Editorials

BSR does not endorse this language. (Photo by Alaina Johns.)

Philadelphia Weekly insults writers, readers, and people with mental illness

The debauched future of Philly journalism?

A venerable alt-weekly announces a new direction in painfully offensive terms. Philadelphia deserves better. Alaina Johns considers.

Alaina Johns

Dec 17, 2019 Editorials 5 minute read

Representation is changing, right down to our socks. What do we do now? (Photo by Kyle V. Hiller.)

At year's end, we face reality: what comes next is our choice. Buckle up.

Responsibility is a practice

Representation is changing, and especially after recent elections, Philly is alive with new possibilities. With 2020 looming, what are our responsibilities? Kyle V. Hiller considers.

Kyle V. Hiller

Dec 17, 2019 Editorials 5 minute read

I made this. Will it cure me? (Photo by Alaina Johns.)

Stop it with the vitamin C, and other things my cold taught me

All hail the rhinovirus

Ah yes! Darkness, freezing weather; the long, dreary tunnel of winter looming after the holidays—and the cold I just caught. Alaina Johns whines.

Alaina Johns

Dec 10, 2019 Editorials 4 minute read

That feeling when the choice is yours, or, since when are we all grown up?

Decisions, decisions

Do you remember a time in your life when the decisions really started? Do they come quickly? How do you handle it when it’s time to make a choice? Alaina Johns considers.

Alaina Johns

Dec 03, 2019 Editorials 5 minute read

How to head into the holidays as a single person

The cuffing season kickoff

Especially after years of being partnered, the holiday season can pose extra challenges for single folks. Alaina Johns has some advice.

Alaina Johns

Nov 26, 2019 Editorials 5 minute read

To God be the glory: Faith and Liberty Discovery Center supporters sign its final steel beam. (Photo by Kyle V. Hiller.)

Philly’s Independence Visitor Center applauds the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center

The Bible comes to Independence Mall

It’s no surprise that a museum from the American Bible Society will recast US history as an exclusively Bible-based story. But we should look twice at the welcome for Independence Mall’s new evangelists. Alaina Johns considers.

Alaina Johns

Nov 05, 2019 Editorials 5 minute read

Who’s drawing the line at the line for the ladies’ room?

Can I use your restroom?

When we think about accessibility on the arts scene, are we forgetting something? Maybe we worry about bringing up bathrooms, but Alaina Johns thinks it’d be rude not to talk about it.

Alaina Johns

Oct 30, 2019 Editorials 5 minute read

Enter the castle of lesbian rule, if you dare. (Photo courtesy of Icebox Project Space.)

Killjoy’s Kastle: Finding myself at the lesbian feminist haunted house

I’m pretty into you, but…

Philly artists have been busy this Halloween season, and Killjoy’s Kastle in Kensington is a worthy stop for anyone who thinks “Lesbian feminist haunted house? YES.” After a canceled date, Alaina Johns considers.

Alaina Johns

Oct 22, 2019 Editorials 5 minute read

An invincible, immortal, permanent moment: House of Vans set up a skatepark inside the warehouse. (Photo by Grandstand Media.)

An editor’s rebirth at the House of Vans Philly skate festival

Skate or die?

After the House of Vans skate festival in North Philly, what is left for a former skaterboy? What has to die, so that you can keep living? Kyle V. Hiller considers.

Kyle V. Hiller

Oct 15, 2019 Editorials 5 minute read

Spit Spreads Death: The Parade. Yes, you read it right. (Photo by Alaina Johns.)

The forgotten history of the flu in Philadelphia

Taking your shot

Did you catch Spit Spreads Death: The Parade last weekend in Philly? Alaina Johns did, and remembers her own fight with the flu. Are you vaccinated yet?

Alaina Johns

Oct 01, 2019 Editorials 6 minute read