Culture

ELF’s Appetite for Destruction

The new documentary If a Tree Falls details the doomed saga of the Earth Liberation Front.

Michael Atkinson

A ‘Real Christian’ Boyhood

A scion of the evangelical right forsakes his conservatism.

Eleanor J. Bader

Living Color in Naperville

What did living in a white conservative suburb teach a progressive African woman about race in America?

Stephanie Shonekan

Atrocities Beyond Our Gates

City of Life and Death details the Rape of Nanking—and reminds us of the 20th century's widespread horrors.

Michael Atkinson

Malcolm’s X-Factor

Why did Manning Marable’s attempt to demystify Malcolm X provoke such conflict?

Salim Muwakkil

Oprah’s Celebrity Pyramid Scheme

The daytime talk goddess' therapeutic theology ultimately leads into a blind alley.

Chris Lehmann

Detroit Scrap City

A few entrepreneurs pick through the ruins for profit.

Matthew Wolfe

K-Pop’s Soft Power

The story of South Korea's musical exports.

Neil Manticore-Griffin

Scofflaws, Elected or Otherwise

America has entered a surreal post-accountability age.

Chris Lehmann

Murdering the Messenger

Anna Politkovskaya's death raises an important question.

Steve Weinberg

Another Grunt’s-Eye View

Like Restrepo, the battle documentary Armadillo hyperfocuses on homegrown Everyboys. Not a good idea.

Michael Atkinson

Interns of the World, Unite!

We have nothing to lose but our résumés.

Ross Perlin

All Changes Great and Small

It's impossible to chart change when it happens so fast.

Jane Miller

The Other Labor Struggle

In defense of midwifery.

Eleanor J. Bader

Chile’s One-Man Truth Commission

Patricio Guzmán's latest film extends his 35-year yowl of rage.

Michael Atkinson

Twilight of the Social Critics

David Brooks' latest book, The Social Animal, does not bode well for post-crisis America.

Chris Lehmann

The House of Reptile Lovers

Snakes, lizards and crocodiles should be worshipped—not fashion accessories.

Dawn Starin

Zora Neale Hurston’s Lost Decade

The Harlem Renaissance writer's obscure and impoverished final years are being rehabilitated.

Eve Ottenberg