Cultural Criticism and Analysis

William Parker’s Late-Career Bloom

William Parker’s Late-Career Bloom William Parker’s Late-Career Bloom

After a 45-year-long career, the jazz bassist is still creating experimental music pulsing with humanity.

Aug 16, 2018 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu

Can Charles Mills Save Liberal Philosophy From Itself?

Can Charles Mills Save Liberal Philosophy From Itself? Can Charles Mills Save Liberal Philosophy From Itself?

In his new book, the philosopher argues that political theory has obscured the history of racism in liberal societies.

Jul 18, 2018 / Books & the Arts / Christopher Lebron

The Quilt of Romare Bearden’s Life

The Quilt of Romare Bearden’s Life The Quilt of Romare Bearden’s Life

For 30 years, the artist worked for the New York City Department of Welfare, a day job that was much more than a necessary evil.

Jul 13, 2018 / Aidan Levy

Katharine Gates’s Anthropology of Kink

Katharine Gates’s Anthropology of Kink Katharine Gates’s Anthropology of Kink

The republication of Deviant Desires provides an opportunity to consider notions of sexuality that are often ignored or minimized elsewhere.

Jul 3, 2018 / Cassidy Dawn Graves

Roger Scruton’s Conservative Moment

Roger Scruton’s Conservative Moment Roger Scruton’s Conservative Moment

Scruton’s new book is framed as an “invitation to the great tradition” of the right—but what it offers is anachronistic and hopelessly obscure.

Jul 2, 2018 / Joseph Hogan

Woman protests Thomas Homan

Against Civility Against Civility

You can’t fight injustice with decorum.

Jun 27, 2018 / Sarah Leonard

What Will the State Look Like in an Era of Ecological Disaster?

What Will the State Look Like in an Era of Ecological Disaster? What Will the State Look Like in an Era of Ecological Disaster?

Hobbes for an age of accelerated climate change.

Jun 21, 2018 / Books & the Arts / Alyssa Battistoni

Kanye West

Kanye’s Discontents Kanye’s Discontents

At his best, Kanye West could be something of a Walt Whitman with Pro Tools. His new album, Ye, sadly feels like something halted in mid-sentence.

Jun 8, 2018 / David Hajdu

I Think My Friend Is a Jordan Peterson Fan. What Should I Do?

I Think My Friend Is a Jordan Peterson Fan. What Should I Do? I Think My Friend Is a Jordan Peterson Fan. What Should I Do?

Another reader asks if it’s ethical to help an advertising firm understand “modern retirement.”

Jun 7, 2018 / Asking for a Friend / Liza Featherstone

Second and Third Thoughts on Tom Wolfe

Second and Third Thoughts on Tom Wolfe Second and Third Thoughts on Tom Wolfe

He was blithely unaware of how his journalistic cutting edge sliced one family into ribbons—mine.

Jun 1, 2018 / Feature / Jamie Bernstein

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