Writing

Labour Exploitation in Academia

Is exploitation acceptable when it comes with the prestige of a PhD?

Unconventional Solutions

The Centre for Human Ecology is feeling the financial crunch that's squeezing all of higher education. Its response is to call upon its most valuable resource: its graduates.

Research Ethics

Ethics paperwork protects the rights of research participants... But is there more to ethics than paperwork?

The Politics of Hope and Fear

Hillary Clinton threatens to tear America apart -- will Barack Obama's vision be strong enough to sustain us through the long struggle ahead?

An Unlikely Gunman

Sociologists are supposed to help understand troubling social phenomena like murder -- not become murderers themselves.

An Ex-Pat’s View of Obama

For the first time, there is a candidate I really believe in. It's a wonderful gift.

Useful for whom?

Universities pursuing the advancement of society -- or the advancement of business interests?

Reflections on Technology

The technology that is indispensible to modern research, and low-tech solutions for the problems it creates.

What's in a Name? Colonial Dynamics in Spiritual Practice

The politics of domination can manifest even in our spiritual practices.... How we might begin to recognize and heal our attitudes. Published in PanGaia Magazine.

Venture-Capitalism and Higher Education

In many sectors, we invest in the areas that promise the greatest short-term rewards. Is this an appropriate model for educational funding?

What the Old State House has Already Lost

The Old State House brought history to life for nearly a decade -- but poor management now leaves Connecticut's most important stories untold. Published in the Hartford Courant.

Gender Bias on the Web

Case studies on student advice websites show disturbing sexist tendencies. Maybe I should take up stripping to fund my PhD?

Funding

The politics of funding for international students: subsidising the wealthy and excluding the poor in a country that wants "fresh talent."

Gentrification

The politics of student accommodation: examining Edinburgh council's proposal to limit student housing.

Indentured Servitude: The Real Tragedy of Student Debt

My personal experience with student debt, and the wider politics it reveals. Published in WireTap Magazine, and on AlterNet.

Just Get a Job

On the politics of work and study.

Good Questions

Public services and the public good.

The Reality Gap

Grant allocations, double standards, and student advice websites.

Learning to Lose Hope at the Futuredome

An exhbit teaches children that their actions have consequences.... Does it also disempower them?

Portrait of a Civilized Country

On what Scots take for granted.

Power of the Pen

Exploring the role of writers in social movements, focusing on the frameworks writers build and how they can recreate the dominant paradigm, or empower us to see the world differently (final essay for my Spiritual Activism module).

Making Sense of “Operation Iraqi Freedom”

Looking at the economic reasons behind the Iraq war from a multipartisan perspective (final essay for my New Economics module).

Deconstructing Punk Economics

Socratic dialogue, exploring strategic activism within our economic system (originally written my New Economics module).

Could Be Worse: A Parable

Is a little bit of abuse acceptable? When does it become unacceptable? Reflections on the treatment of protesters at the Republican National Convention.

Open letter to George W. Bush about Sex Education

Bush's sex education guidelines call for an exclusive abstinence-only message to prevent the spread of STDs, and I have a few suggestions on making that message even clearer. (parody!!)

Greetings from the Twilight Zone

Letter to my peace movement friends in Italy at the supposed finish of "Operation Iraqi Freedom."

Taking a Stand

Goo Goo Dolls Fans For Peace is blurring the boundaries between fandom and activism. Published in the Teen Volunteers of America newsletter.

Smashing Ignorance [rant]

Response to a disturbing e-mail, challenging common misconceptions about immigrants, American culture, and politics.

Guilt of a White Girl

How the internalized voices of war undermine the struggle for peace.