Six Essential Weekend Reads: Technology, Parenting and Cultural Reflections
Looking for something thought-provoking to read this weekend? We have curated six exceptional articles from the past seven days that delve into contemporary issues, from technology's influence on our lives to evolving parenting philosophies and the lasting impact of cultural icons.
1. Reclaiming Our Humanity in a Digital Age
In a world where decisions are increasingly outsourced to algorithms, chatbots serve as companions, and the natural world becomes secondary, Silicon Valley risks creating a life devoid of genuine connection. Rebecca Solnit presents a powerful long read that examines what technology takes from us and outlines a path toward reclaiming our humanity. The solution, she argues, requires collective effort and conscious resistance against the isolating forces of modern tech.
2. The Emergence of 'Fafo' Parenting
A significant backlash against gentle parenting has been building, with some mothers on social media now advocating for a tougher, no-nonsense approach dubbed 'Fafo' parenting. Emine Saner explores whether this method teaches children crucial life lessons or instead fosters feelings of isolation and shame. This article investigates the cultural shift away from permissive child-rearing and questions what constitutes effective discipline in today's society.
3. Political Cartooning in the Age of Trump
Two generations of Guardian cartoonists, Ella Baron and Martin Rowson, recently faced off in a special feature. Each produced distinctly different cartoons in response to a prompt about Donald Trump, showcasing their unique artistic processes—one working digitally with pixels, the other traditionally with paint. This piece offers fascinating insight into how cartoonists interpret and depict political turmoil and leadership in contemporary America.
4. Mark Haddon's Exploration of a Loveless Childhood
Mark Haddon, acclaimed author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, delivers a remarkably poignant reflection on a childhood shaped by parental emotional distance. He describes a complex nostalgia for 1960s and 1970s England, despite associating that era with profound unhappiness. This achingly sad piece examines how early experiences of warmth—or the lack thereof—can leave lasting imprints on an individual's psyche.
5. Mackenzie Crook on Comedy and Career Evolution
After a challenging introduction to fame in the 2000s, actor Mackenzie Crook adopted a softer approach to his career, leading to the creation of the beloved comedy series Detectorists. In conversation with Zoe Williams, Crook discusses his fascination with middle age and the emotional impact of revisiting his breakout role in The Office, which he describes as inducing a form of 'PTSD'. This interview reveals the personal journey behind his transition from edgy comedy to gentle, character-driven storytelling.
6. The Enduring Legacy of American Psycho
As the stage adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's controversial novel returns to London, Tim Jonze investigates how Patrick Bateman—specifically Christian Bale's cinematic portrayal—has evolved from a satire of 1980s yuppie culture into an aspirational figure for some modern men. The article explores the character's dark hold on contemporary masculinity, linking it to current phenomena like incel culture, the influence of figures such as Andrew Tate and Donald Trump, and the mindset of today's tech bros. It questions why a character designed to mock toxic masculinity has been reinterpreted as a role model.
These six articles provide a rich tapestry of analysis on technology, family dynamics, political commentary, personal memoir, entertainment, and cultural critique—perfect for a weekend of deep reading and reflection.
