The biopic “Deliver Me From Nowhere” chronicles Bruce Springsteen’s struggles with depression while creating the album “Nebraska.” It explores themes of male friendship, creative drive, and the impact of his tumultuous relationship with his father. The film emphasizes the importance of belief and support in overcoming mental health challenges.
Author Archives: thinkingpopculture
Superman: What Makes Him Super?
Perhaps he will not succeed. Perhaps he will fail as the Buddha failed and as Christ failed to wean men from their iniquities, but he will always be remembered as one who made his life a lesson for all ages to come. -Rabindranauth Tagore, writing about Gandhi (1) The recent release of James Gunn’s SupermanContinue reading “Superman: What Makes Him Super?”
Matt Murdock: Catholicism and Redemption in Daredevil
Daredevil: Born Again released the final episode of season 1 on Tuesday, April 15. Such perfect timing for one of the few overtly religious characters in the Marvel vault (1). Matt Murdock (Daredevil) is a devout Catholic and a lawyer, meaning his vigilante activities puts him at odds with both his religious convictions and professionalContinue reading “Matt Murdock: Catholicism and Redemption in Daredevil”
C’mon MCU!!! (encouragement from a fan)
I have enjoyed Marvel characters for over forty-five years (1). As a child they helped me learn to read and fueled my imagination. My curiosity was spurred as I read Norse myths because of my interest in Thor. The Avengers, Fantastic Four, and Silver Surfer hit the sci-fi chords that I increasingly enjoyed in myContinue reading “C’mon MCU!!! (encouragement from a fan)”
Finding Balance in a Thirty Year Teaching Journey
I am in the thirtieth year of my high school teaching career. Thirty. Years. The most common response is “How did you do that?” quickly followed by some semblance of, “Good for you.” My reply, depending on my mood, ranges from “Thank you” to “Yup, it has been quite the journey” to “Is it? IsContinue reading “Finding Balance in a Thirty Year Teaching Journey”
The Trauma Behind Joker Folie a Deux: Gary’s Testimony
Before we get started SPOILER ALERT! That’s out of the way. Also – I enjoyed the movie! This plants me in a clear miniority according to even the briefest of Google searches. Also, this is not a movie review. I am going to focus on a single aspect of the film, the courtroom testimony ofContinue reading “The Trauma Behind Joker Folie a Deux: Gary’s Testimony”
Godzilla Minus One: A Tale of Trauma and Redemption
Godzilla Minus One uniquely focuses on Kōichi’s psychological struggles rather than the monster itself, exploring themes of survivor’s guilt, compassion, and the path to healing in post-war Japan.
Moving Forward Together: Reflecting on Abraham Lincoln’s July 4th Ideals
The Fourth of July has come and gone. I hope people celebrated the high ideals of this nation joyfully and safely while keeping their eyes on the past, present, and the future. Here are two thoughts from Abraham Lincoln regarding the Fourth and the day’s meaning. Frustrated Abe In a personal letter dated August 15,Continue reading “Moving Forward Together: Reflecting on Abraham Lincoln’s July 4th Ideals”
Balance in Sports and Life: Overcoming Overinvestment
Recent events have set my thoughts to sports. My youngest daughter recently finished her senior lacrosse season and we attended Athletic Award Night at her school. My across-the-hall teaching neighbor is shaking off the bitter taste of coming up just short in the semi-finals of the state baseball tournament. The Boston Celtics are in theContinue reading “Balance in Sports and Life: Overcoming Overinvestment”
As Winter becomes Spring: A Spotlight on Mental Health
March is heading into April, building the anticipation for longer, warmer days. As we look forward, however, winter continues to reach out from behind. Here in New England the early morning chill is still below freezing and the afternoon breeze makes us reach for sweatshirts, not shorts. According to the calendar winter is in theContinue reading “As Winter becomes Spring: A Spotlight on Mental Health”
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