The Blood Libel: Medieval England and Hamas last week.

Crucifixion of William of Norwich, Holy Trinity church, Loddon, Norfolk As a historian, I work on narrative, memory, and myth. I’m interested in how people respond to events by creating new stories or re-interpreting old ones, applying a narrative lens to the world around them. I have a specific focus on the 13th-century Mediterranean, but I … Continue ReadingThe Blood Libel: Medieval England and Hamas last week.

This American Life and the R-word – a 2013 Re-broadcast of a cruel joke from 1996

Yesterday, I published a piece on CNN focusing on an episode from This American Life that, I felt, mocked people with Down syndrome. What was interesting to me, though, is that the comedian in question (Wyatt Cenac) wasn’t just telling jokes using the r-word, but had something more complex going on. As a listener, it … Continue ReadingThis American Life and the R-word – a 2013 Re-broadcast of a cruel joke from 1996

Wyatt Cenac and This American Life – Mocking Down Syndrome

I have a piece up on CNN today about comedy and disability, focusing on an episode of This American Life. I’m interested in the use of disclaimers, something I’ve talked about before, as a way to try to escape the consequences of one’s words. I know some will disagree. They’ll say it’s just comedy. Or … Continue ReadingWyatt Cenac and This American Life – Mocking Down Syndrome

“Daddy’s Money” – A line of shoes for tween girls.

This is from Sketchers. It’s called “Gimme Kisses” from the brand line “Daddy’s Money.” If you look closely, you can see a $ and the word Daddy above the laces. This one is called “Cha-Ching” is a pretty good looking shoe. The one covered in bling is “Gimme megabucks.” Why yes, I am writing an essay … Continue Reading“Daddy’s Money” – A line of shoes for tween girls.

“I wouldn’t waste time thinking before terminating a Down syndrome pregnancy.”

Last week I wrote an essay on the way elements of the right-wing are trying to use prenatal testing as a wedge issue in the abortion wars. Among other pieces, I wrote: What they should ALSO do, however, is to offer complete information that will help people make informed decisions – decisions that will, I hope, … Continue Reading“I wouldn’t waste time thinking before terminating a Down syndrome pregnancy.”