Lifestyle

Qualities That Made Robin James Bartley A Fantastic Author

Published

3 years ago

September 8, 2022

An author is the creator of the written word, and his work can be enjoyed by readers all over the world. Authors often have a passion for writing from a young age and may spend years honing their craft. The best authors have a unique style that sets them apart from other writers, and they are able to captivate audience with their words. No matter what genre they specialize in, authors share a love of writing and a desire to connect with readers.

Some authors write for a living, while others see writing as a hobby or form of expression. Regardless of their motivation, all authors share a love of language and a desire to communicate their ideas to others.

Few people have had such a substantial impact on the world as an author. Their words can change the way we think, move us to tears, or make us laugh out loud. They inspire us to become better people or teach us about other cultures and worlds. In short, authors have the power to transform lives. It is no wonder that so many of us aspire to be like them.

When discussing young authors, the name of James Patrick Bartley (author name: Robin James Bartley) cannot be ignored.

In 2005, pansexual author Robin Bartley was born and reared in Oak Park, Chicagoland, Illinois. Robin has always enjoyed spending time writing stories and embarrassingly juvenile fanfiction. Over time, the pastime became a significant aspect of his work and identity.

In the 2021 Water Polo Boys Junior Olympics, Robin, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, took home a silver medal. He is the grandson of James Patrick Bartley, who was recognized by his peers as a Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media, a distinction given to less than 5% of Illinois lawyers.

Robin has also volunteered at the Mural at Brooks, a project honoring the school’s namesake. There, young people and grownups helped create public artwork in memory of the late poet Gwendolyn Brooks, a well-known poet from Chicago and the first African American woman to receive a Pulitzer Prize (for her 1949 volume, Annie Allen).

Robin, who is only 17 years old, is already attracting recognition with his excellent writing skills. You can find his collection of anthologies and short story writings on his website and on Amazon. In addition to releasing his own books, Robin manages a website where he encourages emerging artists to share their work.

Robin’s Best Writing Qualities

The best authors have a gift for creating engaging, believable characters that readers can’t help but fall in love with – or love to hate. Robin has the ability to transport readers to new and exciting worlds or to make the ordinary seem somehow magical. He has a knack for weaving together plot threads in unexpected ways, keeping readers guessing until the very end. His writing style is all his own, making his stories impossible to put down.

In short, it would be safe to say that as an emerging author Robin has got quite a grip on his writing skills. When reading one of his books, be prepared to be captivated from beginning to end.

Robin’s Publications

Robin has published three anthologies and an independent novel named “Crimson” on Amazon.

His first collection of short stories is “A Robins Anthology,” the second collection is called “A Moths Anthology,” and the third collection is “A Turtle’s Anthology.”

Robin is a young author who is quickly making a name for himself in the literary world. His writing style is unique and engaging. Robin’s goal is to enlighten the world through his writing, and he firmly believes that creativity has the power to change lives. If you’re looking for an author who can inspire you and take you to another dimension, then Robin is definitely someone you should check out. You can learn more about him and his work by visiting his website https://sites.google.com/view/theauthor/home.

Lifestyle

Confronting Propaganda: Street Smart Documents Honest Reactions to Gaza Indoctrination Footage

Published

5 days ago

November 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo Courtesy of: Street Smart

Byline: Michelle Langton

In a recent project, the Street Smart team gathered 20 strangers and presented them with propaganda footage from Gaza that has circulated widely online but remains largely unfamiliar to many audiences. The aim wasn’t to provoke outrage or test media literacy in a classroom setting. It was to capture raw, unfiltered emotional reactions to material that reveals how narratives are formed at the source. The resulting video offers a candid look at how people process shocking content and how their perceptions shift when they see what is rarely shown on mainstream platforms.

The Structure of the Experiment

The format was simple. Participants were seated and shown a series of clips from Gaza, including children’s programming and broadcasts containing intense ideological messaging. No background information was provided, and viewers were not instructed on how to interpret what they were seeing. After watching, they were asked for immediate reactions.

The footage elicited a wide range of emotions. Some viewers were stunned by the content, admitting they had never seen anything like it before. Others expressed disbelief, questioning why this kind of material isn’t more widely discussed. A few were visibly shaken, saying the experience fundamentally altered their understanding of the situation.

By presenting the footage without narration or added commentary, Street Smart allowed participants’ genuine responses to emerge. The experiment revealed how propaganda can affect an entire generation. It can shock, unsettle, and force people to reconsider their assumptions.

Why This Project Matters

Sage Fox and Dorani aligned the purpose of this experiment with Street Smart’s broader mission of challenging prevailing narratives and encouraging critical thought among younger audiences. In an environment where footage spreads rapidly across digital platforms, propaganda can shape public opinion long before context catches up.

By showing the Gaza Indoctrination footage in a controlled setting and recording uncoached responses, the team aimed to expose the emotional and cognitive impact of this type of content.

“The first reaction is often the most revealing, because it shows how powerful images can be without context.”

The Range of Reactions

While each participant brought their own perspective, several themes emerged. Some expressed sympathy with the imagery itself, saying it was emotionally powerful.

One participant said, “It makes me question what I see online every day. How much of it is shaped this way?”

Their comments highlight how propaganda resonates differently depending on prior knowledge and exposure. Many viewers have simply never encountered such footage directly.

Street Smart’s Approach

This project continues a pattern established by Sage Fox & Dorani’s earlier videos. Rather than relying on experts or lengthy analysis, Street Smart focuses on real people and their honest reactions. The approach is simple but effective. Present potent material, listen to what people say, and share those moments with a wider audience.

The Gaza Indoctrination footage experiment fits this model. It doesn’t attempt to draw final conclusions or offer political commentary. Instead, it documents how people respond when they’re exposed to narratives that are usually filtered through intermediaries.

Implications for Media Literacy

Beyond its viral potential, the video raises broader questions about how people interact with powerful imagery online. Propaganda operates on emotional reflexes. As this experiment shows, those reflexes are often unexamined until they’re brought to the surface.

Sage Fox & Dorani hope that projects like this push audiences to think more critically about what they see and share.

“The purpose is not to tell people what to believe. It is to remind them that every image comes from somewhere, and that source matters,” they said.

Next Steps for Street Smart

As Street Smart’s platform grows, Sage Fox & Dorani plan to conduct similar experiments in different contexts. They intend to use their direct, street-level approach to highlight how people react when presented with challenging material.

The Gaza footage project is one piece of a larger mission. The team uses simple methods to shed light on complex issues. By focusing on authentic reactions, they continue to build a unique space in online media that blends cultural investigation with raw human response.

A Window into Unfiltered Thought

“We showed 20 strangers real propaganda footage from Gaza — and filmed their unfiltered reactions” is not a dramatic exposé or academic study. It is a clear, unmediated record of how individuals respond when confronted with material designed to persuade. In that restraint lies its strength.

By documenting these moments, Street Smart shows how awareness can begin with a pause. A brief space between seeing and believing.