James McWilliams, Author at Pacific Standard

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Social Justice

When It Comes to Animal Farms, Sometimes Size Doesn’t Matter

It’s frighteningly common for those who cover food issues to assume that smaller farms are safer farms. They may be happier, but they’re not necessarily healthier, as the recent spread of a devastating disease shows.

James McWilliams

Social Justice

The Seduction of Addiction: A Runner’s Confession

The psychological literature on exercise addiction can be confusing, but maybe that’s because we’re focusing too much on pathologizing the wrong thing.

James McWilliams

Social Justice

What Makes American Cuisine American?

At its essence, American food began as a cuisine of survival free from the burdens of tradition and elitism. Little has changed.

James McWilliams

Environment

Consider the Squirrel

Over 150 years ago, squirrels were imported from the countryside as a way to beautify our urban parks. They taught us important lessons about charity and compassion. And then we turned on them.

James McWilliams

Social Justice

Journalism Is Never Perfect: The Politics of Story Corrections and Retractions

Do reporters and editors have an obligation to get the story right—even if not the first time?

James McWilliams

News in Brief

Strange Cargo: Is Legalizing the Trade of Exotic Animal Products the Only Way to Slow It?

Gall bladders, Tibetan antelope wool, musk pods, ivory tusks, pounds and pounds of frog fat—these are just some of the items being smuggled into the U.S. that are, among other things, dangerous to our health.

James McWilliams

Environment

Chipotle’s Choice: A Shift Away From Responsibly Raised Beef

For a company that markets itself by lambasting the industrial food system, Chipotle's offerings are starting to look a lot like many other fast-food chains out there, complete with growth hormones, feedlots, GMOs, and more.

James McWilliams

Social Justice

John McEnroe and the Sadness of Greatness

On "the only player in the history of the game to go berserk and play better tennis" and the emotional risk inherent in the athlete’s quest for perfection.

James McWilliams

Costa Rican ox-cart loaded with coffee bags.

Economics

Fair, but Not Fair Enough: Beyond Fair Trade Coffee

Kenneth Lander believes he has found a better way to put farmers first.

James McWilliams