1. The Coddling of the American Mind
"In the name of emotional well-being, college students are increasingly demanding protection from words and ideas they don’t like. Here’s why that’s disastrous for education — and mental health."
2. The Late, Great Stephen Colbert
Ok, we know you didn’t miss this one. But Colbert’s peculiar, precious blend of whip-smart comedy, vulnerability, and candor on grief and faith — not to mention his endearing fondness for Tolkein references — makes this one for the ages.
3. A(nother) Real Scandal of Amazon’s Punishing Work Culture
"But it's important not to lose sight of a more urgent reality: As bad as white-collar workers may have it at Amazon and elsewhere, their blue-collar brethren have it much, much worse, and have much less power to negotiate better conditions."
Don’t read if your dream vacation is to the Happiest Place on Earth. Dismaland, an apocalyptic “bemusement” park from pop-up artist Banksy, opened this week. Featuring, among other things: a burnt-out castle, a running pinwheel, and a woman under constant attack from pigeons. Tagline: "The UK’s most disappointing new visitor attraction!" We'll say.
5. Raising Children Un-Fundamentalist
"Before we get into the what — the content of the faith that we transfer to our kids — I think it is necessary, and less often spoken of, to discuss the how. Specifically, I think we need to be thoughtful and aware of the significant power imbalance between adults and children, and how that should influence the way we speak to kids on matters of faith."
6. Universal Made More Money Than Any Movie Studio Ever This Year—Without a Superhero Movie
"Universal has put together a record-breaking year by targeting underserved demographics. ...When everybody else in Hollywood is going after white guys in their 20s, Universal is going after everybody else (and, okay, dinosaur fans). And it worked."
7. Is a People-Watching Paradise in Trouble?
A lovely homage to one of the most diverse and joyful gathering places in Washington, D.C. — and concerns over its rapid gentrification.
8. The Incoming Class of 2019 Has Never Licked a Postage Stamp
…or known a world without Harry Potter, Google, or South Park. Go ahead, feel old.
9. Donald Trump and the Politics of White Male Anger
"Donald Trump’s linking of political correctness with American decline both connects with past usages of the term and gives it a powerful new focus. ...For a number of reasons, I am increasingly worried about this politics of white male anger, despair, and defiance. I think it explains a lot of what is most troubling about our country right now."
The Toast imagines Karl Marx as a resentful teenager. Because Friday.
TEACHER: go to the office, Karl
KARL MARX: [skateboarding] this is the real class struggle
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