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The Oxford Blue

Oxford University's independent newspaper | A new voice for a new decade | Est. 2020..

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Author Archives: Ben O'Brien

Outside of his degree, Ben likes France and most things French, revolutionary critiques of Enlightenment Modernity, and learning to write about these and many other things. As well as writing for The Oxford Blue, he works for The Isis magazine and is currently investigating the 'academic gig economy' and the exploitation of young academics.

Posted inOxford News

University launches Race and Equality Task Force amid criticism of launch event

by Ben O'Brien December 3, 2020December 3, 2020
Posted inCulture

Eating French to be French

by Ben O'Brien October 7, 2020October 7, 2020
Posted inOpinion

Degree Review: Politics at Oxford

by Ben O'Brien July 21, 2020September 19, 2020

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To “Slay” or Not To “Slay”

Ben O'Brien Nov 30, 2025 5 min read
Provided by Ngoc Diep (Alice), used with permission. Website: The Oxford English Dictionary.

slay /sleɪ/: to impress someone very much or to be very good or impressive (Cambridge Dictionary, 2025); “slay the house boots down houston i’m deceased”…

Home and Abroad – examining China’s political messaging inside and outside the country

Ben O'Brien Nov 29, 2025 9 min read
Home and Abroad – examining China’s political messaging inside and outside the country

China remained shrouded in mystery to the West from the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 until the 1970s. In 1972, US…

Doctor Faustus at the Keble O’Reilly: Reviewed

Ben O'Brien Nov 28, 2025 6 min read
Doctor Faustus at the Keble O’Reilly: Reviewed

‘I was, at times, simply floored by Carrington’s production of this classic play; there was a constant tension, both emotional and sexual, that wound up…

Creditors at the Burton Taylor Studio: Reviewed

Ben O'Brien Nov 28, 2025 5 min read
Photo of two cast members on set. One is sitting down on a chair in a pink dress and another is sat behind in dark clothing.

“In Harry, we have an eminently modern comedic protagonist, while Beloou and Smith bring out the more timeless frustrations of relationships with a good balance…

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