What’s Happening at NBC Entertainment? 

NBC Entertainment currently has a number of high-quality, status-quo-challenging programs.  As previously written, in its twenty-first season now, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit brings attention to the systemic problem that is sexual violence. In contrast to rhetoric spoken and perpetuated by current conservative ideologies, Law and Order takes victims seriously and does not excuseContinue reading “What’s Happening at NBC Entertainment? “

An Ode to the Chicken Strips at the Cheesecake Factory

A for fun post! I’ve been eating at the Cheesecake Factory for about a decade. I’ve always gotten the same thing–Buffalo Chicken Strips, no buffalo! People laugh at me, but I’m telling you…they have the best chicken strips available. They are so good that I’ve been collecting pictures of them! Look at those portions! LookContinue reading “An Ode to the Chicken Strips at the Cheesecake Factory”

Notes on: The Hate U Give (2018)

It is impossible to be unarmed when our Blackness is the weapon that they fear. The Hate U Give (2018) is a powerful movie. Its ultimate power stems not so much from its indictment of institutional and systemic racism but from its positive portrayal of Blackness. The film, and the outstanding book from which it grew, focusContinue reading “Notes on: The Hate U Give (2018)”

Everyday Racism in America MicroBlogs

The following is a compilation of thoughts (so-named microblogs) that I live tweeted during MSNBC’s special program tonight, Everyday Racism in America. Please take a look! Thanks! (It might take the page a few seconds longer than usual to load.)  Really looking forward to live tweeting this town hall event. Will be ready to learn, comment,Continue reading “Everyday Racism in America MicroBlogs”

Book Review–“Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know About the Emerging Science of Sex Differences”

Last night I read Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know About the Emerging Science of Sex Differences published by Penguin Books. The author–Leonard Sax–has a Ph.D. and a M.D., so I expected a monograph of quality. However, I’ve never read an academic book more offensive, problematic, inaccurate, queerphobic, transphobic, sexist, hateful, opinionated. I’m stillContinue reading “Book Review–“Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know About the Emerging Science of Sex Differences””

On the Limits of Poststructuralism

Of course, representations always matter. Both choices and implications. Disregarding the author and his/her/their background and intent (see, for example, “The Death of the Author”) is typically important when analyzing culture. Humans are generally blind to their own circumstances and why–truly why–they make the choices they make. Only with time can we begin to seeContinue reading “On the Limits of Poststructuralism”

Review of Aaron Alon’s BULLY (2017)

From its directorship by Dr. Aaron Alon, its powerful story line and unforgettable thirteen original numbers written and composed by Alon, its cinematography, its sound, and its talented cast of performers and singers, Thunderclap Production’s latest release, Bully (2017), is a highly-original masterpiece about bullying, depression, gender, queerness, and suicide. In the space of 58 minutes, this musical pushes viewersContinue reading “Review of Aaron Alon’s BULLY (2017)”

Book Review–“The Rise of the Nones: Understanding and Reaching the Religiously Unaffiliated”

I read James Emery White’s The Rise of the Nones: Understanding and Reaching the Religiously Unaffiliated (2014) this morning in preparation for a new specific topics course I am teaching this spring–Atheists, Other “Heathens,” and 20th C. United States. White writes from the perspective of a long time pastor and a follower of Protestant Christian theology and forContinue reading “Book Review–“The Rise of the Nones: Understanding and Reaching the Religiously Unaffiliated””