Culture

A Dallas Lawsuit Could Lead to Cities Being Even More Segregated

A Dallas housing case could have national ramifications. Photo of the Dallas skyline by ... Read more »

We Are Not “Just Like Everyone Else”

I recently attended an annual fundraiser for a high-profile LGBT nonprofit organization. Since they run multiple programs, some of which I support, I had no idea until I arrived that the entire event was dedicated to raising funds for what was billed as “marriage equality” (a term I loathe for many... Read more »

Serena and Venus Williams' Powerful Protest Against Racist Tennis Culture

The past year saw numerous displays of political protest at in professional athletics.  Read more »

Does Kinkphobia Color Criticism of "Fifty Shades of Grey"?

After nearly three years of writing about kink, feminism, and pop culture, I’m so tired of talking about a certain novel that I now make a point of only referring to it as “that book.” Criticizing Fifty Shades of Grey on either feminist or literary grounds is pretty much like... Read more »

"Amira & Sam" is a Rom-Com That Deals With Immigration, Identity, and Love

Early in the new romantic comedy Amira & Sam, we are introduced to Amira, a Muslim Iraqi immigrant, as she tries to sell pirated DVDs on a corner in New York City. Read more »

Removing Blackness from Media Narratives Removes an Appreciation for Black People

Issa Rae in a clip from her book trailer. I was mesmerized the first time I watched an episode of hit web series The Misadventures of Awkward Black GirlRead more »

The Bizarre Tradition of Vinegar Valentines

On Valentine’s Day, people exchange 150 million cards expressing their gooey sentiments. But in the past, people also exchanged a bizarro version of Valentine’s Day cards:... Read more »

Popaganda Episode: Can't Buy Me Love

  On Valentine's Day, Americans spend $17.6 billion on gifts. That’s roughly the same amount as the ... Read more »

Women of Color Working in STEM Fields Are Frequently Mistaken for Janitors

Teenage scientist Alexa Dantzler works in a chemisty lab at Emory University. Photo by Isabelle Saldana. Almost half of Black and Latina women working as scientists have been mistaken for... Read more »

She-Hulk, Attorney at Law: She's Mean, She's Green, and She Believes in Due Process

Avenger. Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Member of the Fantastic Four. In her many superhero roles over the past 35 years, She-Hulk has proven to be one of the strongest characters in the Marvel universe. But it’s her role as an attorney that’s been truly groundbreaking for women in comics.... Read more »

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Mad Science: Deconstructing Bunk Reporting in 5 Easy Steps

British scientists have uncovered the truth behind one of modern culture's greatest mysteries: why little girls play with pink toys. Is it...

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It’s Time to End the Long History of Feminism Failing Transgender Women

To imply that trans women pose a threat to cisgender women in restrooms is misinformation that preys on unfounded fears. Read more »

Politically Correct Language Isn't Just About Being Polite—It's About Survival

Photo by Phillipe Leroyer (Creative Commons). Two weeks ago, Jonathan Chait published the lengthy essay “Not a Very P.C.... Read more »