Jeremy Lin and the Post-Racial Playing Field
Linsanity has pointed out some residual glitches in the American psyche, in particular how the nation struggles to accept genuine racial diversity.
Finding a New Gandhi in the Book ‘Great Soul’
Like other great figures, new writings about Mohandas Gandhi tell us something about the subject but perhaps more about our times.
The Picture for Men: Superhero or Slacker
Recent scholarship and popular journalism both suggest an unappealing future for American boys: You're screwed.
The Crisis in Liberal Arts Education
Questions about the direction and pertinence of a liberal arts education mirror questions being asked about the classical university as a whole.
Outsourcing an American Education
India is considering allowing Western universities to plant satellite campuses directly in the subcontinent's fertile soil.
(Eastern) Religion Is the Last Refuge
Tiger’s Wood’s apology kabuki included the now de rigueur appeal to religious values — but not to the Christian ones Americans usually hear.
The Lives of Saints (and Sinners)
While the passing of Frank McCourt shone a light on memoirs, more literary biographies have been doing land-office business of late.
In Memoirs We Trust
Whether it's from Irish-American high school teachers or vice presidents reporting from underground bunkers, Americans have a taste for others' personal experiences.
New Conversations on Race
From a new book by William Julius Wilson to the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor, the primacy of race in the American dialogue hasn't weakened, but the subject matter has.
Falling Hard for Bad Movies
Sameer Pandya compares summer movies to summer flings: They may be bad for us, but they're awfully fun as they unspool.