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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Joel Lee

Joel Lee, Under the Arch Deputy Editor

Joel is a Gallatin sophomore studying Sociology and Digital Media. Hailing from North Jersey, the city-next-door was always the place to pursue his passions. When he’s not working, he’s watching David Dobrik and Bon Appetit videos or brewing kombucha from his dorm room. You can find probably him on the fifth floor of Bobst or 18 Below. Contact him if you want a kombucha starter.

All content by Joel Lee
egg salad in april

egg salad in april

An ode to the poems that feed me.
Joel Lee, Contributing Writer May 5, 2020

Written and Performed by Joel Lee Animations by Charlie Dodge Video Edited by Maxine Flasher-Duzgunes Read a transcript of Joel's poem below. today i cried while learning...

Take It Back to Prom

Prom night is full of expectations and sometimes complete left turns. Hear from this year’s Fringe models on how they fared during the “best night” of high school.
Joel Lee, Deputy Under the Arch Editor April 24, 2019

Why I Love Muting People on Instagram

Why I Love Muting People on Instagram

One writer’s take on Instagram’s mute feature and the joys it brings.
Joel Lee, Under the Arch Deputy Editor March 8, 2019

There’s one power move I often pull —  and that move is muting people I follow on Instagram. As I mindlessly swipe through my Instagram, I often think: Why am I expending...

Steinhardt sophomore Ainura Kudaibergen holds her vlog camera and a YouTube-branded notebook, which she fills with video ideas. She has been posting to YouTube since 2012. (Photo by Katie Peurrung)

NY-YouTube

Joel Lee, Under the Arch Deputy Editor March 4, 2019

Lived In

Joel Lee and Justin Park February 24, 2019

Asian Americans Are Asian Enough

Asian Americans Are Asian Enough

A response to “Struggling to Define Asian-American in 2019.”
Joel Lee, Under the Arch Deputy Editor February 11, 2019

Last Monday, WSN published an op-ed by NYU student Ryan Moon titled “Struggling to Define Asian-American in 2019.” I experienced a sense of indignation as I read Moon’s claim...

Lola lies in bed after being banned from PayPal. (Photo by Katie Peurrung)

Cam Girl. Stripper. Student.

Lady Lola Lightning cams and strips to fund her entire tuition, living costs and more. No toys or tricks involved.
Joel Lee, Staff Writer October 29, 2018
Lady Lola Lightning cams and strips to fund her entire tuition, living costs and more. No toys or tricks involved.
A girl waves the pride flag during "Heaven," off of Troye's debut album, "Blue Neighborhood." Troye told the audience that for him, "Heaven" was about his coming out experience. (Photo by Katie Peurrung)

Kim Petras and Troye Sivan Blossom on BLOOM Tour

Joel Lee, Staff Writer October 11, 2018
Troye Sivan and Kim Petras brought an atmosphere of inclusion and self-expression to their Radio City Music Hall concert on Tuesday night.
The movie poster from "Crazy Rich Asians."

The Limitations of ‘Crazy Rich Asians’

Joel Lee, Staff Writer September 10, 2018
While Asian Americans are finally becoming the protagonists of their own stories with films like "Crazy Rich Asians," audiences have come to question and critique what this means for Asian Americans in film.
Hasan Minhaj at the PEN World Voices Festival on April 22. Minhaj discussed his comedy and being Muslim in the era of President Donald Trump.

Hasan Minhaj Talks Muslim Community and the Hustle at PEN World Voices

Joel Lee, Staff Writer April 23, 2018
Hasan Minhaj sat down with Wajahat Ali at the PEN World Voices Festival on Sunday to discuss comedy and being Muslim in the era of President Donald Trump.
Adam Rippon Is a Marketable Gay

Adam Rippon Is a Marketable Gay

Joel Lee, Staff Writer April 16, 2018
Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon has become a gay icon due to his outgoing personality, and I can't help but feel like he is being celebrated because he embodies the ideal way to be gay.
Lorde: Melodrama World Tour 2018 at Prudential Center on Friday, April 6.

Lorde Embraces the Intimate on ‘Melodrama’ Tour

Joel Lee, Staff Writer April 9, 2018
Lorde dazzled sold-out crowds at Barclays Center and Prudential Center this past week on her "Melodrama World Tour."
The Immortal  (Musical) Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement

The Immortal (Musical) Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement

Joel Lee, Staff Writer April 4, 2018
Gil Scott-Heron, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke and other musicians transformed people’s experiences into powerful rallies for justice during the Civil Rights Movement.
Andy Goldsworthy in LEANING INTO THE WIND, a Magnolia Pictures release.

The Ephemeral Life in ‘Leaning Into the Wind’

Joel Lee, Staff Writer March 19, 2018
“Leaning Into the Wind" poignantly examines the life of British sculptor Andy Goldsworthy through his various installations and sculptures of nature.
Kevin Wilson, Jr.: “My Nephew Emmett”

Kevin Wilson, Jr.: “My Nephew Emmett”

Joel Lee, Staff Writer March 5, 2018
Tisch graduate student Kevin Wilson, Jr. is already nominated for an Academy Award for his short film “My Nephew Emmett.”
The “Happy Vegan” at the newly opened Tender Greens on Union Square.

Tender Greens Provides a Little TLC

Joel Lee, Contributing Writer February 20, 2018
Tender Greens, known for it's emphasis on food sustainability has finally stepped foot in New York City.
A photo of "Emmett Till" director Kevin Wilson Jr, an NYU Tisch grad student.

Hidden Gems in Oscars’ Live Action Shorts

Joel Lee, Contributing Writer February 16, 2018
This year’s Oscar-Nominated Live Action Shorts are timely in tackling the nuances of social issues that we face today.