And why conservative political identity is inseparable from guns — Every time a mass shooting happens, Republican leaders gather to pray for families, communities, children, and schools but fall silent to making any changes that would restrict their rights while keeping children safe. The same people who are adamant that all life is precious, so precious that even a clump…

How we internalize rape culture and normalize sexual assault — I started sex-ed classes in sixth grade in Manhattan Middle School. I don’t remember much, just that everyone was uncomfortable and shy about any topic of discussion. But the classes were still somewhat useful. I’m sure I learned a great deal about safe sex, human anatomy, and reproductive health. However…

So long sex and kitsch, hello materialistic empowerment — I’m sure you’ve heard by now: Victoria’s Secret is rebranding itself as an inclusive, empowered, feminist brand! At the forefront of this turnaround are Megan Rapinoe, Eileen Gu, Paloma Elsesser, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. …

What makes the right-wing so gullible? — Sometimes I feel like conservatives have been brainwashed to think that literally.every.single.thing is not only a conspiracy but a conspiracy against them. Is there anything that can be trusted if even science is disregarded so easily? COVID is a conspiracy. Vaccines are a conspiracy. Climate change is a conspiracy. The…

Why professional dance criticism plays a significant role in strengthening the social significance of dance art — How do you put into words something that cannot be explained in words? How to describe emotions and stories told with bodies? Is it possible to document something so ethereal and unique as music and movement on paper? Expressing through dance is very different from expressing in words. Writing has…

Is it because they just look so young, cute, and innocent? — When a young, beautiful white woman falls victim to crime, the world goes crazy. In the seven days Gabby Petito was missing, she was mentioned 398 times on Fox News, 346 times on CNN, and 100 times on MSNBC, in addition to coverage across news programs and opinion talk shows…

What the Taliban takeover potentially means for women and girls in Afghanistan — When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in the mid-90s, everything changed for women. The strict version of Islamic Sharia law imposed across the country stripped women from most of their fundamental human rights. They were denied access to healthcare, education, and work, confined to their homes and unable to…

How art education can enhance learning, reach marginalized students, and offer a sense of meaning, purpose, and belonging — In a previous post, I touched a little bit on what art education can offer to an individual, to community, society, and to democracy. Perhaps you found the reasons compelling and noteworthy, but you are still wondering why art education should be offered to all students in public schools. You…

A battle between safety, individual liberty, and extreme violence — After the mass shootings in Atlanta and Boulder last month, I felt compelled to write a little something about gun control in the U.S. As expected, the story received some critical comments from who I am assuming to be pro-gun individuals. In my story, I touched on the issue of…