Grownups are worried about the latest Elmo scandal, but it may be time to stop imbuing this show with so much significance
Arts & Entertainment
Did Woody Allen Rip Off William Faulkner?
Two new cases could tighten copyright laws to a stifling extreme
‘Won’t Back Down’: Why This Education Movie Matters
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s decision to star in a schmaltzy takedown of teachers unions just might move education reform into the mainstream
Why Is It So Difficult to Talk About Female Sexual Pleasure?
The author of “Vagina: A New Biography” analyzes some responses to her new controversial book
Fall TV: Strong Female Characters Can Negate Violence
New research shows sexually violent media is rendered less harmful when women are given assertive roles
Is It Really the End of Men?
There are downsides to pitting the sexes in a constant, one-up, one-down battle for supremacy
Where Are All the (Good) Female Superhero Movies?
This summer’s superhero blockbusters finally featured strong female characters, but that’s only a start
Why Is Dinesh D’Souza So Angry with Obama?
The author and director of a hit documentary rails against Obama’s “anti-colonialism.” Most Americans don’t know what the heck he means
Why Sherman Hemsley’s George Jefferson Was Pitch Perfect
Hemsley’s George Jefferson was one of the most abrasive and difficult-to-like men on TV, but he was adored precisely because he was so unapologetic about black ascension
Breaking Bad and the Downfall of the White ‘Anyman’
The sublime show speaks to the anxiety of the modern white American male who is in danger of losing his grip on power
Why Pixar’s Brave Is a Failure of Female Empowerment
It’s Pixar’s first female lead in 17 years. If only Brave were bolder
Why Do Critics Hate Kristen Stewart’s Snow White?
The reinterpretation of Disney’s limpid housecleaner, a triumph of female storytelling, has caused an unfair drumbeat of negativity
Michelle Obama’s Garden and the Problem With Growing Your Own Food
Maintaining a garden is difficult, back-breaking work. Is the First Lady making it look too easy?