Where are all of the diverse dancers?

Because of the European origins of classical ballet, and a lack of strong initiatives for change, it seems the answer is "nowhere to be found." Dancers in the Pacific Northwest Ballet performing, photographed by Angela Sterling Most major corporations in the United States have diversity initiatives. Upholding a diverse student body is essential for top … Continue reading Where are all of the diverse dancers?

Vandalism, Activism, or Both?

Often, we don't take a second look at spray paint-covered walls when we walk down the streets; we avert our eyes or ignore tagged bricks on our daily commutes. Usually, it's a lot easier to look away or only think about it long enough to hazard a guess on gasp hypothetically-effected property values. But the … Continue reading Vandalism, Activism, or Both?

Activist Art: Confronting Climate Change

While it may not always provide solutions to the world’s problems, art certainly offers valuable insight into some of our most deep-set anxieties. As devastating climate-related news has continued to occur (particularly throughout the last several years), it is only natural that a subset of contemporary art reflects our ecoanxiety: the intense worry that we … Continue reading Activist Art: Confronting Climate Change

The Trouble with Joe Exotic’s American Individualism

During this crazy period, many of us have had more time than ever to watch whatever digital content we desire. And never in history has there been so much to choose from. What does it mean, then, that the #1 TV show on Netflix right now is an outrageous docu-series entitled “The Tiger King: Murder, … Continue reading The Trouble with Joe Exotic’s American Individualism

Plague Art: Danse Macabre Through the Ages

Plagues and other periods of widespread hardship have inspired beautiful, satirical, and haunting artwork throughout history. The Black Death in particular spawned an artistic genre with themes that speak to the sentiments of the affected populace and persist to this day. The Black Death (1347-1351) is the most deadly pandemic in human history, having killed … Continue reading Plague Art: Danse Macabre Through the Ages

“Blackfish” and the Politics of American Consumerism

When the documentary “Blackfish” came out in 2013, SeaWorld was a well-known and beloved attraction visited by thousands of families each year. Kids eagerly begged their parents to take them to see the iconic orca show starring Shamu at one of SeaWorld’s 11 different locations. But during the year that the film aired, the stock … Continue reading “Blackfish” and the Politics of American Consumerism

School Segregation through Illustrations

Integration of public schools in the United States was supposed to take place more than 65 years ago. Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 declared that the segregation of schools was unconstitutional under the 14th amendment and that children of all races should have equal access to education. While this court case could and … Continue reading School Segregation through Illustrations