Ncuti Gatwa, the first Black actor to play the lead role in BBC’s long-running series Doctor Who, has opened up about the negative social media reaction to his casting. Gatwa, who is currently filming for the series, said he finds the backlash fascinating and believes it stems from people’s unease with the changing status quo in the entertainment industry.
Conservative efforts to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are gaining traction in various states, with approximately one-third implementing measures against these programs. Republican-dominated legislatures are enacting legislation that prohibits the consideration of DEI participation in financial decisions, student admissions, and employment. Despite opposition from Democrats who propose supportive DEI measures in around 20 states, approximately 150 bills have been introduced that either restrict or promote DEI efforts. Notably, higher education institutions and businesses have traditionally invested in diversity and inclusivity, but conservative groups perceive DEI initiatives as prioritizing racial or gender identity over individual merit. The ultimate goal of this movement, as expressed by Christopher Rufo, is to eliminate DEI in all American institutions.
The Supreme Court of Texas has ruled against a Harris County guaranteed income program, prohibiting its launch. State law prohibits public universities from having Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) departments, resulting in layoffs of DEI staff at the University of Texas. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and organization UpTogether have criticized the Supreme Court ruling, calling it a setback for those facing financial hardship. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton maintains that the program is unconstitutional and continues to fight against it. The Harris County Commissioners Court approved the Uplift Harris program with a 4-1 vote last year, aiming to provide monthly stipends to low-income residents.
Join Dulé Hill on a captivating journey through the transformative power of the arts in “The Express Way.” As he travels across the US, Hill delves into the lives of diverse artists, showcasing their unique stories and the ways in which their art connects people. From a deaf dancer finding rhythm in vibrations to an LGBTQ+ mariachi band breaking cultural barriers, this docuseries celebrates the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.
Cathedral High School, a South End landmark for nearly a century, has received its largest-ever gift: a $30 million matching grant from an anonymous donor. This generous donation will enable the school to continue its mission of providing an affordable education to students from all backgrounds, regardless of their financial circumstances. About 98 percent of Cathedral’s 340 students are Black or Latino, and the vast majority are from the city. Every student receives some form of financial aid, with most paying only a small fraction of the $20,000 annual tuition.
Rachel Khong’s second novel, “Real Americans,” is a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding gene editing and parental choice. Set against the backdrop of real-world scientific advancements, the story follows two families whose lives are intertwined by a twist of fate and the decisions made for their children. Khong deftly explores themes of power, identity, privilege, and the limits of human agency.
Award-winning playwright and screenwriter David Mamet has vehemently criticized Hollywood’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, labeling them as “fascist totalitarianism.” Mamet also urged Jews to cease supporting Democrats and expressed concern about antisemitism on college campuses. During an interview with The Los Angeles Times, he denounced the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ recently implemented diversity standards for the “Best Picture” Oscar, arguing that they stifled creativity and were overly burdensome.
Prasanta Verma, an Indian American immigrant raised in Southern culture, sheds light on the realities of ethnic loneliness in her new book. She explores the exhausting effects of cultural isolation, the dynamics of marginalization, and the weight of being ‘other’ for minority and marginalized populations.
Actor David Harewood has sparked controversy by arguing that White actors should be able to play Black characters in Hollywood. Harewood, who is the new president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), made the comments in an interview with The Guardian. He said that identity politics should not be a factor in casting decisions and that any actor should be able to play any role, provided they do a good job. Harewood’s comments have been met with mixed reactions. Some people have praised him for speaking out against identity politics in Hollywood, while others have accused him of being insensitive to the issue of racial representation. The debate over identity politics in Hollywood casting is likely to continue, as more and more actors and filmmakers speak out on the issue.
Amidst the joy of celebrating freedom in Israel, the poignant reminder of hostages held in Gaza highlights the Jewish value of collective responsibility and empathy. This perspective extends to all humanity, emphasizing interconnectedness and our shared responsibility for the well-being of others. Exploring the shift in Jewish new year celebrations from spring to fall, the article suggests that this move represents a transition from a particularistic Jewish identity to a more universal creation story and a recognition of nature as our common ground. The article then examines the concept of freedom in democratic societies, drawing on the four freedoms articulated by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt’s incorporation of these principles into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Nature, with its interdependent relationships, adaptability, and celebration of diversity, provides valuable lessons for fostering healthy and vibrant democracies. The article concludes by calling for an expansion of our identities, embracing a broader sense of interconnectedness and transcending the barriers created by narrow perspectives and fear of change.
