Andrew Marantz, a Staff writer for The New Yorker, discusses the growing influence of uncommitted voters in Michigan, particularly the pro-Palestinian youth whose dissatisfaction with Kamala Harris reflects broader frustrations with U.S. foreign policy. Film critic Justin Chang reviews two films that explore identity and transformation, one through dark humor and the other through horror, revealing the complexities of self-improvement. Their insights shed light on the changing dynamics in both politics and contemporary cinema.
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Uncommitted Movement's Impact
The Uncommitted movement in Michigan received over 100,000 votes in the Democratic primary.
This number is significant, exceeding the margin by which Hillary Clinton lost Michigan in 2016.
insights INSIGHT
Local Importance of the Conflict
While national surveys ranked the Israeli-Palestinian conflict low among voter concerns, it's a top issue for some groups in Michigan.
These include Arab, Muslim, young, and progressive voters, particularly in Dearborn and Hamtramck.
insights INSIGHT
Uncommitted Movement's Goals
The Uncommitted movement seeks a permanent ceasefire and an end to U.S. weapons shipments to Israel.
While acknowledging the unlikelihood of immediate change, they're willing to accept smaller concessions, like policy discussions.
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In 'Play the Way You Feel,' Kevin Whitehead explores the complex and often uneasy relationship between jazz and film. The book examines a representative sample of films with significant jazz components, providing detailed explanations of their plots and the jazz tropes they employ. Whitehead highlights how these films often depict the struggle for creative freedom and the challenges faced by jazz musicians. The book covers 93 years of film history, offering insights into how jazz is portrayed in cinema and the mythologies surrounding jazz and its practitioners.
New Dutch swing
jazz + classical music + absurdism
Kevin Whitehead
This book provides a collective portrait of Amsterdam's thriving improvised music scene, which blends elements of jazz, classical music, and absurdism. It offers a detailed look at the evolution and key figures of this unique musical world.
Antisocial
Andrew Marantz
Antisocial explores the intersection of technology, media, and politics, revealing how the boundaries between these fields have been erased, leading to a deeply broken informational landscape. The book delves into the worlds of social media entrepreneurs and online extremists, tracing how fringe ideas become mainstream. Marantz examines the role of social media in radicalizing young people and spreading corrosive ideologies.
Why jazz?
a concise guide
Kevin Whitehead
Why Jazz?: A Concise Guide by Kevin Whitehead provides an accessible introduction to jazz, tracing its history from New Orleans to the postmodern era. The book is organized in a Q&A format, making it easy for both new and experienced listeners to grasp the basics and nuances of jazz. It covers essential musical concepts like improvisation and syncopation, while highlighting influential figures such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.
New Yorker writer Andrew Marantz describes Michigan's uncommitted, thousands of pro-Palestinian, anti-war protest voters who say they won't support Kamala Harris unless she changes her policy on Israel.
Also, Kevin Whitehead shares an appreciation of jazz pianist Bud Powell, for his centennial. And film critic Justin Chang reflects on two new movies that examine the extremes of self-improvement: The Substance and A Different Man.
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