Over two millennia ago Socrates emphasized that learning is a form of remembering. While this Socratic rabbit hole can bring us into questions of the nature of reality, I prefer to ground us in the idea of learning, remembering, and forgetting. We will focus on our school systems and, sadly, how they seem to haveContinue reading “What Schools Have Forgotten”
Author Archives: thinkingpopculture
Mental Health: An Ongoing Journey
A recent exchange with a younger colleague proved both hopeful and frustrating. He entered my room as I was explaining questioning techniques for an upcoming panel discussion my class will be hosting. I explained that adults with psychological disorders volunteered their time to discuss their journey of mental health and take questions form the class.Continue reading “Mental Health: An Ongoing Journey”
A Universal Christmas Wish
As Christmas approaches the inestimable beauty and meaning of the holiday can be hidden by various disrupting factors. Be it the din of exclusivist rhetoric, the twisted moralizing of the mob, or simply the terrifying pace of life; something of Christmas seems to be obscured. Forgive my age, but it appears there are many CharlieContinue reading “A Universal Christmas Wish”
Slow Down! And be Thankful
One of the great joys of my professional life was the creation some years ago of a course called P3: Philosophy, Psychology, and Pop Culture. In 50-60 minute blocks of time, four days a week, I challenge my P3ers to contemplate philosophical theories and psychological principles, utilizing pop culture as a vehicle to understanding. InContinue reading “Slow Down! And be Thankful”
Honoring Stories Big and Small
A new school year has begun and I have found the insight of educationalist Parker J. Palmer echoing within for almost three weeks. I’ve never met Professor Palmer but I suspect, since he is a teacher, he would appreciate the fact his lessons resonate long after his “class” has ended (in this case his bookContinue reading “Honoring Stories Big and Small”
Lesson in the Lyrics: Why The Little Drummer Boy Matters
Christmas carols have emerged from eleven months of hibernation, filling the air with a mountain of merriment…and, perhaps, a touch of annoyance (I’m looking at you 12 Days of Christmas!) One song which brings mixed reviews is The Little Drummer Boy. The criticisms of the song tend to flux between attempts at humor (playing drumsContinue reading “Lesson in the Lyrics: Why The Little Drummer Boy Matters”
Hello There: Obi-Wan, Trauma, and Resilience
Obi-Wan Kenobi can now be watched in its entirety on Disney+. While it is wonderful to witness Ewan McGregor effortlessly slip back into Obi-Wan’s robes the show also allows for reflection on the impermanence of trauma and the power of resilience. I fear the phrase “impermanence of trauma” may have struck some readers as eitherContinue reading “Hello There: Obi-Wan, Trauma, and Resilience”
Designing the Bad Guy
“You need people like me so you can point your fucking fingers and say ‘That’s the bad guy.’ …So say goodnight to the bad guy! …last time you gonna see a bad guy like this…” Thus spoke Al Pacino’s ever defiant and self-assured Tony Montana in Scarface. Audiences have been captivated by Tony since heContinue reading “Designing the Bad Guy”
Peter Parker: The Hero We Need
As I watched Spider-Man: No Way Home I was struck by the feeling that Peter Parker/Spider-Man, the Marvel Comics Icon introduced in 1962, is the perfect hero for our current troubled times. Wondering Why? Read on, true believer! (Well, read on if you’re comfortable with the knowledge that spoilers – lots and lots of spoilersContinue reading “Peter Parker: The Hero We Need”
Momentous Personal Victories: Honoring the Struggle for Mental Health
Last week I had the opportunity to present Out of the Basement to a group of high school students enrolled in a class called Human Concerns in Literature. Michael Tanner, the protagonist of Out of the Basement, struggles to maintain his mental health as the lingering trauma of childhood abuse threatens to drown him inContinue reading “Momentous Personal Victories: Honoring the Struggle for Mental Health”
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