Andrea Lee on Cross-Cultural Encounters

Your story in this week’s issue, “The Children,” is a narrative about identity, in which, one could say, three continents intersect: North America, where Shay, the narrator, comes from; Europe, where she lives; and Africa, where she spends part of the year. How did that encounter of diverse cultures inform the story? Is it a…

By JohnValbyNation June 4, 2019 0

Revisiting a Symphonic AIDS Memorial

On April 30, 1983, the Gay Men’s Health Crisis held a fund-raiser at Madison Square Garden, billing it as “The Biggest Gay Event of All Time.” The main entertainment was a performance by the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Beforehand, a distinguished attendee led a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” as the AIDS…

By JohnValbyNation May 31, 2019 0

Answers to “Is Your Dog Friendly?” Applied to Me

“Unfortunately, she was never socialized properly.” “She’s aggressive toward men wearing hats, men with beards, tall men, big men, men with deep voices, men.” “She’s nervous, but can you blame her really?” “She’s still traumatized by being forced to go outside.” Click Here: “Give her a cookie and she’ll be your friend for life.” “She likes trash?” “Friendly to…

By JohnValbyNation May 30, 2019 0