All articles tagged with #american society
'Sovereign' is a provocative action thriller that explores radical fatherhood, civic collapse, and America's internal divisions, using a violent story about widowed fathers in Arkansas to comment on current social and political issues, with strong performances and authentic settings, though its brutality may be off-putting for some.
The article discusses Shohei Ohtani's remarkable impact on baseball, highlighting how he has become a figure larger than the sport itself, and hints at broader societal parallels, encouraging readers to draw their own connections.
The NFL continues to dominate TV ratings, with Super Bowl LVIII becoming the most-watched telecast in history. Despite previous concerns about kneeling protests affecting viewership, the NFL's popularity remains strong, with 75 of the top 100 most-watched broadcasts in 2021 being NFL games. This trend poses a challenge for other sports leagues, such as the NBA, which are trailing behind in viewership. The article suggests that the NFL's dominance in TV ratings reflects a societal obsession with football, overshadowing other significant events and raising questions about America's priorities.
Gen. Stanley McChrystal suggests that national service could help bridge the political divide in America by bringing together young Americans from diverse backgrounds to work on common projects for a year or two. This concept, already existing in programs like AmeriCorps, City Year, and Vista, would require a public/private partnership to provide funding, create opportunities, and establish supporting policies. By fostering connections and producing better citizens, national service could help heal the divisions in American society.
Three recent shootings in the US, including the shooting of Ralph Yarl, Kaylin Gillis, and Texas cheerleaders, have highlighted the senseless gun violence that plagues American society. The incidents have renewed calls for stricter gun control legislation and put scrutiny on "stand your ground" self-defense laws. The shootings have also been attributed to the toxic mix of paranoia, distrust, and suspicion that poisons many day-to-day interactions in the US. Senator Chris Murphy has called for action to address the issue and prevent further tragedies.
Jess Row's novel "The New Earth" explores the pain and dissolution of an American family, echoing the suffering of the country. The story follows the Wilcox family, whose members are haunted by their past and struggle to come together for Winter's wedding. The novel deals with themes of family dynamics, race, religion, and Zen Buddhism, and weaves together various perspectives and prose styles seamlessly. "The New Earth" is a modern epic that takes an unsparing look at family and national dynamics.
As the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War is marked, veterans reflect on their experiences and the impact of the war on American society and the Middle East. While some, like Marine aviator Scott Cooper, initially felt elation at the war's quick success, subsequent tours left them heartbroken at the lack of progress. Others, like Army medic Alejandro Rodriguez, feel the war was a mistake and have tried to move on. Many veterans have settled into post-military careers and are optimistic about the lessons they can bring to leadership roles. However, a survey found that only 3 in 10 Americans have talked with an Iraq veteran about the war.