Category Archives: Pop Culture

Tik-Tok-BOOM

Posted on March 27, 2024 by admin

I’ve been swamped lately, and one of your peers, Naomi Simpson, has offered to help construct blogs that can stimulate productive argument. Kudos to Naomi! Here’s her first proffering: On March 13th, the United States House of Representatives passed a … Continue reading →

Posted in National Politics, Pop Culture, Social Media | 20 Comments

All Work and No Play Isn’t Necessarily Stupid, But Might Be Inhuman

Posted on March 27, 2023 by admin

I was a child entrepreneur. I loaded up paints and stencils in my wagon and painted street numbers on curbs. I mowed grass and raked leaves. I babysat. When I was old enough–15, which was also old enough to drive–I … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, National Politics, Pop Culture | 22 Comments

Flyover

Posted on October 21, 2022 by admin

At the beginning of each school year, I ask juniors how many of them plan to stay in state for college. The majority say–emphatically–that they plan to leave, particularly those who consider themselves part of “forgotten” communities. The Dramatic Performance’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Pop Culture | 13 Comments

A New Meaning for Punchline

Posted on April 1, 2022 by admin

Think of something stupid or cruel you could say “in jest” about a woman who practices the law. She only prosecutes domestic violence because she’s a woman. Women lawyers are just liberal feminazis. She’s just a politician. She doesn’t really … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Pop Culture | 22 Comments

Intergenerational Confab

Posted on February 2, 2022 by admin

A couple of days ago, I found myself trying to explain trigger warnings to a slightly older person–straight, white, male, 60s, non-academic. You may not be surprised that he was skeptical of the need for them. “Sticks and stones,” he … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics, Pop Culture | 15 Comments

Side by Side by Stereotype

Posted on November 29, 2021 by admin

Stephen Sondheim passed away last weekend. He wrote enduring and transformative Broadway musicals, including Sweeny Todd, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods. He also wrote lyrics … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Politics, Pop Culture | 14 Comments

You Have the Right to Stay Silent

Posted on September 1, 2021 by admin

Last month, a tenured professor of English I know posted the following comment on the social media page of an elected official who wanted public input on Covid-19 vaccination policies. “At this point, as vicious as it sounds,” she wrote, … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Pop Culture, Science, Social Media | 22 Comments

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

Posted on January 26, 2021 by admin

I have two sons. Both identify as male. Both are very in touch with their Y chromosomes. They enjoy theatre, but would rather do yard work than shop for clothes. You would not find a stitch of pink in their … Continue reading →

Posted in Pop Culture | 11 Comments

The Dim Light Near the End of the Tunnel

Posted on January 20, 2021 by admin

Mississippi has been administering coronavirus vaccines since the beginning of the year, but only 100,000 people have gotten their first doses. According to Fortune magazine, roughly 5% of Americans have received their first doses. At that rate, it will take … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Pop Culture, Science | 12 Comments

Make My Holidays Happier

Posted on December 9, 2020 by admin

As the blog winds down for the holidays–don’t forget! blog before next Wednesday if you’re seeking quiz credit–I have an important media question and could use your expertise. I’ve gotten bored with my current entertainment options, which revolve around Hulu … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Pop Culture | 14 Comments