Perhaps it’s my own naiveté, but I was sure the grand jury would come down on the right side of history this time. But once again, I have lost faith in our criminal justice system to serve justice. Michael Brown’s death was unnecessary, as was Eric…
Category: On Being a New Yorker
Yesterday morning, I wasn’t prepared for the tears that would come when I read that Pete Seeger passed away. I’m sure some of it has to do with the residual feelings I’m still having about losing Jean Anyon this past September, but it also has to…
As many of you already know, we have lost a brilliant scholar, teacher, mentor, parent, and friend. Dr. Jean Anyon, whose work has impacted the lives of so many, passed suddenly but peacefully on Saturday, September 7, 2013, after a long battle with cancer. While…
I just got home from my last subway ride as a New York City resident, and I’m filled with all kinds of emotions about it. I’m starting as an Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at SUNY New Paltz next week — a job I first…
As we come up to the end of yet another school year, and I begin to think about transitioning to becoming a full-time professor, I can’t help but reflect on the last eight years of schooling, and how I’ve “mediated” my experience with my body.…
I’ve been eager to get back on my bike, and have been carefully taking it out for a spin every now and again. I appreciate the time it gives me to think. And almost without fail my thoughts turn to my research and the internet.…
I joined countless other teachers today in wearing a hoodie for Trayvon Martin. We wore this symbolic item of clothing in solidarity against racism, against brutal misusage of power, against silence. It was another way to express the disgust and sadness that so many of…
If you watch TV (online or otherwise), or ride the subway in New York, you’ve likely seen the recent Power Ball ads like this one, that implies if you win, you’ll have enough funds to do anything, anytime, anywhere. I should first say that my…
So much has been going on, it’s hard to figure out what to write about! I was back down at Occupy Wall Street this morning, and I am impressed that it’s still going strong. It makes me hopeful about what is possible. In the meantime,…
