Lise's Lens: November 10, 2022
This week Lise reflects on the power of communal reading, focuses on the player perspective in the politics of sports, considers some historic wins in the midterms, and describes her experience exploring Harlem.
WHAT I’M READING
- An opinion piece in the New York Times by Jessica Grose—in which she discusses her mother-daughter book club and the book Number the Stars by Lois Lowry—recently caught my eye. Gore’s perspective on the joint experience of reading Number the Stars—a book about the Holocaust told from the perspective of a 10-year-old Danish girl— is particularly meaningful given current events and the need to help children process what they hear about antisemitism and acts of hate in the news. At CSW this past weekend, the library hosted an all-school READ-A-THON. Unfortunately, I was unable to participate, but I’m so grateful that we can create spaces on our campus that allow us to enjoy the wonderful communal experience of reading a good book.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO/WATCHING
- About a year ago, the then-captain of Finland's men's national football team, Tim Sparv, wrote an open letter in The Players’ Tribune entitled “We Need to Talk About Qatar”. At the time, Finland was playing in qualifying matches for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which begins November 20th. He was writing from a perspective not often heard in the media when it comes to the politics of sport: that of the player. Players have little influence over decisions made by larger governing bodies like FIFA. Still, Sparv insisted that, at the very least, we must inform ourselves and talk about the complex politics and human rights questions surrounding the world’s largest sporting event. Recently, he sat down with The Players’ Tribune for an interview. Watching it, I could not help but admire the breadth of perspective that he brings to both the controversy and enthusiasm that color the buildup to the upcoming tournament.
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- There’s a lot to consider about the midterm elections (and some patience required as we wait for final results in key races). I found this quote from a recent New York Times article interesting (and exciting):“The first Generation Z member of Congress. The nation’s first openly lesbian governor. The first Black governor of Maryland. All of them, and more, made history on Tuesday, emerging victorious from a field of candidates that was in many respects more diverse than in previous years — with more women nominated for governorships and state legislatures, more Black people nominated for the Senate and more L.G.B.T.Q. people nominated for the House than ever before.”While there’s still a long way to go to create a truly diverse and representative government, it’s important to take a moment to celebrate these historic victories. And that first Gen Z member of Congress, Maxwell Alejandro Frost? He’s 25 years old. I wonder which of our recent graduates may follow in those footsteps?
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
I am fortunate to serve on the Board of Trustees of a wonderful nonprofit organization that takes me to NYC at least twice a year. Our meetings typically take place on the Upper East Side, usually followed by a visit to MOMA or other (relatively) nearby cultural institution.
Last weekend I decided to break that habit, to push myself further north and finally visit Harlem—which has been on my bucket list FOREVER. After a two-hour walking tour (way too short!), a great meal, and a wonderful experience at the Apollo Theater I decided that this is just the beginning of my exploration.
So many things caught my eye that day, but this—one of the very first painted benches I saw as I entered East Harlem—was particularly memorable.
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.