Author Archives: Thomas_Easterling

A Thousand Words–and Then Some

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Thomas_Easterling

Last week’s revelation that two statewide office holders in Virginia had taken pictures in blackface–and that a third had been accused by two women of sexual assault–rocked the Commonwealth, and had trickle-down effects here in Mississippi: Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Race in Mississippi | 26 Comments

And the Winner Is…

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Thomas_Easterling

Below please find the nominees for Best Picture. Who’s going to win? Black PantherBlacKkKlansmanBohemian RhapsodyThe FavouriteGreen BookRomaA Star Is BornVice On a related note, the oldest film festival in Mississippi, the Magnolia Film Festival, takes place in Starkville February 28-March … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Arts | 16 Comments

Objets d’Art and Objects

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Thomas_Easterling

Roman Polanski cannot return to the United States because he pled guilty to unlawful sex with a minor, but skipped bail instead of serving his sentence. Bryan Singer has been accused of assaulting prospective actors and other under-aged men. Harvey … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Gender Issues, National Politics | 31 Comments

Elbow Room

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Thomas_Easterling

According to the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, a conservative think-tank, the state population experienced a modest decline last year–just over three thousand residents. Louisiana experienced an even greater decline, while all our other neighbors saw population increases. The article … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics, Pop Culture | 27 Comments

What’s N a Word?

Posted on January 16, 2019 by Thomas_Easterling

Last week, while reading a passage from Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes, I saw a student’s jaw drop out of the corner of my eye. “Dr. E,” she said when I completed the passage. “You used the hard -er.” I had indeed. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Pop Culture, Race in Mississippi | 33 Comments

This Mortal Coil

Posted on January 10, 2019 by Thomas_Easterling

“Sleep is for wimps.” “You have a long time to sleep when you’re dead.” “What’s more important: giving in, or getting things done?” I admit it: I’ve said all these things in reference to sleep. My own sleep habits have … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Science | 31 Comments

To Exempt, or Not to Exempt

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Thomas_Easterling

Like lots of other schools, the school my kids attend offers exam exemptions for students who have an A average before the final, or who sell certain numbers of magazines, raffle tickets, etc.  At first glance, the academic strengths and … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Education | 42 Comments

The Toughest Compromise

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Thomas_Easterling

After I complained to my fourth period class that they agree with each other too much, and that I find that stifling, they requested a chance to blog on something more controversial. “Like what?” I asked. “Abortion,” they said. I … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Gender Issues, Politics | 45 Comments

Endgame

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Thomas_Easterling

This year’s seniors have no memory of life without America maintaining a military presence in Afghanistan. Results from last month’s elections in that country won’t be certified until December, but fears concerning fraud and coercion already threaten to bring escalating … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 27 Comments

Another Admissions Wrinkle

Posted on November 2, 2018 by Thomas_Easterling

Advocates for MSMS have long described it as the most diverse city block in Mississippi. However, a lawsuit against Harvard University, brought by a group called Students for Fair Admissions, challenges the assumption that diversity enriches an educational experience. The … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics | 31 Comments