New feature: Under-read post that I really like - Please read: How to Write an Opinion Essay in 63 Easy Steps. I just think it's funny, and I don't do funny that often.
Last week:
- Sunday - Cardinal's Law: Thinking about the metonymy between "catholic" and "sex abuse" in internet comment sections.
- Speaking of comments, Popular Science shut down theirs, citing a study that polarizing comments can be bad for knowledge and accuracy. I believe it. But if you dig into the study and responses to the study, you'll see that the real conclusion is that a heavily moderated comment section is the best option. It's just not an option that big websites with tens of thousands of comments can afford to do. But I can!
- Monday - I linked to a friend's brilliant post on #JusticeForEthan and her reaction a bright yellow t-shirt that says: I have autism. Call 911. It's very troubling. My friend writes: "It is not an individual’s responsibility to wear or show evidence of his or her diagnosis in order to remain safe and retain their basic civil rights." I want us all to remember that.
- Tuesday - provided the links to my latest piece on Pope Francis for context.
- Wednesday turned to a bizarre story of a cap on bottle of Vitamin Water that read, "You Retard."
- Thursday was my 100th blog post. I asked for good stores about police and people with disabilities. The response was minimal and my effort was a failure. I'm going with new strategies, as I think these stories could be very important.
- Friday was my most-read piece of the week - Barilla and Bigotry (and a Down Syndrome diet). We're going to finish the boxes in my pantry then start trying new things. I'd really like the company to come out and issue a fulsome apology, a promise to try to be more inclusive in the future, and otherwise completely change their tone. The current non-apology apology doesn't cut it. Of course, if Nico can't shift textures, we will stick with Barilla. Nutrition trumps politics.
- Saturday - Finally, I blogged about the latest piece on boys and gender from the great Soraya Chemaly. You should just read everything she writes.
