Weekend Reads v. 5.7.2024
Ah, a new month! Much of North American is feeling patriotic this week, what with Drake celebrating Canada Day with a hookah and the U.S of A firing up the grill and fireworks. Lots of people are hitting pause on emails like this, but not me! I know you may need a break from family or might be enduring a long wait in an airport, and so, I give you a few interesting things I found this week on the glorious ol’ web.
Emily Oster is one heck of a researcher and writer. Her recent piece “The Dangerous Myth of Male Incompetence” for the American Institute for Boys and Men has the hallmarks of her usual work, which is to say she uses data to explain and speak plainly about tough parts of life like parenthood and family dynamics.
“Less good” is vague. I think what people really mean when they think this is: less competent. We think men and boys are less competent. We especially think they are less competent in the household, or to do any detail-oriented multi-tasking. And who wants to be a parent or a partner of someone who is incompetent?
The trouble is that this concern becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, with both kids and with adults.
This Substack post about the history of Camp David was interesting and full of great photos.
A thought-provoking piece on “Britain’s strictest headmistress.”
Every page of this book is a slice of cheese. !!
Five home décor trends no one thought would return, and yet here they are.
My favorite monthly habit.
A magical new wonderland was just discovered off the coast of Norway.