Monthly Archives: October 2016

Shout-out to Josh Inocéncio and his “Purple Eyes”

This is a public thank you to Josh Inocéncio for visiting my Introduction to Queer Studies class at the University of Houston tonight!! From his webpage, Josh Inocéncio is a playwright and performer who focuses on queer and indigenous reclamations within Latina/o and Euro-American cultures.  He preformed part of his fascinating, absolutely excellent play Purple Eyes forContinue reading “Shout-out to Josh Inocéncio and his “Purple Eyes””

“As long as you teach history the correct way.”

Upon hearing that I am a college professor and frequently teach History, people sometimes respond with conditional and reserved words of enthusiasm. In some way or another, these people inquire as to whether or not I teach History correctly. What does that even mean? I usually respond that I teach according to evidence. And this does notContinue reading ““As long as you teach history the correct way.””

Introducing Children to the Rhetoric of Living in a Police State

Every now and then I enjoy seeing what Polk Elementary is up to – the school where I spent seven years of my young life! There were lots of great times, lots of nightmares, too.  This past weekend when I was looking at its Facebook page, I discovered they had just had the annual Fall Festival. (When IContinue reading “Introducing Children to the Rhetoric of Living in a Police State”

Ironic French Fries

After an unexpected, uncontrollable change in plans, we were no longer headed to Houston for the afternoon, so we all jumped in the car and had the conversation we have had a thousand times. “Where do you want to eat?”  “I don’t know. Where do you want to eat?”  “What about El…” “What about, well, IContinue reading “Ironic French Fries”

“Real Men”: The Voice, Adam Levine, and #LifeIsAGenderStudiesCourse

This evening on The Voice after the Battle round performance of Peter Gabriel’s Sledgehammer by Johnny Rez vs. Nolan Neal, Coach Adam Levine used Twitter to release the following sexist comment:  Only real men can take on Peter Gabriel. You guys handled it masterfully #VoiceBattles — Adam Levine (@adamlevine) October 18, 2016 Of course, the diction and violence ofContinue reading ““Real Men”: The Voice, Adam Levine, and #LifeIsAGenderStudiesCourse”

The Slow Death of the Judicial Branch? (and of the United States?)

Republicans, especially those in political offices, continue to compromise the very existence of the United States as we know it, and most don’t seem to care that this would ultimately hurt them, too. Early today, John McCain said:  I promise you that we will be united against any Supreme Court nominee that Hillary Clinton, ifContinue reading “The Slow Death of the Judicial Branch? (and of the United States?)”

Ava DuVernay’s “13th” (2016) and Reel Black History

Ava DuVernay’s 13th (2016) is an excellent Netflix’s documentary. It explores the long history of the many disastrous consequences for Black people that have resulted from the loophole in the 13th Amendment and examines the desire by many White people to perpetually exploit Whiteness and White privilege.  Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment forContinue reading “Ava DuVernay’s “13th” (2016) and Reel Black History”