Sexual assault in the military has been the overflowing pot of hot, boiling water on the stove of America's socio-political issues. It has been a quietly boiling pot, but since President Obama and New York State Senator Kirsten Gillibrand spoke out on the issue, the pot is whistling. The Department of Defense has promised reform and organizations such as the…
My interview with Ping Chong is the cover story for the May 2013 issue of Dramatics!!!!! Dramatics magazine is the only theater magazine targeted toward teenagers in the United States. I remember reading it (along with Cheer Nation) when I was in high school. I never thought I would write for them. It's such a full circle moment to write…
Apparently a group of suburban white girls filmed a twerk video at school (using school cameras), posted the video on YouTube, and now the school has banned them from attending senior prom and marching in their commencement ceremonies. For those who have been living under a rock, and don't know what twerking is, it's the type of fast gyrating and…
A Spanish organization aimed at preventing and stopping child abuse recently produced a new ad aimed at empowering abused children. The ad uses a type of technology that displays a different message for people 4'5" and shorter, than it does for those 4'6" and taller. The idea behind this, is that if a child is with his/her abuser, they will…
This question has haunted me ever since my grad school advisor asked me this when I was contemplating taking an internship in New York City. My answer at the time: None. I don't have a capacity for risk. And I was content not to have one. Or perhaps it wasn't contentment, it was just the norm. I was used to…
A principal at an experimental K-8 arts school in Roxbury, Massachusetts fired security guards and hired art teachers. As a result, students' test scores are rising, attendance has improved, there has been a decrease in violence, and teachers are more motivated to teach. As the product of in-depth arts education and huge advocate of it, I say kudos to the…