Illusions Revolt!

How popular culture hobbles protest movements Chauncey Maher , Dickinson College In response to the anti-racism protests that have erupted across the U.S., many Americans are saying they agree with the goals of the demonstrators, but not their methods . In a recent Pew survey, 67% of Americans say they support the Black Lives Matter movement, but only 19% think protests and rallies – with their demands to defund the police and exact justice for George Floyd’s death – are an effective way to bring about change. I’ve seen this refrain before. In fact, it’s inspired me to write a book that explores the attitudes white people hold towards racial and economic justice. Often, when Americans express support for a particular issue – whether it’s about ending slavery or protecting civil rights – they’ll couch their advocacy with the caveat that the change must be gradual. Big, immediate changes are thought to be dangerous or otherwise impractical. In learning more about why these att...

We recently marked the 14th anniversary of the American invasion of Iraq. Given the outcome of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the milestone passed almost completely without comment among the many who led the charge to Baghdad in 2003. There are soldiers of all ranks who went into battle carrying copies of Ibn Khaldun’s “The Muqaddimah,” Hans Wehr’s Arabic-English Dictionary and other works that might help explain the land and region to which they were ostensibly bringing liberty. Many of these honorable men and women are wiser and more in touch today with the history, politics and culture of the Middle East than when the invasion order came. The same cannot be said for America’s political leaders or Americans more generally. Read more >

American Idol, the long-running TV show that took advantage of the insatiable adolescent craving for attention, fame and fortune, has at last been laid to rest. It certainly wasn't the first of its kind. Less ostentatious versions have been around for a long time - even before there were televisions. What made this iteration different was its breadth and scope - scouring the country for fledgling talent in a tournament-like elimination competition. It was a huge success. Millions watched as thousands responded to auditions in cities all over the country, and some very good performers were actually discovered. So what's the problem? Simply this - instant fame is rarely a good thing. We see it over and over with teenage athletes who become millionaires overnight, and lottery winners who have no idea how to handle their windfall. The show was promoted as a showcase for undiscovered talent. The producers were cast as benefactors, talent scouts seeking out those who deser...