When I was younger, I remember I went to a party with a co-worker. I don't know why, I didn't even like the guy, but nothing else was going on. He was a bit shady, and he'd gotten into trouble in the past, but I said yes. I knew I shouldn't, but I still found … Continue reading Digging Past The Point of No Return
I have no doubt that in fifty years, the current administration will appear in textbooks as a defining moment in American history. One that took all of our glaring problems in this country, and laid them out for all to see, bared to the harsh light of day like some stained shirt worn too often … Continue reading Sixteen Candles, MTV, and Brett Kavanaugh: Did I Assault Someone Too? What I Thought Was Masculinity
I've struggled with what this blog is supposed to be. It's been too serious, dealing with problems our country and humanity faces, the fate of education, and occasionally my colon. At other times it's been uplifting and light-hearted, dealing with my family, teaching and somehow, also my colon. Throughout it all, it's been a catharsis … Continue reading It’s Time for The Purge – 306
To Be or Not To Be A few weeks ago my students were reading the "To be or not to be..." speech in Hamlet. Virtually everyone knows a part of it, whether they are aware of it or not. It's one of those things that is so ingrained in our culture that we aren't even … Continue reading After This Year, How Many Teachable Moments Do I Have Left (Part 1)
For the past month, I've seen houses in my neighborhood losing the battle against Early Decoration Syndrome. Christmas has been slowly invading the neighborhood, with a fringe of Hanukkah for good measure. I've decried the unwanted invasion, the insidious nature of the Holidays months before the date actually arrives, the constant barrage of Christmas commercials and … Continue reading This Holiday, Give More Love, Less Stuff
As I sit here, sipping my cup of chicken broth, about to undergo yet another cleanse for yet another colonoscopy, I realize how blasé I've become about the whole ordeal. Don't get me wrong, it's not fun. I don't enjoy a whole day of only consuming a clear liquid diet, followed by hours in the … Continue reading My “Bravest” Medical Procedure.
"Dad, I'm Black like you." A simple statement from my son, spoken nearly a year ago. One born from a child's perspective on what it means to be Black or White. Sometimes, simple understandings are the truest ones. In this case, it was fortunately not true. He is not Black, like me. I am not … Continue reading The Hand We Are Dealt
