Cultural Criticism and Analysis

Senator Ted Cruz holds a book on Critical Race Theory to display to Congress.

Across the Country, Faculty Fight to Defend Academic Freedom Across the Country, Faculty Fight to Defend Academic Freedom

Displaying an unprecedented solidarity, the academic community is mobilizing to confront an existential assault on its professional work and values.

Mar 30, 2022 / Ellen Schrecker

People of different backgrounds fit together as part of a half-completed puzzle

A Mirror on Every Wall—and a Microphone Behind Every Mirror A Mirror on Every Wall—and a Microphone Behind Every Mirror

The work of belonging is never done.

Mar 24, 2022 / Column / David Bromwich

What Will It Take to Achieve Workplace Equality?

What Will It Take to Achieve Workplace Equality? What Will It Take to Achieve Workplace Equality?

A new history examines the gains won by women in white-collar work. But without mass action and solidarity, women’s economic equality will continue to be transitory and fragile.

Mar 22, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Bryce Covert

The War of Words Between Between “Rashka” and Ukraine

The War of Words Between Between “Rashka” and Ukraine The War of Words Between Between “Rashka” and Ukraine

On the culture front between “Rashka” and Ukraine.

Mar 17, 2022 / Benjamin Moser

What We’re Still Getting Wrong About the Unabomber

What We’re Still Getting Wrong About the Unabomber What We’re Still Getting Wrong About the Unabomber

Ted Kaczynski’s violence—reexamined in a new biopic—fascinates US audiences, but not for the reasons we think.

Mar 15, 2022 / R.H. Lossin

Kent Macdougall

A Socialist in the Newsroom: Kent MacDougall, 1931–2021 A Socialist in the Newsroom: Kent MacDougall, 1931–2021

The once-controversial reporter and teacher dies without notice.

Mar 11, 2022 / Tom Goldstein

The Messy Humanity of Leo Bersani (April 16, 1931–February 20, 2022)

The Messy Humanity of Leo Bersani (April 16, 1931–February 20, 2022) The Messy Humanity of Leo Bersani (April 16, 1931–February 20, 2022)

Two friends and colleagues on the late scholar, whose analyses of gay identity during the height of the AIDS crisis still loom large over sexuality studies.

Mar 7, 2022 / Zahid R. Chaudhary and Anne Anlin Cheng

My Norman Mailer Problem—and Ours

My Norman Mailer Problem—and Ours My Norman Mailer Problem—and Ours

Digging down into the roots of white America’s infatuation with Black.

Mar 7, 2022 / Feature / Darryl Pinckney

The Enigma of Roberto Bolaño

The Enigma of Roberto Bolaño The Enigma of Roberto Bolaño

David Kurnick’s new book reappraises the Chilean writer, clarifying the preconceptions and myths that haunted his earliest work.

Feb 24, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Lily Meyer

Three stacks of 100 dollar bills.

How the “American Dream” Became Un-American How the “American Dream” Became Un-American

When plutocrats defend it, and democrats bewail its passing, it’s time to recall the original meaning of the phrase.

Feb 10, 2022 / Maria Bustillos

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