This post originally appeared on the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs’ website as part of their “Ethics on Film” series. You can find the original post, as well as a number of resources on torture and “enhanced interrogation techniques” on the Carnegie Council’s website. Feature Film 2012, Academy Award Winner, Best Achievement in…
Growing up on the outskirts of town in the heart of North Dakota, there are things that bring on the sweet pang of nostalgia for me that might seem a tad peculiar to some. Hank Williams voice calls up memories of learning how to waltz with my dad. The drawl of an auctioneer sounds like…
It’s no secret that certain groups of voters have been disenfranchised in the past. African American voters in the South routinely faced egregious obstacles to voting, including poll taxes, difficult registration processes in which black voters were not given adequate information, literacy tests that white voters could be grandfathered out of, and even outright violence….
The recent death of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez marks the end of an era. His 14 year presidency leaves behind a legacy of championing improvement of the lives of millions of poor Venezuelans and resisting US influence, which he often denounced as “imperialistic”. The charismatic leader often portrayed himself as a sort of modern day…
The common portrayal by the US and Israeli governments of Iran being a grave threat to peace in the Middle East is rather ironic. For about the past decade and even more so recently there has been a constant saber-rattling by the two countries over the Iranian nuclear programme. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has…
In the context of modern social revolutions the Zapatista movement, or EZLN, of Mexico has stood out. The Zapatistas practice a unique blend of libertarianism and socialism, with a large degree of autonomy for their communities and a focus on collectivism within them. This largely-indigenous group emerged as a movement for greater economic equality in…
Who’s excited for the Oscars!? I don’t know about you, but I am beside myself in anticipation to watch this night of celebration of great film. There are many great pictures up for awards, and one that I’ve mentioned in past blog posts (Silver Lining Playbook). If you haven’t looked into which films have been…
That’s right. Be very very frightened. Frightened Rabbit that is, with their new album Pedestrian Verse that came out Feb. 5, that certainly makes a statement. The album is the Scottish indie band’s fourth studio album. In regards to the album title, Pedestrian Verse, lead singer Scott Hutchinson says, “I scribbled that on the front…
Hello all, as the quote above insinuates this week I have decided to switch things up and give a couple of reviews of television shows instead of films. As a viewer, my interest in television shows is on almost the same level as my love for film since it continues the story over longer periods…
Here goes another year and another award ceremony that doesn’t reflect ANYONE’S taste in music. Actually, I’m certain there is only one person out there who guesses all the correct winners, and that person is the guy/girl who CHOSE the winners. Pssh, don’t tell me there’s an anonymous panel of experts that vote on this….