It seems you cannot divorce literature from the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in this day and age. Those successful in publishing right now are all MFA degree holders, compared to the diverse educational backgrounds of household names from before the 2000s. The MFA, Erik Hoel alleges, has turned literature homogenous. Called “workshop writers”, today’s crop of novelists are portrayed to be uncreative and overly defensive, sticking to what’s taught in writing workshops to ensure the public doesn’t lambaste their works. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
