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[Edit: Since posting this, I have gained more clarity about the definition of “anti-intellectualism”, which is hostility specifically and directly toward intellectuals, education, and reason. It is not merely the rejection of reason, facts, and scientific knowledge in the context of some other issue. That said, gun control is not anti-intellectualism. The rejection of well-established […]
It has been my experience that when intelligent people make seemingly stupid decisions, it is because they are following an agenda that is in conflict with reason. The case of Brock Turner raping an unconscious girl should have been a simple case with a simple verdict. Yet somehow, the judge seems confused. Confused about the […]
A defining characteristic of hard-boiled detective fiction is cynicism. The protagonist in such a novel has a necessarily cynical world view and makes cynical observations about the world. Many such novels are set in Los Angeles. I thought that was just a cliché trope, until I started thinking about how the setting contributes to the […]
The other weekend, I had time and inclination to find a new trail to walk. I drove down to Valley View Glades Natural Area and hiked the 2.6 mile loop. I had stopped in there once before, just to check the place out as a possible hunting location, but I hadn’t gone far. It’s a […]
I was working with a film crew today, and after the day’s shooting, we were hanging out to eat. The conversation turned to gender discrimination in Hollywood and the barriers against female leads, and the reaction to recent examples of strong female leads. I put forward my continued struggle to identify what constitutes, or should […]
I learned the Pascal programming language in high school, during the 80’s. I could have learned it on my own before that, but since my school was offering it, I figured I would learn it there. The class was thorough, I caught on quickly, and I still remember most of it. Later I bought a […]
The more I reflect on the apparently duality of feminism, I am beginning to realize my comparison a week ago of feminism and Christianity is quite apt. It’s not that there are two different kinds of feminism. It’s simply that that feminism has earned, through the words and actions of feminists, a reputation for being […]
My favorite science fiction author is apparently gay, and she mentions her significant other frequently when she blogs. I don’t know what she looks like, but I just realized that the image in my head is confused with the SO of another woman, a local photographer I know. I don’t think the connection is simply […]
If you stand for equality, you’re a feminist. I’m sorry to tell you. —Emma Watson I guess this means I’m a feminist. Which is weird, because I’ve been having a lot of trouble swallowing the notion of feminism. And perhaps more importantly the behavior of feminists. There was a big dramatic blow-out recently within my […]
Feminism is much like Christianity. If you are one, I’m sure it offers a lot to help you feel better about the awful things that happen in the world. And many nice people are undoubtedly feminists and Christians. However, if you’re not one, and you’re just on the outside looking in, it’s difficult to see […]
