Tomorrowland
Why is Disney suddenly at the center of such a fierce cultural fight in the U.S.? Carmenita Higginbotham on the newly polarizing politics of America’s most mainstream entertainment brand.
Evergreen
What drives recurring cultural conflicts in the U.S. like the “War on Christmas”? Dan Cassino on the logic of identity politics in everyday life.
Moving pictures
What has the pandemic done to moviegoing? David Herrin on the cinema’s uncertain return.
Chinese idols
What’s behind Beijing’s crackdown on celebrity fan culture and online gaming? Ian Johnson on the Communist Party’s new push to enforce traditionalist values.
Silent youth
Is there a generational rift in the U.S. over free expression? Geoff Shullenberger on the complex relationship between new social norms and new forms of institutional power.
Reservations
Is America going through a sexual counterrevolution? Katherine Dee on an emerging aversion to “sex positivity.”
Plain folks
How can the U.S. middle class be shrinking if almost everyone thinks they’re middle class? Musa al-Gharbi on why a lack of social and economic awareness helps drive inequality in America.
It’s complicated
Is nuance dead? Meghan Daum, on the polarization of the American mind.
Masked emotions
Do you really have to keep covering your face? Claudia Deane on a public health question that’s become a cultural flashpoint in America.
