In the past four years, observers of the United States have harbored intense fears that the Trump administration was essentially, or at least substantially, fascist. It’s a loaded and often misunderstood term, and now that we’re on the verge of … Continue reading
One of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s great charms, and great sources of pride, is its incredible pool of talented actors and filmmakers. I’ve written here before of my love of extraordinary films like Jasmila Žbanić’s “Grbavica,” Aida Begić’s “Snijeg” (“Snow”), Srđan Vuletić’s “Hop, … Continue reading
Yesterday was the anniversary of the vicious shelling & destruction of Sarajevo’s National Library, in 1992. This is fascism’s clear, enduring threat & promise: to destroy everyone & everything that exposes its lies. Fascism survives because it tells a seductive … Continue reading
Yesterday, as part of her wonderful new “thought-provoking conversations” series on YouTube, the brilliant Bosnian-American painter Mirela Kulović interviewed me about so much of what I love: teaching and writing about religious identity, human rights, conflict, and coexistence; mentoring and … Continue reading
Still reeling from the news, images, and stories from Beirut, I’ve been watching the films of Lebanese filmmaker and actor Nadine Labaki. Her latest is “Capernaum” (2018), winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes. I’ve taught and written about … Continue reading
Last year at this time, I was teaching at the Global Citizens Youth Summit in Tokyo about the idea of “memory as a moral compass,” with special reference to case studies from the history of Japan. Featured prominently in my … Continue reading
I wrote yesterday about the corrosive, destructive, even deadly power of fear. How to fight that fear, and how to overcome it, can be a massive struggle. Where do we find reserves and wellsprings — of faith, trust, and hope … Continue reading
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I’ve just opened a web store on Etsy for greetings cards featuring my original photography! Packs start at just $15. Click here to see all the listings. Nature, beach, flower, and Bosnia collections available … Continue reading
I’ve got a review of Emir Kapetanovic & Zana Marjanovic’s new documentary film, “ReGeneration,” in the special New Year’s Eve / New Year’s Day edition of Oslobodjenje, Sarajevo’s venerated daily newspaper. You can check it out online here! HUGE thanks to … Continue reading
Tom Simpson, Ph.D. -- teacher / author / critic 