All Culture
- Hollywood is taking steps to diversify behind the camera. How is it going?
For the TV and film industries, one area of progress is an increase in initiatives that help underrepresented groups train and network.
- Hollywood is taking steps to diversify behind the camera. How is it going?
For the TV and film industries, one area of progress is an increase in initiatives that help underrepresented groups train and network.
- Sun-Man revived: Meet a pioneer of multicultural superheroes
Founded by Yla Eason in 1985, Olmec Toys produced Sun-Man, which is being revived by Mattel Toys. Hear from Ms. Eason, now at Rutgers Business School.
- What our wishes for 2022 tell us: A letter from Times Square
New Year’s wishes and goals are a window to society at large. Our reporter finds love high on people’s lists, along with ending the pandemic.
- The snow is fake but the smiles are real: Welcome to Christmas Con
Fans of holiday movies gather to meet Hallmark actors, talk about the comfort of a good formulaic film, and reflect on their hopes for the genre.
- In a WordWhat pasta has to do with Christmas carols
"Macaronic" texts have been produced wherever cultures are bilingual or multilingual, and can combine any languages, not just English and Latin.
- Remembering bell hooks, a beacon of light – for Black women and beyond
By imploring feminism to be something other than thin and white, she forced America to take a look in the mirror at how it treats the most vulnerable part of its population.
- From ‘King Richard’ to ‘Gunda’: The 10 best films of 2021
Monitor film critic Peter Rainer’s list of 2021’s best movies includes those that graced both big and small screens – and features some up-and-comers.
- First LookWhy more women are taking on leadership roles in Hinduism
Hindu priesthood is a domain largely populated by men. These women are working to open up space for change. “Every reform comes with some obstacles. But it is happening,” said one female priest.
- A Christmas tree for Mrs. Mueller
Our class tree was the perfect gift for our widowed neighbor. It took an inside job to get it out of the classroom.
- In a Word‘Thwart’ encompasses two opposing meanings
On one hand, to thwart something is to hinder or prevent it. But in 1609, building a bridge over a river was described as “thwarting a bank.”
- ‘National Champions’ asks: Should college athletes be paid?
How far would you go to stand up for a principle? The film “National Champions,” about whether to pay college athletes, weighs the trade-offs of taking a firm stance.
- Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’: A remake that’s a rethink, too
Director Steven Spielberg mostly succeeds in his update of “West Side Story,” giving it new energy and authenticity, says the Monitor’s film critic.
- First LookHow Native Americans are using video games to foster connection
Indigenous people are using a modern platform for conversations about culture: video games. As more reservations in the U.S. and Canada receive better internet connection, Native American gamers are hoping this virtual space will create connection and opportunity.
- Finding their voice, and a gracious way of giving (animation)
The carolers’ first stops left much to be desired. And so they adapted, they improvised. And they sang their way into an arena of good cheer.
- A city girl’s epiphany splitting wood
The meditative quality of log splitting can lead to many brilliant ideas – ideas that must be shared. Or so it seems.
- In a WordFairy tales give rise to colorful turns of phrase
"Cinderella story" has referred to a rags-to-riches arc since the mid-19th century. It's a made-up phrase – but we all know what it means.
- What made albums notable in 2021? Music that connects people.
How did a pandemic year affect new music? Standout 2021 albums have forged a heart-to-heart connection that’s lifted up artists and listeners alike.
- You call that ‘weather’? A Kansan and Californian debate.
The weather in Kansas is intriguing, if not always pleasant. California’s is delightful, but repetitive.
- Cover StoryPulling punchlines: Comedy can be offensive. But should it be reined in?
Amid the push and pull of cancel culture versus free speech, is it possible for humor to still be a uniting force, instead of a divisive one?