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In-depth analysis and commentary on a variety of matters — political, economic, social, and cultural — important to progressive and radical thinking and activism. Against the Grain is co-produced and co-hosted by Sasha Lilley and C.S. Soong.
A radio and web media project whose aim is to provide in-depth analysis and commentary on a variety of matters — political, economic, social and cultural — important to progressive and radical thinking and activism.
Akhil Gupta sees a growing tendency to view global poverty as a threat not to the acutely poor but to elites in the global North. Unchecked migration, terrorism, and disease vectors are seen as manifestations of that threat, against which elites now seek to protect themselves. This, according to Gupta, makes meaningful action to alleviate … Continued
Movements like Black Lives Matter have turned a spotlight on the mass criminalization of people of color in the United States. But are we any closer to understanding why the American state locks up its residents in record numbers? Radical scholar Jordan Camp discusses working class insurgency from below—from the Watts Rebellion to the Los … Continued
In an era of massive cuts to social services, the largesse of the wealthy seems a blessing. But what do the rich get in return for their philanthropy? Linsey McGoey argues that they receive both financial benefits and great influence over policy. She traces the history of philanthropy in the United States and discusses the … Continued
When, in response to police violence, Black Lives Matter and other protesters get unruly or violent, they are condemned for not following the lead of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Juliet Hooker considers whether it’s fair to expect Blacks, who she says have been perpetual losers in U.S. democracy, to peacefully acquiesce, to behave like … Continued
The Vietnam War came to an end in 1975. But another battle is brewing — as Obama has launched a decade of commemoration — and that is over how the war is to be remembered. Was it a noble cause that was poorly executed? Or was the war itself immoral? And when we look at … Continued
Cassie Thornton’s art investigates the nature of debt and the impact of economic regimes on individuals and society. In one project, Thornton hired someone to have breakdowns on her art school campus. Another project involved touching surfaces in bank lobbies and offices and using the dirt collected to create rubbings on paper. The Feminist Economics … Continued
Americans are struggling economically and personal finance gurus think that’s our fault. If we could just save money from small indulgences — like lattes — and sock it away in the stock market, we could end up millionaires. So claim the likes of Suze Orman and Robert Kiyosaki. But, according to journalist Helaine Olen, such … Continued
Radical political projects suffer when people burn out, get distracted, or otherwise drift away. What can help socialists and other leftists stay on course and even deepen their commitment over the long term? Ted Stolze finds in the writings of the philosopher Baruch Spinoza conceptual resources that he thinks can help radicals persevere. Rethinking Marxism
A radio and web media project whose aim is to provide in-depth analysis and commentary on a variety of matters — political, economic, social and cultural — important to progressive and radical thinking and activism.
Alan Watts, the author, lecturer, and interpreter of Eastern thought, gave a talk called “Way Beyond the West.”