The Law of Treason: Its Modern Use
We speak with constitutional law expert, Professor Carlton Larson about its limited use in modern courtrooms and the public’s perception of the law versus its actual scope and definition.
Culture and the Arts Sub-categories:
- Acting (6)
- African American Culture (16)
- American Culture and History (191)
- Art (34)
- Comedy (10)
- Customs (3)
- Fashion (12)
- Holidays and Traditions (61)
- Photography (12)
- Protest (7)
- Theater (20)
The On- and Off-Stage Benefits of Practicing Improv
Getting on a stage in front of a crowd can be extremely daunting. But, taking a risk and trying something new may not only lead you to a new hobby but a renewed perspective on life. Improv comedy forces you to connect on a deeper level with others, as well as yourself through the collaboration, communication and confidence the performance art requires.
Game Show History
Before the game shows of today, there were countless series of the past that defied our notion of showmanship. Full of grandiose props, charismatic hosts and the perfect, hand-picked contestants, these series kept viewers hooked till the very end and were (really) too good to be true. We discuss some of the most popular game shows in American history and how …
Liar, Liar: How To Get To The Truth
How do professionals question people to get the information they want? We talk to an expert in interrogation and lying on this subject, and how law enforcement and job interviewers use the same tactics to find out if someone is lying.
The Early American Diet
This week, we rewind back to the Great Depression, which forced millions of Americans to find new recipes and get creative with the limited number of ingredients they could afford.
I Spy Delicious Pie
Just because Thanksgiving and all-things pumpkin have passed, doesn’t mean an end to sugary holiday sweets. Viewpoints speaks with cookbook author Ken Haedrich about the prevalence of pie in American culture and how anyone can bake a delicious pie in no time.
Surviving Parkland: The Perspective of One Teacher
The 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Florida was the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history. Viewpoints speaks with high school teacher Jeff Foster who was there that day and is still an active voice in ending gun violence.
The History of Football as the NFL Celebrates its 100th Anniversary
The National Football League was founded in 1920 – and it's no surprise that a lot has changed since then. Viewpoints speaks with three sports experts about the evolution of the football industry, its humble beginnings and why the NFL is still so pervasive and popular in American culture.
Holiday Shopping 2020: Do You Need To Buy It?
Compulsive buying disorder affects around five percent of Americans. With prime shopping season fully underway, the number of ads and limited-time deals can lead to several unneeded purchases. We speak with psychologist, Dr. Michael Vilensky about how retailers get you to keep buying and what to do if you feel like you’re shopping is getting to be a problem.
The Native American Vote: A Group Plagued By Voter Marginalization
There are more than 5.2 million Native Americans living in the U.S., yet only a small fraction cast a ballot each election cycle. What factors lead to this low turnout? Viewpoints speaks with two experts about how historical bias feels into the current challenges facing this group.
Halloween 2020: The Kickoff To This Year’s Holiday Season
Halloween is just around the corner, falling on Saturday, October 31st. this year. Whatever your plans are this weekend, it's important to stay safe by following the recommended precautions. The holiday may look a little different this year, but it doesn't have to be any less spook-tastic.
Culture Crash: The Haunting of Hill House & Bly Manor
Mike Flanagan’s popular miniseries is back for a sequel with the Haunting of Bly Manor that was released earlier this month on Netflix. We dive into the two horror shows and determine if they’re worth the watch.
The 12 Million Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.
In 2016, President Trump ran on a platform that vowed to deport all of the undocumented immigrants in the country. However, four years later and this population is still relatively the same. Is it a practical plan to deport millions who have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade, are law-abiding and fill important jobs that would otherwise be vacant?
Culture Crash: Halloween 2020
This year’s spooky festivities may look a little different on October 31st – and that’s okay. We share some of our favorite frightening films for the holiday.
Culture Crash: The Theatre Release of “Tenet”
The blockbuster release, “Tenet” by prominent director Christopher Nolan is one of the first major films to make a theatre release in several months. Is it worth the watch?
Fueling Creativity: Funding Modern, Independent Invention
Without inventors like Benjamin Franklin or visionaries like Elon Musk, the world would look a bit different. Both of these people and countless others followed their passion, but sometimes it can be hard to slow down and take a risk.
The Invention of Instant Photography (2020)
In the early to mid 1900's, capturing a picture was cumbersome and complicated and took weeks to process the film. Then, Edwin Land, the creator of the Polaroid camera, came along and revolutionized the industry.
A Shift Towards Sustainable Construction & Design
Today, a greater number of architects and developers are not only thinking about profit and supply, but the additional - sometimes invisible - factors at play when it comes to new buildouts. These include the true benefits to humans, the environmental toll and the most practical designs that are symbiotic with nature.
Culture Crash: The Difficulty of Placing Media & Literature Into Distinct Genres (2020)
Sometimes a new release fits into multiple genres but has to be classified into one specific genre. Star Wars is labeled as a space opera – but what exactly does that mean? Viewpoints discusses these conundrums.
The Murder of George Floyd: A Deepening Public Health Crisis
How can a simple police call lead to the killing of an unarmed and unresisting man? For weeks, protests and outrage have spread across the U.S. and internationally as the killing of Floyd brings racial inequality and police brutality into focus once again. Even in the midst of a pandemic, people are showing up to say they’re fed up with the lack of equal …
Navigating Peak Wedding Season During a Pandemic
Erika Hernandez-Fullerton is a recent bride herself and owner of the wedding planning company The Greatest Adventure Weddings & Elopements. She joins Viewpoints this week to share how many couples in this predicament are making the best of this unusual situation.
Culture Crash: The Voices of African American Authors (2020)
Reading the works of black authors is an important part to better understanding why racial inequities still plague our country. We offer up some recommendations to add to your reading list.
One Country, Two Systems: The Deepening Political Crisis in Hong Kong
With the proposal of a new national security law in late May further tightening China's grip on the semi-autonomous territory of Hong Kong, the region is at a crucial tipping point.
Served Up: Poetry With a Side of Dark Humor
The Epic of Gilgamesh is thought to be the oldest epic poem ever written, created in 2000 BCE. Throughout time, poetry has stayed constant, with greats like Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson and Henry Thoreau publishing cherished works still topical today. John Kenney is a modern poet whose work is frequently featured in the New Yorker. He’s best known for his …
