Angela Proctor on the “Opinions Regarding Slavery: Slave Narratives” Collection
We spoke with Angela Proctor, head archivist at Southern University, about the collections of slave narratives compiled by John B. Cade from 1929-1935.
Writing Poetry in Prison as an Act of Resistance
A writer recounts her uncle's experiences writing poetry in prison and advocating for Indigenous rights. His death and his typewriter are intertwined.
Tchaikovsky’s Patroness
Madame von Meck offered Tchaikovsky her generous patronage, but spoke to him only through letters.
The Disappearance of Japan’s “Third Gender”
Gender roles in Edo Japan recognized an in-between position for young men, called Wakashu, that was erased as Japan westernized.
What If We’ve Been Misunderstanding Monsters?
Fictional evil creatures might be more nuanced—and have more to teach us—than has long seemed.
Do We Actually See Shadows?
In a blackout, you do not hear or taste the darkness; you see it. It looks a certain way. On the philosophy of shadows.
Feminism’s Hidden Spiritual Side
Sometimes the pursuit of gender equality requires a little witchcraft.
How to Hear Images and See Sounds
Artists Shannon Finnegan and Andy Slater talk accessibility, transdimensional hearing, alt-text as poetry, sound descriptions, and Instagram captions for McSweeney’s Audio Issue.
What Does a Tree See?
A hundred-year-old red oak in a Massachusetts forest told a writer and a team of scientists secrets about change over time.
Is Disgust Related to Morality?
The disgust response acts as a behavioral immune system, protecting us from disease, but produces strong reactions to perceived out-groups.