CATEGORY | Culture
In San Antonio, Viva Fiesta
Embellished river barges meander along the waterway with city officials and leaders on board. The riverfront where spectators gather is converted to a child-friendly park: amid the folding chairs and oak trees are cascarones — eggshells that have been filled with confetti and sealed with pastel-colored paper — that children can crack over one another’s heads, sending bits of blue, green, and neon pink bursting into the air. READ MORE ›
The More, The Merrier?
The issue is not whether you get married or decide to lead a single life. Nor is it the type of wedding you plan -- a grand affair or a casual gathering of your nearest and dearest. The conversation I intended to kick off boils down to the following question: Why does society celebrate family units more avidly than individuals? As originally stated, "When will barometers of celebration reflect the growing number of singletons?" READ MORE ›
Voyeurism of Violence: New Reality Shows Cross the Line
These days, conversations about violence center on gun control, but there's a lesser evil lurking on our television screens. New reality shows romanticizing twisted relationships -- including Investigation Discovery's Deadly Women, Wicked Attraction, and Frenemies -- marry violence and voyeurism. READ MORE ›
Falling in Love with Morally Ambiguous Characters
Morally ambiguous plot lines and characters keep viewers guessing, which is crucial to success. Any published writer will tell you that tension and conflict underlie good drama. But how does a show about an unscrupulous meth manufacturer and murderer enjoy widespread success? READ MORE ›