Author: Matthew Westphal

It’s Too Late For Good-Faith Debate Online Anyway

“Blaming people on the internet — as most of us are, helplessly — for not engaging in ‘good-faith debate’ doesn’t just misdiagnose the problem; it’s stunningly naïve. Have you met the internet? … Political discourse has been warped less because of ‘cancel culture’ or ‘illiberalism’ than by the way social media platforms have been poisoned, like wells, that poison us in turn.” And, argues Lili Loofbourow, it’s not the left that’s ultimately at fault. – Slate

Those Viral Videos Of People Melting Down Because They Have To Wear Masks? They’re Performances — Bad Ones

Dan Kois: “What are these displays? Whatever they are, they are not authentic expressions of rage. … Rather than citizens pushed too far by onerous mask policies — finally sent over the edge — the people in the videos are recognizably acting, delivering tiny one-person shows. Perhaps they’ve rehearsed these lines in their head for weeks, cooped up at home, seething about the news. … And here, in the grocery store, finally granted an audience — the lights bright and the cameras running — they seize their moment to act. And they’re bad actors.” – Slate

Was Washington Ballet’s Virtual Fundraising Gala A Bad Idea After All?

Organizers of the June 18 event, for which the company’s dancers gathered to tape performances which were streamed for attendees, say they followed all CDC and local health guidelines. Nevertheless, artistic director Julie Kent and one of the performers contracted COVID. “These human costs are devastating,” writes Sarah Kaufman, “and there is another victim here: trust. … Did the ballet make the right choices to fundraise in this way, and how much can we trust it on health matters in the future?” – The Washington Post

Jane Walentas, Philanthropist Who Helped Transform Brooklyn’s DUMBO Neighborhood, Dead At 76

“An accomplished artist and creative director, Walentas played a critical role in nurturing DUMBO’s artistic renaissance for more than 30 years.” As her husband, David, redeveloped the district’s old warehouses, “she sponsored local artists, brought arts programs to the Brooklyn neighborhood, and dedicated her life’s work to restoring the 1922 carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park that’s named in her honor.” – Brooklyn Paper

Remains Of Aztec Palace Discovered Near Mexico City’s Main Square

“While carrying out renovation work on the Nacional Monte de Piedad building – which dates back to 1755 and is now a historical pawnshop on Mexico city’s central plaza – workers came across unusual basalt slab floors underneath the building. According to the archaeologists, the floors had been an open area in the palace of Aztec ruler Axayacatl — father of Moctezuma, one of the final rulers of the Aztec empire — between 1469 and 1481.” – Deutsche Welle

Citing ‘Toxic’ Workplace, Montreal Museum Of Fine Arts Fires Director

“[The museum’s press] release cites a ‘toxic’ work environment and ‘several departures of key employees’ over the last year — as well as an external evaluation of the museum’s internal climate and what it calls [Nathalie] Bondil’s ‘inflexibility’ in finding a solution. … The decision also follows a week of public controversy … not only [over] the work environment complaints … but also [over] a hiring decision made by the board against Bondil’s advice last week.” – Canadian Art

Edinburgh Fringe Announces Plans For Virtual 2020 Festival

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society will offer an online hub with workshops and panel discussions as well as a guide to the streamed performances offered by independent Fringe venues; Fringe Pick ‘n’ Mix, where viewers can choose among 60-second videos uploaded by performers; and “Fringe on a Friday, a 60-minute independently curated variety show that will be ticketed and streamed, presenting the best of the festival across a range of genres.” – The Guardian