The Shape of a Voice: The Beauty of Relationship and Redemption in A Silent Voice

by Kiri Forrester A Silent Voice is a 2016 animated film directed by Naoko Yamada and written by Reiko Yoshida, which tells the coming-of-age story of a high school boy named Shouya, a former bully who struggles with internal guilt and thus has difficulty building relationships. He seeks to repair the past by befriending Shouko, the deaf girl whom he bullied in elementary school. Netflix … Continue reading The Shape of a Voice: The Beauty of Relationship and Redemption in A Silent Voice

The Best Seinfeld Episode and Why It’s Uncomfortable: A Comment on the Value of Transgressive Comedy

by Caitlin Filep Most people who lived through the ’90s (or who don’t currently live under a rock) would recognize the strong cultural imprint of Seinfeld, Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld’s highly acclaimed sitcom. The “show about nothing” often used biting, witty, and boundary-pushing  humor to approach taboo but incredibly relatable topics, such as restrictive social dynamics, everyday mishaps, and casual sex. The manner in … Continue reading The Best Seinfeld Episode and Why It’s Uncomfortable: A Comment on the Value of Transgressive Comedy

The Rout of the Culture War: A Reflection on the Fight for Cultural Influence

by Tomasz Ignatik Cor ad cor loquitur Though the term “Culture War” is thrown around much in socio-political discourse, many have not stopped to think what this title means. Specifically in the conservative side of the socio-political divide – in which the term seems of more prevalent use and importance – this term often applies to a broad effort to stem the tide of cultural … Continue reading The Rout of the Culture War: A Reflection on the Fight for Cultural Influence

Ophelia’s Garden & Gatsby’s Daisy: Floriography in Literature 

by Anna Jackson  One day, when I was about eight or nine, I was watching the T.V. I cannot remember what show was playing, yet I was struck with a single scene that has remained with me ever since.  A little girl was playing in the living room of a big, old house. Her mother and grandmother were reading in their armchairs when the doorbell … Continue reading Ophelia’s Garden & Gatsby’s Daisy: Floriography in Literature 

Dream Again: Why Fairy Tales & Fantasy Are Important 

by Brooke Brandtjen  At Hillsdale, quoting Plato, Shakespeare, and Churchill is de rigueur. It is not only chic, but wholly expected that you be well acquainted with the most noble literary icons that have arisen since Ancient Greece. This is both a burden to bear and a reward to reap. However, amid all of this, perhaps there ought to be a space left for fantasy. … Continue reading Dream Again: Why Fairy Tales & Fantasy Are Important 

Wonder, Love, and Mushrooms

by Prof. Jon Balsbaugh  “Are you the professor who … likes mushrooms?” a student hesitantly asked at the beginning of the semester. I suppose we are known by our loves. I suppose we are known by our loves. I have long been an amateur forager. Growing up in Oregon, my high school offered a course in Edible Plants. (Yes, the Pacific Northwest is … different.) … Continue reading Wonder, Love, and Mushrooms