In celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday, we posed a simple question to some of our favorite critics, columnists and editors across the New York Times newsroom, people who write about books, movies, TV shows, science, sports, wellness and food. We asked: What’s the most American thing on your beat?
On today’s episode, we present their answers. Happy Birthday, America!
On Today’s Episode
Joshua Barone, culture editor, on “Rodeo,” composed by Aaron Copland
Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic, on workout gear
Erik Piepenburg, culture writer, on the movie “Get Out”
Kevin Roose, technology columnist, on Amazon Prime
Mekado Murphy, culture editor, on the roller coaster The Beast
James Poniewozik, chief television critic, on “Survivor”
Jancee Dunn, wellness writer, on productivity and sleep
Elena Bergeron, culture editor, on U.S. hockey
Jennifer Szalai, nonfiction book critic at the Book Review, on “Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World” by Henry Grabar
Bill Wasik, science editor, on liquid rocket fuel
Madison Malone Kircher, internet culture reporter, on Bama Rush
Kim Severson, food reporter, on M&M’s
MJ Franklin, editor at the Book Review, on “The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois” by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
Helen Shaw, chief theater critic, on “The Century Cycle” by August Wilson
Alissa Wilkinson, film critic, on the movie “There Will Be Blood”
Zachary Small, culture reporter, on Grand Theft Auto
Elisabeth Vincentelli, culture reporter, on demolition derbies
Jason Zinoman, critic at large, on the song “Political Science” by Randy Newman
Jason Farago, critic at large, on the Statue of Liberty
A.O. Scott, critic at large, on “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” by Walt Whitman (featuring a reading by Jeffrey Wright)
Gia Kourlas, dance critic, on “Stars and Stripes” by George Balanchine and “Appalachian Spring” by Martha Graham
Jon Caramanica, pop music critic, on “Trump Trump Baby” by Forgiato Blow
Photo credit: The New York Times
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