Take This Stranger From My Boat
With the help of Grand Funk Railroad, Rob Horning collates some recent attempts to grapple with the nature and possibility of being authentic on the internet, in politics, and in politics on the internet.
The Great Mortality
Don’t joke about the black Egyptian sarcophagus unleashing a plague that will kill us all, because the next pandemic is heading for us.
The Constant Consumer
The world as platform: In Amazon’s dream universe, we’re all customers by virtue of existing.
After Hours
“Off-peak” lifestyle evangelists insist on the value of being untimely, but their lifestyle depends on the rest of us staying regimented.
Doomsday Pattern
Atomic bombs smell like a waterfall. You can get some radiation out with soap and water. Oh, and nothing is safe.
End Notes
How is a death mourned after it’s gone viral? China, WeChat, and the public consumption of private tragedy.
Where Are You Really From
Many people aren’t from one place and are in constant motion. So why must we choose one nationality from a drop-down menu?
Terminal Democracy
At airports, ideals of free movement collide with protocols of restriction and privilege. That makes them vital sites of protest.
Camp Dread
The fleeting solace of consuming Melania Trump as camp.
Seeing Stars
“It was comforting to think that when we look into the sky we’re seeing the past, since that’s where I wanted to be. ” Alex Ronan on grieving for her brother Mark and finding her place in the universe.
