The Bogeymen of ‘The Americans’ The Bogeymen of ‘The Americans’
The show, which capped its most compelling season last night, understands that the Cold War was driven to a large extent by the national subconscious.
Jun 9, 2016 / K. Leander Williams
Anita Hill, Reluctant Hero Anita Hill, Reluctant Hero
Hill didn’t want to have to speak for all of us, but she did. HBO’s Confirmation serves as yet another reminder that her voice continues to reverberate, even today.
Apr 17, 2016 / Kristal Brent Zook
Ken Burns on Jackie Robinson and the Republican Party’s ‘Pact With the Devil’ Ken Burns on Jackie Robinson and the Republican Party’s ‘Pact With the Devil’
As PBS prepares to air his two-part documentary on Jackie Robinson, we speak to Ken Burns about what the baseball and civil-rights legend tells us about politics in 2016.
Apr 11, 2016 / Dave Zirin
Mapplethorpe, Prince of Darkness Mapplethorpe, Prince of Darkness
A new HBO documentary on the late photographer is smart enough to realize that his power derived from his creepiness.
Apr 5, 2016 / Tim Murphy
Does Hulk Hogan’s Lawsuit Against Gawker Really Threaten Freedom of the Press? Does Hulk Hogan’s Lawsuit Against Gawker Really Threaten Freedom of the Press?
He sued Gawker, won an unbelievably large award, and shouted “Boo!” at free speech. But it ain’t over yet.
Mar 21, 2016 / Leslie Savan
Get Information Get Information
Beyoncé’s “Formation” reflects today’s movement from black rage toward a racialized revolutionary politics.
Mar 9, 2016 / Joshua Clover
Stranger Than ‘House Of Cards’ Stranger Than ‘House Of Cards’
Given the absurdities of the current political season, it is worth asking why the return of the Netflix drama was so highly anticipated.
Mar 7, 2016 / K. Leander Williams
Black TV Hosts Matter Black TV Hosts Matter
Melissa Harris-Perry says no to MSNBC’s money.
Mar 4, 2016 / Leslie Savan
What the Academy Awards Tell Us About the Value of Black Work What the Academy Awards Tell Us About the Value of Black Work
The Oscars aren’t just a competition for cultural value: They double as an assessment tool that helps pick the industry’s economic winners and losers.
Feb 26, 2016 / Michael J. Brewer
Why Are Public Broadcasters Parroting Conservative Talking Points? Why Are Public Broadcasters Parroting Conservative Talking Points?
The moderators at the recent PBS debate followed a right-wing script on how to frame Democratic issues.
Feb 25, 2016 / Column / Eric Alterman