Myth of Accountability

The explosion in Ferguson has left us a lot of scraps of American culture through which to view what happened and what it means. It’s hard to see all the pieces at once, to make them fit into one narrative. One lens sees racism -- individual, historical, structural. Another sees police brutality and the militarization of the police. Another focuses on our gun culture and how for a large segment of this country to condemn any gun violence, no matter how outrageous, is to somehow restrict our freedoms. Another turns the killing inside out and treats Darren Wilson as the victim. Another sees power disparities, class disparities and economic disparities. Another sees media delight in all the titillating violence breeding more violence that stimulates product sales. Another promotes fear -- a different fear depending what race you are, but fear of the other, nevertheless. And another simply sees the grief of Michael Brown’s parents.

What is the Myth of Accountability?

Rockin' the Suburbs

'You all don't know what its like being male middle class and white....'

Most of us would never admit to being racist.

We think we know the difference between when we are being rational and when we are being impulsive, but what does research show?

Read Chapter 9:  The Matrix in Me to find out.

Take the Implicit Association Test

Water Water Everywhere

.... but not a drop to drink.

Hamilton Named Best Tasting Water in the World

For the second time in five years Hamilton’s tap water was named the “Best Tasting Tap Water in the World” at the 25th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting on Saturday in Berkeley Springs, W. Va. Hamilton’s water was judged against former gold medalists, including Clearbrook, British Columbia (three-time champion, including 2014); Emporia, Kans. (2013) and Greenwood, British Columbia (2012), according to a city press release.  Read more...

Water covers about 70% of the Earth and is essential to all living things but millions of people still don't have access to clean and safe sources.  

What are the causes to this problem and what can we do to help?

Spock

Leonard Nimoy, the sonorous, gaunt-faced actor who won a worshipful global following as Mr. Spock, the resolutely logical human-alien first officer of the Starship Enterprise in the television and movie juggernaut “Star Trek,” died on Friday morning at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles. He was 83.  

Read his obituary.

The Westboro Baptist Church, known for picketing the funerals of celebrities and soldiers with signs emblazoned with horrific homophobic slogans, stated their intent to target the departed ‘Star Trek’ actor’s funeral.  Why?

Read Leonard Nimoy's Heartbreaking Last Tweet.

Your assignment: Write your own Obituary. Assume you live to be at least 80 years old. What will you have accomplished? Who will you leave behind? What will your legacy be?