Mike Pilewski writes about life, politics and culture in the United States
On several recent occasions, I’ve noticed how my American students have redefined the word “kid”. It’s now a neutral way of referring to a man of college age, as in, “that kid in the yellow shirt” or “the kid who’s studying biology”. It’s long been common for older people to refer to their own offspring as kids for years after … >>
Being the only tourist in a far-off place always leads to some interesting invitations — as when the mayor of Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, suggested I attend the celebration of his son’s baptism. The elders from the mayor’s village welcomed me into their midst and gave me a front-row seat for the start of the afternoon’s entertainment. Musicians played a soft … >>
Good teachers and professors can convey their wisdom between the lines. But our education is more than our formal schooling. I firmly believe it’s possible to learn from anyone and any experience. My role as an advisor to German and American exchange students puts me in a position to offer my own wisdom when asked for it. I say things … >>
Last summer, the University of Düsseldorf invited me to give a talk about careers to students at its English department. One of them wanted to know how I had found my career. In Yakov Smirnoff style, I explained that my career had found me. Specific circumstances had led to me being hired as a writer and editor, I said, in … >>
Where I live, it’s been cool and cloudy for the last six months, so I’ve been putting the time to use, by learning. In my case, this means consuming lots and lots of books, websites and documentary films. I’ve learned a lot about discoveries in science and medicine, about world history and faraway places. I feel like I’m up to … >>
For a second, I was dead — or I might have been. Darkness engulfed my surroundings, and I felt myself being pulled back gently. The warmth flowed out of my body. Then I saw and heard nothing. I was alone, relaxed and at peace. Is this what happens when we die and are reabsorbed into the cosmos? I wondered. If … >>
My grandmother was the healthiest person alive. This came, she said, from living in the countryside, breathing clean air, and cooking her own food, which was fresh from nearby farms or her own garden. She kept noise and stress out of her life. Her career was her home, and she was the queen of her castle — an image reinforced … >>
This morning began with a pleasant surprise. I had just arrived at my office when a very dear colleague came in, holding a piece of cake. She started singing “Happy Birthday”. I am not normally one to turn down a piece of cake, but I do believe in telling the truth. “I’m sorry, but it’s not my birthday,” I said. … >>
I’ve met the invisible man. He’s tried to kill me — several times, always at night. He rides a bicycle with no lights, on a dark street, usually going the wrong way, while dressed from head to toe in black. He doesn’t stop for anyone. My quick reflexes are the only reason I’m still alive, and I doubt that he’ll … >>
Democracy is a wonderful thing, but it’s not perfect. The majority can always intimidate, discriminate against or simply ignore the minority. As Kermit the Frog used to sing, “It’s not easy being green.” It’s tough enough to be different, and even tougher if you’re not accepted for it. Small minorities with obvious needs — the blind and hearing-impaired, for example … >>