what you've already heard.
A whole wad of links:
- University of Pennsylvania cuts Asian American Studies department funding. This has something of a happy ending; in the edit, AAM notes that the protest raised by students and faculty meant that the University rectified the issue. Still, it's something that academics need to be concerned with. Even when Asian American Studies is demonstrably a modern business issue -- if nothing else, and speaking very cynically -- well-funded universities cannot be expected to provide funding for the departments.
- When my parents and I were talking about movies we wanted to see, I said that I didn't want to see 21, even before they got a word out. This is because their casting choices are wonky. I really enjoyed this piece, which is thoughtful and clearly addresses contrasting views; I'm thinking of assigning it as part of my composition class on contrary opinions, if I'm teaching that next year.
- From Racialicious: Lou Dobbs: 'The fact is most Americans don't have a problem talking about race.' Mark this as the first time I have ever agreed wholeheartedly with Condoleeza Rice.
- Part of why John Edwards was my candidate. While I think claims that the First Spouse is part of the presidency are largely pandering claptrap, I do love how intelligent and thoughtful Elizabeth Edwards has been on the campaign trail, and in general. Here she demonstrates an ability to get to the point of things quickly and decisively, and she doesn't back down.
- Speaking of presidential candidates, there's nothing like seeing the intersection of gender, race, and power in action. Bowling as a requirement for manhood! It's not surprising that Obama's a bad bowler, because he's black! ALSO HE'S GOOD AT BASKETBALL! I don't think I could make this up.
- What does a Feminist [Heterosexual] Relationship Look Like? I think lesbian, transhomo, and transhetero relationships can and should be asked the same question, but it's especially important to ask this question of heterosexual relationships. No answers, of course, but the comments are interesting. Remember that they're open to a general readership, which means potential irritation and lack of control over content.
- Rev. Jeremiah Wright responds to the NY Times. I love Racialicious' note about common marginalizing terms that newspapers use, and I'm really happy to hear Wright's voice beyond the standard news program clip.
- Dr. King: In Memoriam. Another Racialicious piece, surveying the newspaper responses to the anniversary of Dr. MLK Jr.'s assassination. (I really love Racialicious, if you didn't get that.)
- I highly recommend On Prisons, Borders, Safety, and Privilege: Open Letter to White Feminists, even though I'm not finished reading it. It's thought-provoking, very much open to debate, and I think it provides for and allows that debate in a really interesting way. I may change my mind as I keep reading it, but I think it's worth engaging with.
- And another funny, well-constructed post from Sublunary Limins, on the subject of idiot students: Logic: You're Doing It Wrong.