Editorials

521 results
Page 5
What does the US Capitol stand for? (Photo by Andrew Van Huss, via Wikimedia Commons.)

After the riot at the Capitol, we’re affirming what the BSR team stands for

No to white supremacy

The January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol traumatized many Americans, whether we were shocked by it, or we were seeing what we already knew to be true. Editor Alaina Johns affirms what our executive team stands for in this moment and beyond.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 5 minute read
How would you describe this image to someone who couldn’t see it? (Photo by Camille Bacon-Smith.)

If you think ramps and elevators are a good idea, why not support image descriptions, too?

Getting the full picture

If you’ve been curious about why BSR is describing images in addition to captioning them, or if you want to understand why this is important, Alaina Johns has an update.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
The sun is setting on another year. What are we taking with us? (Photo by Alaina Johns.)

Here’s what 2020 told us about the things we deserve in America

What are we worth?

This year gave us a lot to look back on, but we prefer to ask what about this agonizing, illuminating, terrifying year we’re carrying into the future. Kyle V. Hiller and Alaina Johns consider.
Kyle V. Hiller Alaina Johns

Kyle V. Hillerand Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
Sixers All-star Ben Simmons poses with the 2021 edition of the team's city jerseys. (Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia 76ers.)

What does the Sixers’ new city jersey tell us about the future of Philadelphia?

Philly love & basketball

The Sixers' unveiling of their new city jerseys came just days after election week. For Kyle V. Hiller, the two events offer a lot to debate about Philly’s identity.
Kyle V. Hiller

Kyle V. Hiller

Editorials 6 minute read
Those seats are going to be empty for a while longer. How will arts organizations be around to fill them back up when audiences are ready to return? (Photo by Jeff Fusco.)

#LightsOn tells Philly leaders that our arts scene won’t survive without economic relief

Budgets ask how; the arts ask why

Another COVID lockdown grips Philadelphia through the end of the year. Many arts organizations were already on a precipice. BSR seconds a campaign from the Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and Philly Culture United for crucial economic relief.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 4 minute read
Say it, but make it beautiful: Philadelphians rallied to protect their election. (Photo by Alaina Johns.)

The post-election country loves Philly for its fight—but what about our cultural scene?

The arts, the vote, and Philadelphia (you’re welcome, America)

Commentators across the country all have the same long list of examples proving that Philly takes no prisoners, but these viral round-ups are missing our artistic soul. Alaina Johns considers.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 5 minute read
A new collective experience: when strangers check your (and your friends’) voting plans. (Image courtesy of Alaina Johns.)

In the 2020 general election, do we know why we’re voting?

This vote is personal

Who are politics for? Why should we care? Kyle V. Hiller asks what makes voting important on a personal level, and remembers what got him started.
Kyle V. Hiller

Kyle V. Hiller

Editorials 5 minute read
Jurnee Smollet, Jonathan Majors, and Courtney B. Vance stand front and center in HBO’s new series. (Photo courtesy of HBO.)

I didn’t find reverie in ‘Lovecraft Country,’ but that’s not what I’m looking for

Escapism is not for us

The adaptation of the 2016 novel ‘Lovecraft Country’ tackles racism during the Jim Crow era with science fiction, but it also brings to light problems Black storytellers face today. Kyle V. Hiller considers.
Kyle V. Hiller

Kyle V. Hiller

Editorials 6 minute read
“I want the Spanish-speaking immigrants in Philly to feel acknowledged,” says ‘To the Polls’ muralist Candy Alexandra González. (Photo by Alaina Johns.)

Here’s why you aren’t seeing articles about Trump in BSR this election season

Just in case it needs to be said

If we don’t comment on the current White House, what can we comment on? Plenty, as it turns out—and focusing our energy away from the president is the perfect comment in itself. Alaina Johns explains.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
Writer Alaina Johns on a 2019 visit to ‘Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’ at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Center City. (Photo courtesy of Alaina Johns.)

In mourning RBG, don’t skip contacting your senators

The dreaded phone call

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on Friday, Sept. 18. On Monday, the 21st, Alaina Johns contacted her senators (again). Does it even matter? Yes. Here’s why.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 5 minute read