Entries by Jeffrey Ian Ross

Distinguishing Among Voyeurism, Street Ethnography, and Urban Exploration

Individuals engage with urban spaces in a variety of ways. These approaches usually depend on their intentions, levels of involvement, and methods of observation. Three distinct modes of engagement — voyeurism, street ethnography, and urban exploration — offer useful points of comparison. Voyeurism typically entails observing others without their consent, often for personal gratification and […]

Social Media’s Never-Ending Replacement of Substance with Spectacle

A bare-chested man with dreadlocks skateboards through Adams Morgan (Washington, DC), an iguana perched on his shoulder, and a selfie stick extending from his hand. A young woman rides the New York City subway with a large snake draped around her neck, and numerous riders crowd around taking videos with their smartphones. What are We […]

What Happens When Musicians Step Outside Their Genre?

Across the arts, new genres continually emerge. Some gain traction and become part of the mainstream, while others disappear after a brief moment of interest. Behind the scenes, some creative people integrate these new forms into their work, while others experiment briefly before returning to more familiar styles. In music, for example, talented musicians are […]

The Semiotics of Laptop Computer Covers

Since people started using laptops, they’ve put stickers, DIY art, and protective sleeves on them. More than decoration, these additions often reflect identity, belonging, and belief. While individuals may not always think deeply about their choices, every sign, symbol, slogan, or design affixed to a laptop cover tells a story. Laptops as Modern-Day Bumper Stickers […]

My Students Are Afraid, and They Have Good Reason

At my university and at many others across the U.S., students, faculty, and staff are deeply concerned about Trump’s plans to shut down the Department of Education (DOE). During the first few weeks of his second term, Trump signaled his intention to eliminate the DOE, which experts dismissed as unconstitutional and would harm a large […]