Opinion
Can Art Make Us Care More?
OAKLAND, Calif. — So much of empathy seems to be determined by the position we occupy in the world.
Opinion
Opinion
Donations to Museums Are Morally Reprehensible, Says Bill Gates
Late last week, the Financial Times published a wide-ranging interview with Bill Gates on the subject of his philanthropic work and relationship with the tech world. During the generally sensible discussion — Gates' critique of Silicon Valley's blinkered solutionism was particularly welcome — one of
Opinion
Remembering the Value of an Arts Education
Ask a contemporary college student about their average day, and they'll probably tell you they spend it multitasking. Classes here, academic clubs there, maybe a fraternity/sorority event, and then of course community service. No surprises there. But what might be a surprise is that this sort of hec
Opinion
Don't Give It Away for Free!
Last week, a New York Times opinion piece fired up my Facebook newsfeed. Titled "Slaves of the Internet, Unite!" and penned by Tim Kreider, the piece pleads with writers not to indulge in that pervasive and pernicious cultural habit: writing for free.
Opinion
Required Reading
This week, race/ethnicity stats in popular film, the world's first emoji movie, helping the blind see art, problems for photojournalists in Russia, Cornell returns tablets to Iraq, Saddam Hussein's former palace becomes a museum, and much more.
Opinion
Weekend Words: Soul
This week we celebrated All Hallow's Eve, All Saints Day and last but not least, since it includes just about everybody, All Souls Day.
Opinion
Are the Robots Taking Over?
While the internet mourns the passing of one of its many fads of the moment, more sinister robots are coming to life in its wake.
Opinion
Rethinking How We Source Toys
SAN FRANCISCO — With increasing frequency, it seems, toys from China provoke controversy.
Opinion
Digging Into the Layers of the Internet's Past
OAKLAND, Calif. — Digital Archaeology's icon, a pixellated flashlight, captures, in my mind, how the site works: by shining light on different corners, never quite capturing the whole.
Opinion
Toward a Slower Internet
OAKLAND, Calif. — Hop on a train or bus in any major city these days and you'll no doubt see people staring at their phones. Where once it might have been a book or an empty gaze, phones have become the object of public transport riders' attentions through games, reading, tweets, emails, and what ha
Opinion
Required Reading
This week, Banksy hates the new Freedom Tower, North Korean visions of China, Turkey's ban on the letter "q" is over, Byzantine in DC, a black art show that marginalizes black artists, and more.
Opinion
Weekend Words: Dangerous
This week, danger!