A rape on a commuter train near Philadelphia has prompted outrage for its lack of bystander intervention; passengers saw the assault in action—some even pointing their phones at the rapist—but no one called 911. Experts say changing social norms of the pandemic may have contributed to this case of the bystander effect, with people "retreating into their own corners."

Like Al Franken and Louis C.K. — two other humorists whose highflying careers hit a brick wall in 2017 amid sexual-harassment accusations — Garrison Keillor has embarked on a comeback tour. But as with those others, this news ignited pushback on social media.

"I haven’t practiced my violin since the day the Taliban came,” said an 18-year-old orchestra member left behind, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of security concerns. “The only life I want is one where I can freely play my violin.”

Aisha Harris explores the The Black Lady Therapist trope that she named a few years ago in an essay for Slate, after observing Hollywood's growing trend of casting Black actresses to play psychiatrists/counselors to (mostly) white protagonists. The B.L.T. is the sounding board and sage giver of advice, a 21st century incarnation of the broader and much older Black Best Friend trope.

For women in the Middle East and beyond, the U.S. has been an unconvincing liberator.