Stride & Saunter

In less than a year, Donald Trump has made a profound impact in the political, media and social spheres of the United States. Some are enthralled by his relentless fervor, confidence and promises to "Make America Great Again". Others, understandably are disgusted by the Islamophobia, racism, sexism and derogatory remarks he has made towards journalists, political rivals and everyone in between. Beyond the public reaction, it is important for each of us to consider not only our responses to the current Republican front-runner but our own values, concerns and perceptions. Is hatred an appropriate response to a man who has shown the terrifying influence of hatred? Do our discussions on social media promote recognition of his name? Undoubtedly, we must confront the political juggernaut he has become and the deep-seated problems he has revealed. Will we do so civilly or will Donald Trump's legacy be the spark of a greater conflagration?

In less than a year, Donald Trump has made a profound impact in the political, media and social spheres of the United States. Some are enthralled by his relentless fervor, confidence and promises to "Make America Great Again". Others, understandably are disgusted by the Islamophobia, racism, sexism and derogatory remarks he has made towards journalists, political rivals and everyone in between. Beyond the public reaction, it is important for each of us to consider not only our responses to the current Republican front-runner but our own values, concerns and perceptions. Is hatred an appropriate response to a man who has shown the terrifying influence of hatred? Do our discussions on social media promote recognition of his name? Undoubtedly, we must confront the political juggernaut he has become and the deep-seated problems he has revealed. Will we do so civilly or will Donald Trump's legacy be the spark of a greater conflagration?

Despite the importance of personal representation and its increasing relevance in our public and political discussions, we do not often examine issues of representation on the micro level. In 2016, Mattel has made the decision to now release Barbie dolls in three new body shapes, seven new skin tones, twenty-two eye colors and twenty-four hairstyles. How will consumer preferences dictate purchases of these new models? Will those playing with these new models of Barbie identify with body-types and aesthetics other than their own? How might new skin tones affect (or fail to initiate) conversations surrounding race and racial identity?

Despite the importance of personal representation and its increasing relevance in our public and political discussions, we do not often examine issues of representation on the micro level. In 2016, Mattel has made the decision to now release Barbie dolls in three new body shapes, seven new skin tones, twenty-two eye colors and twenty-four hairstyles. How will consumer preferences dictate purchases of these new models? Will those playing with these new models of Barbie identify with body-types and aesthetics other than their own? How might new skin tones affect (or fail to initiate) conversations surrounding race and racial identity?

Despite the importance of personal representation and its increasing relevance in our public and political discussions, we do not often examine issues of representation on the micro level. In 2016, Mattel has made the decision to now release Barbie dolls in three new body shapes, seven new skin tones, twenty-two eye colors and twenty-four hairstyles. How will consumer preferences dictate purchases of these new models? Will those playing with these new models of Barbie identify with body-types and aesthetics other than their own? How might new skin tones affect (or fail to initiate) conversations surrounding race and racial identity?

Because of their relative youth as a type of entertainment, pastime and as a form of art, video games are often relegated to lower levels of appreciation or even ridicule. In this first episode of a new series, entitled "For Non-Gamers," we want to take a hard look at the criticisms people level at video games, as well as how and why they do so. When compared to media such as television, books and movies, why are video games discarded as wasteful when they can offer more interactive, thought-provoking and complex emotional experiences? We welcome Phoebe Lewis, self-proclaimed "non-gamer," to help us unpack some of these issues. In particular, we hope listeners who are unfamiliar with gaming as a medium will pay close attention to this series and engage our discussions thoughtfully. We also hope to bridge some of the cultural gaps between gamers and non-gamers. We would also like to thank Will Quam, Tom Hoefner, Alexandra Harmes, Ivan Lescanec and Mark Webster for their written contributions.

Because of their relative youth as a type of entertainment, pastime and as a form of art, video games are often relegated to lower levels of appreciation or even ridicule. In this first episode of a new series, entitled "For Non-Gamers," we want to take a hard look at the criticisms people level at video games, as well as how and why they do so. When compared to media such as television, books and movies, why are video games discarded as wasteful when they can offer more interactive, thought-provoking and complex emotional experiences? We welcome Phoebe Lewis, self-proclaimed "non-gamer," to help us unpack some of these issues. In particular, we hope listeners who are unfamiliar with gaming as a medium will pay close attention to this series and engage our discussions thoughtfully. We also hope to bridge some of the cultural gaps between gamers and non-gamers. We would also like to thank Will Quam, Tom Hoefner, Alexandra Harmes, Ivan Lescanec and Mark Webster for their written contributions.

Because of their relative youth as a type of entertainment, pastime and as a form of art, video games are often relegated to lower levels of appreciation or even ridicule. In this first episode of a new series, entitled "For Non-Gamers," we want to take a hard look at the criticisms people level at video games, as well as how and why they do so. When compared to media such as television, books and movies, why are video games discarded as wasteful when they can offer more interactive, thought-provoking and complex emotional experiences? We welcome Phoebe Lewis, self-proclaimed "non-gamer," to help us unpack some of these issues. In particular, we hope listeners who are unfamiliar with gaming as a medium will pay close attention to this series and engage our discussions thoughtfully. We also hope to bridge some of the cultural gaps between gamers and non-gamers. We would also like to thank Will Quam, Tom Hoefner, Alexandra Harmes, Ivan Lescanec and Mark Webster for their written contributions.

As we grow older and explore the world we live in, especially in college and the years beyond, we come to reexamine our relationships and the status they hold. Our values develop, our priorities shift and our definitions of love and friendship might also change. In this process, many of us establish chosen families - those without biological ties with whom we share strong bonds of affection and trust. This week we welcome Qossay Alsattari to discuss our expectations and opinions on the concept of a chosen family and its function in our lives.

As we grow older and explore the world we live in, especially in college and the years beyond, we come to reexamine our relationships and the status they hold. Our values develop, our priorities shift and our definitions of love and friendship might also change. In this process, many of us establish chosen families - those without biological ties with whom we share strong bonds of affection and trust. This week we welcome Qossay Alsattari to discuss our expectations and opinions on the concept of a chosen family and its function in our lives.