#CfP for "Queering the #Family : Exploring Non-Normative Family Figures in #Literature, #Arts, and the #Media", which will be published in "#Whatever. A Transdisciplinary Journal of #Queer Theories and Studies, 7 (Summer 2024)".
Marriage, Sex, and Death
The Family and the Fall of the Roman West
By the end of the fifth century, with the structural collapse of the Roman Empire in the west, Western Europe had fallen into the so-called Dark Ages. With the power of Rome removed, the Catholic Church stepped in to fill the void. Its political rise, alongside that of the Germanic kingdoms, led to dramatic changes in law, politics, power, and culture.
New research provides insight into parental-child estrangement in the U.S., describes differences by gender, race/ethnicity, and sexuality, and discusses implications. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37304343
New data show that about half of U.S. adults lived alone upon gray divorce, another one-third lived with others, and the remaining 14% lived with a new partner. Adults living with a new partner tended to exhibit the most advantaged sociodemographic profiles.
That was a good watch. Heartwarming. Reminded me of why I want to get out of the urban life and home; and migrate somewhere quiet, tuned with nature, and a small town. When will that ever happen?
Regardless, this is a good reminder and inspiration. While fiction and too perfect, I believe it does happen, we just have to get out there and find it.
I’ve #read Vanderbilt by Anderson Cooper (g-g-g-grandson of the Commodore) and Katherine Howe. This unapologetic critique of Cooper’s ancestors- including his mother, whose jeans I remember - is a reminder to not spoil our children, even if we can. It took 4 generations of excessive nonsense to destroy their legacy. #family#book#biopic@bookstodon https://amzn.to/3LGSdF0
This picture book is truly gorgeous : based on the true story of Mildred, Harriet, Brenda, and Wilma Moody, this non fiction book shows the incredible work realized by the sisters in Southern California in the 30s.
Hall’ s creations are colorful picture books that celebrate diversity, uniqueness and families. I love the multicultural representation : children from all backgrounds and families from all around the world are shown celebrating or doing everyday activities.
I can be All Three is a beautiful picture book celebrating roots, family and multiculturalism. This book is a great conversation starter with young children about family history and about the story of who they are.
@EU_Commission there's a problem with the prices of trains in #EU. While it is cheaper for a #family of four to get a #car and move around than using the #train, things won't change.
Lyft driver last night decided to tell me his life story. The guy was more than a bit unhinged, so I just let him talk.
Veteran, tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Starts talking about his domestic violence towards his ex-wife and children, laughing about how he had only jokingly threatened to break his children's legs, and when he stabbed his wife in the arm with a wire, it wasn't really a stabbing.
"I told the judge, if I had wanted to stab her, she'd be dead."
Complains in great detail about all the money she took from him, his prison time for the assault, and describes with glee hiding his assets in his vintage car. "New chrome, new hood, new tires - bitch wasn't gonna see that money!"
Continues on about how his new girl came from Iraq and knows what a war zone is like. Brags that he'll send her back if she doesn't marry him. Turns out he's never seen her in person, but has sent her over $7k through some online hookup site that charges per message. Goes off on how he helped her move from Canada to Chicago (we're in California), and complains about how each time he sends her money to come out west, she never shows up.
"I've bought the tux, the wedding dress - it's all ready to go - it's that or Iraq."
Note that all of this was punctuated with constant bouts of chuckling and provided completely unprompted - I said maybe three words the entire trip.
Why do I relate this story? First, it was watching bad karma in action, both the fuck around and find out phases wrapped up in a tidy taxi ride.
But I found myself wondering what he was like as a child... he was clearly struggling in the smarts department, but he had a natural friendliness that belied the horrible shit coming out of his mouth. It got me thinking to what this guy might have been like had the army not put a gun in his hand and sent him overseas to kill. He was in his forties, but his mind was that of a violent teenager - almost as if it had been frozen at the point in time when he was deployed.
I speak about this because I've seen the same pattern in other vets I've known, including some I went to high school with (1st Gulf War vets). Something gets permanently broken in them, keeping them in a state of constant angry adolescence that takes childish glee in abuse, cruelty and savagery as a way to normalize their experience.
And then they come home, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake as they try to integrate to a peacetime existence, unable to grow up, Peter Pan with a gun in hand.
I wish someone had made this clear to my friends who joined up. There's more than one of them who's too dangerous to be a friend to now.
Gift from writer Sherman Alexie, a signed copy of his fine letterpress #book.
“A Memory of Elephants” is a limited edition of only 500 copies.
This slim volume is a confessional collection of poems that explores mental disorder, regret for things left unsaid to parents, tribal identity, #love and questions to #God.