Culture

Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson in Netflix's Passing

With Netflix and Nella Larsen’s Passing, look for the relevant parallels.

By Justin Katz | November 11, 2021 |

Even in the pre-woke days of the 1990s, when I went to college, the traditional English curriculum was already giving way to identity politics.  More than one teacher for more than one class assigned books by Anzia Yezierska, which were good but not that good and which tended to tell the same story over and over…

A woman surrounded by photos

Friday morning philosophy: memory, victimhood, and recovery.

By Justin Katz | November 5, 2021 |

Whether one generally agrees with his ideas or not, Jordan Peterson’s podcast is unique and wonderful in its approach.  He’s a brilliant guy, and he’s genuinely striving to figure stuff out.  To this end, he invites other brilliant people who he thinks can help him answer some question on for a conversation.  Peterson comes to…

An image from Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer

Graphic Novels and Naked Fat Tests in North Kingstown High School

By Justin Katz | November 4, 2021 |

In institutions that serve our children, we have to recognize that we are psychologically and socially disadvantaged when it comes to noticing when acceptance becomes grooming.

A water drop and ripples

A hot-take that’s sure to be unpopular across the political spectrum.

By Justin Katz | November 2, 2021 |

Stephen King could write an incredible novel if he were willing to imagine something demonic in wokism.

The state picks a pot dealer by lottery

The state’s selection of marijuana dispensaries was more representative than many appreciate.

By Justin Katz | October 30, 2021 |

Anchor Rising cofounder Andrew Morse retweeted the photo from ABC6’s Doreen Scanlon that I’ve used as the featured image of this post with the following commentary: Literally and figuratively: How big decisions are made by Rhode Island government. This is the sort of observation a conservative makes when seeing a campy lottery-style method for giving…

Bishop Tobin's tweet to Pope Francis

Bishop Tobin’s tweet to the pope is certainly a sign of changing times.

By Justin Katz | October 28, 2021 |

Naturally, I’m in agreement with Bishop Tobin and this tweet to Pope Francis, both in substance and in the meta-factor of thinking it needs to be sent: Dear Pope Francis, You have boldly stated that abortion is “murder.” Please challenge President Biden on this critical issue. His persistent support of abortion is an embarrassment for…

A water drop and ripples

Student lap dances of Kentucky school employees should result in arrests.

By Justin Katz | October 28, 2021 |

So, yeah… the statement that the school employees involved in this event didn’t know the details is no excuse: The superintendent of Hazard Independent Schools said “appropriate disciplinary action has been taken” after photos surfaced showing students giving lap dances to staff and wearing scant clothing Tuesday as part of Hazard High School’s homecoming week…

A hooded man in shadows

Hate Crime Statistics and Dysfunction on the Campus

By Justin Katz | October 27, 2021 |

Founding broad, university-wide policies in ideological imperatives that make little pretense to a factual basis, academic institutions are convincing young Americans that they live in a society that does not actually exist.

A water drop and ripples

Time for the counter-offensive of raisingmore statues.

By Justin Katz | October 27, 2021 |

I like John Steigerwald’s idea (via Instapundit): Instead of waiting for liberals to attack the Founders by attacking the statues that memorialize them, Republicans should be looking for places to put new ones, while, in the process, educating people about how Jefferson, who was born into slave ownership, helped to create the country that ended…

Children at sunset

Concern about COVID and kids has to be put in perspective.

By Justin Katz | October 26, 2021 |

I read somewhere not long ago that the thing with alcohol isn’t so much that it lowers inhibitions as that it narrows one’s focus.  Having fun in the moment, touching base with your high school friend at 4:00 in the morning, anger at that guy looking at you funny across the bar… these things become…