How we communicate and why it matters
Dear Ukrainian Cousins
Until last month I didn't know you existed. I didn't think there were Jews in Ukraine. Well, maybe a few. Old, visibly Orthodox, living a 21st century version of the lives my grandparents left over 100 years ago. That changed the day Russia invaded, when I found out...
Mattel Modern, privilege and me
My grandfather began selling toys to local stores right around the time Mattel hit its stride. I don't know who he knew, but he knew someone. I got to demonstrate Chatty Cathy at the International Toy Show in New York - she's the doll who spoke when you pulled the...
#MeToo and the men who didn’t
I started my career in film production when there were almost no women on the set. The few I met were great but that's another story. One night, soon after I'd broken in, I was with the crew in a bar after the shoot. Out of nowhere, the sound man put his hand on the...
Cultural Context and The Rise of Instant Brands
As I watched the fear generated by the attacks in Paris morph into fear of Syrian refugees in America, I was curious to know more about Americans’ reactions to immigration over the years. When did it begin? At what point were there so many new arrivals...
Going to a Tea Party
As we sat outside the Oakley Community Center, the first decision was whether or not to use our real names. My two companions leaned toward 'no' but I was a firm 'yes.' It wasn't a moral decision. I was pretty sure I'd see a familiar face or two, and knew I'd be...
Welcome to the Inner City
Last Friday, when I learned of the renewed investigation of Hillary Clinton’s emails, I knew I’d be spending Saturday knocking on doors. I wanted to do my part, and was eager to know if the latest news had changed anyone’s mind. When I learned the location...