Blog

Religion isn’t always Precious about Itself

Sunday, 7 October 2018 | Essays

I asked Dr. Singh why he wore a head covering that boys usually wear, rather than a turban. His answer made me laugh and laugh and laugh…

“I Ain’t no AY-rab”

Sunday, 2 September 2018 | Current events and commentary, Essays

I got on an airplane just nine days after 9/11. Everyone was on the lookout for more “Arab” terrorists. There were National Guardsmen all over the airport. Then there was a commotion in the security line ahead. Some Guardsmen were talking to this slender, 30-something, working-class white man who was wearing a lot of gold chains…

Aibileen’s Secret

Sunday, 5 August 2018 | Current events and commentary, Essays

I’ve watched the movie “The Help” many times. You know that part at the beginning where Skeeter asks Aibileen if she ever wanted to be something other than a maid? Aibileen just smiles. I finally figured out what it was, and how it came true for her…

The Powerful, Scary Words of Black Men

Sunday, 8 July 2018 | Current events and commentary, Essays

Three and a half years ago, I saw one of the most powerful, visceral, humorous, scary, and dangerous pieces of theater I’ve ever seen: “Hands Up: 6 Playwrights, 6 Testaments.” It was six black male actors, speaking the truths of six black male playwrights, infusing those words with the raw, visceral emotions of their own experiences…

There Are Always New Experiences

Sunday, 3 June 2018 | Cultural differences, Essays

Last weekend I went to see a play called “Familiar.” It wasn’t the experience I’d hoped for, but…

Aunt Jean has had a Stroke

Sunday, 6 May 2018 | Essays

My husband’s Aunt Jean had a massive stroke last month. Who knows how much she’ll be like her old loving, friendly, mischievous self the next time I see her…

The Janitor at Work

Sunday, 1 April 2018 | Cultural differences, Encountering prejudice, Essays

I recently started a new job, sitting at the front desk at a research organization. And after the novelty wore off, and my sheer relief at having a job, I noticed something. I do a lot of the same stuff, over and over. Then, one day, I saw the janitor waiting for the elevator, and I thought of something: he does the same stuff, over and over, every day.