How Privileged it is to Never Have to Think About Race I've always thought that there's a great deal of poetry in the practice of sociology, and perhaps an even greater influence of the sociological imagination on the practice of poetry. I'm also a big fan of open mic poetry. So when I find a... Continue Reading →
An Open Letter to Congressman Trey Radel
On Embracing an Opportunity to Learn Dear Congressman Radel: I am one of your constituents from Southwest Florida, though as a liberal, I haven't been particularly well represented by you and your office. Perhaps that goes without saying. Regardless, I certainly cannot fault you for being a conservative politician, elected from a conservative district, for... Continue Reading →
Put an End to Bubble Thinking
Standardized Testing Encourages Shallow Thinking I have a sign up in my classroom titled "NO BUBBLE THINKING!" Bubble Thinking is defined as proposing explanations that offer simple, concrete answers to otherwise complex phenomena. History, my students discover, requires a more nuanced thinking. Students must understand context and multivariate causations. They have to understand that the... Continue Reading →
