The Monthly
October 2020 Edition
01
Letter from the Editor
From its inception, the Monthly has been a very white publication. Wilson Chapman writes about his goals this fall to make the coverage of the magazine more inclusive.
02
Memorial for a mother
On June 5, 1985, Weinberg Prof. Natasha Trethewey’s mother was murdered by her ex-husband. In “Memorial Drive,” Trethewey takes a deep dive into the incident and her upbringing surrounded by abuse, and confronts the trauma that has remained with her.
03
Concerts Crush COVID
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit its peak, live concerts and events died a quick and sudden death. Web Editor Janea Wilson talked to several venues about how they’re coming back.
04
Gender, Politics, Policy
Coverage of women in politics has often relied on stereotyping, on discussions about relatability and likeability. Assistant A&E Editor Yonjoo Seo spoke to Medill alum Emily Ramshaw about her new media organization The 19th*, and what they’re doing to change that narrative.
05
Does It Spark Joy?
Taking classes in your bedroom can be tough. But for four students, expressing themselves in room decoration can be a king to turning a bad situation into a good one. Reporter Daisy Conant looked at how these students were turning their homes into happy places during a difficult quarter for everyone.
06
Open Tab
Comida Cantina was only open for three months this Winter before COVID-19 shut it down, but this fall, it’s slowly reintroducing itself to the Evanston community. Reporter Zoe Malin talked to general manager Eric Green about bringing its Latin American flavors to the city.
07
Reel Thoughts
One of the first major water parks in the country, Action Park was an 80s haven for thrillseekers that quickly gained a reputation as a deathtrap. Reporter John Riker reviews “Class Action Park,” an HBO documentary that digs into the messy history of the infamous New Jersey amusement park.
08
Liner Notes
2020 has seen a resurgence of disco in the mainstream pop world, but the influence of the venerable 70s genre often only goes skin deep. Monthly Editor Wilson Chapman reviews “Róisín Machine,” Irish artist Róisín Murphy’s new album, and looks at how the work uses the trappings of disco to its fullest potential.