ideal.

Black women’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average, twice as high as white women’s unemployment rate, and slightly higher than Latinas’ unemployment rate.

022

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Hey Chicago! I will be teaching a pop culture criticism course in the spring through @storystudiochicago.bsky.social. If you love all things pop culture, then you’ll love learning how to write a critical essay about your favorite tv shows, film, etc. www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/clas...

storystudiochicago.org

A Master Class: Criticizing Pop Culture with Taylor Crumpton - StoryStudio Chicago

Pop culture is power, and power needs to be critiqued by those who are impacted by it. Students will discuss instances of pop culture that are important to them and come away with strategies for criti...

062

Reposted by taylor crumpton

S-J @sallyjay.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

"Until social platforms compensate users for their data and labor, we remain unpaid workers in a trillion-dollar industry that thrives on our attention." @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social

031

Reposted by taylor crumpton

S-J @sallyjay.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

"The problem isn’t creation itself. It’s that the platforms and policies surrounding it reward constant exposure while offering little protection in return. Data is monetized, privacy erodes, and the line between “sharing” and “working” disappears." time.com/7332708/crea...

time.com

We’re All Working for the Algorithm Now

In a world where every moment can become content, intimacy has become the price of visibility.

131

taylor crumpton @taylorcrumpton.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

“Data is monetized, privacy erodes, and the line between “sharing” and “working” disappears. Until social platforms compensate users for their data and labor, we remain unpaid workers in a trillion-dollar industry that thrives on our attention.” My latest for @time.com time.com/7332708/crea...

time.com

We’re All Working for the Algorithm Now

In a world where every moment can become content, intimacy has become the price of visibility.

1116