Obt ngalos aqu . The Decline of High Culture Beginning September 29 Marshall Blonsky , Online moderator High culture is in crisis. The role of ideas, language, and art has changed drastically over the last thirty years. People used to seek meaning and transcendence in books, plays, and works of art. Now, transcendence is sought in media, metaphors, how-to guides, and fashion.
Entertainment is exalted over content.
Intellectuals are forced to become entrepreneurs. This series of conversations is devoted to the social and political implications of this change in the parameters of culture. Marshall Blonsky , Sr. Beginning Feb. 17 Peter Haratonik , Online moderator Crimes motivated by group hatred, whether against Chinese, Blacks, Jews, Gays, women, or other groups, occupy a secure place on the contemporary public agenda. Publicity brings not only a posting of more incidents but a debate about how to handle them.