26 December, 2016

In support of Professor George Ciccariello-Maher

An email in support of Prof. George Ciccariello-Maher sent Monday, Dec. 26, 2016:
Dear President Fry, Provost Blake, and Media Relations Executive Director Gianakaris of Drexel University,
I am writing to you in support of Prof. George Ciccariello-Maher, and statements he made recently on social media. As anyone familiar with the language used by white supremacists knows, "white genocide" is a blanket term used to describe any number of phenomena that are perceived to detract from any kind of real or imagined power currently held by white-identifying people. Interracial marriage, and the rising number of POC/immigrants within Western/European states are two of the most oft-cited examples of "white genocide". Prof. Ciccariello-Maher and many others (including myself) find this phrase worthy of ridicule because it belies the most fundamental interpretation of the word "genocide", while attempting to create a false equivalency with actual instances of genocide throughout history, ignoring legacies of racism, slavery, and colonialism. Though the professor's comments were made publicly, that does not mean they are allowed to be taken out of context. Scrolling through past social media posts would reveal that Ciccariello-Maher often used a humorous or satirical tone, and this most recent time was no exception. Unlike most of his attackers, he does not hide behind internet anonymity. Instead, he is a vital member of online activity, valued highly by colleagues, former students, and fans alike. I sincerely ask that you recognize the traditions of political activism and satire from which Ciccariello-Maher was operating, and stand by him against this most recent virulent strain of bigotry.
Thank you.
John Dalessi

23 January, 2013

Sexy Sax Man

Sometimes I draw stills from films, and every now and then there are moments when it's worth it to pause a Youtube video and capture a scene.  Here's my homage to the genius that is Sexy Sax Man.
From miscellaneous drawings

23 November, 2011

This Thanksgiving, Experience Copenhagen (Sort Of)...

http://www.kmjn.org/projects/cyanocph/1.jpg
http://www.kmjn.org/projects/cyanocph/#1

Friend and ITU faculty member Mark Nelson explores the give and take that Google Street View has to offer through cyanotypic "glasses."

http://www.kmjn.org/projects/cyanocph/

05 October, 2011

We Know Who Our Enemies Are #occupywallstreet


Jeff Mangum plays at Occupy Wall Street


"All we had to do is start a revolution to see Jeff Mangum live."  Ha!

28 September, 2011

From the archives...

"WAR KILLS PEOPLE."  The Philadelphia Independent, Volume 1, Issue 7 (April 2003). 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Philadelphia_Independent