Soraya Nadia McDonald
@sorayanadiamcdonald.com
criticism senior editor for @therumpus.net
submit work/pitches: therumpus.submittable.com/submit
she/her | sorayanadiamcdonald.com
submit work/pitches: therumpus.submittable.com/submit
she/her | sorayanadiamcdonald.com
Pinned
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
Look, we all agree this is amazing. But we used to live comfortable in the understanding that you had to invite Chotiner in, like a vampire.
Now we know that Chotiner might strike at any time, like a velociraptor.
Now we know that Chotiner might strike at any time, like a velociraptor.
my goodness:
Chotiner: who funds this shit
Ben Smith: How dare you ask such a question. Check your facts!
Chotiner: I have now checked my facts. A thread (1/381)
Ben Smith:
Chotiner: who funds this shit
Ben Smith: How dare you ask such a question. Check your facts!
Chotiner: I have now checked my facts. A thread (1/381)
Ben Smith:
a man in a hospital gown with the words i 've made a huge mistake behind him
ALT: a man in a hospital gown with the words i 've made a huge mistake behind him
media.tenor.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Look, we all agree this is amazing. But we used to live comfortable in the understanding that you had to invite Chotiner in, like a vampire.
Now we know that Chotiner might strike at any time, like a velociraptor.
Now we know that Chotiner might strike at any time, like a velociraptor.
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
According to today’s WSJ, over half of GDP growth is represented by dumping money into the Mauna Kea volcano. Stopping this may anger the volcano gods, so we must press on.
One explanation for economic populism in the US is the recurring cycle of bubbles and bailouts that happens without any democratic input
November 24, 2025 at 11:35 PM
According to today’s WSJ, over half of GDP growth is represented by dumping money into the Mauna Kea volcano. Stopping this may anger the volcano gods, so we must press on.
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
The @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social arts and culture transition committee for those who (like me) are into such matters:
November 24, 2025 at 11:28 PM
The @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social arts and culture transition committee for those who (like me) are into such matters:
"People — including real-life radicals — are messy. The boundaries of their politics, personal lives, and morality are porous. This is most obvious in the image of Perfidia, a tornado of energetic reappraisal and erotic possibility. A reminder that the representation conversation can be a trap."
Black Actresses Are Carrying One Battle After Another
Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, and Regina Hall propel the film’s most conflicted ideas, for better and worse.
www.vulture.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:31 PM
"People — including real-life radicals — are messy. The boundaries of their politics, personal lives, and morality are porous. This is most obvious in the image of Perfidia, a tornado of energetic reappraisal and erotic possibility. A reminder that the representation conversation can be a trap."
This was SUCH a great listen.
Was an honor to have @hypervisible.blacksky.app on our podcast to talk about spying on ourselves, spying on each other, Flock, Ring, food delivery robots, and general surveillance culture:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kBg...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kBg...
How Big Tech Has Convinced Us to Surveil Ourselves and Each Other
YouTube video by 404 Media
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:12 PM
This was SUCH a great listen.
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
gen z is—WHILE SEEKING WORK AMID LAYOFFS/AI FALLOUT—currently: rallying at detention centers and tracking ICE sweeps; organizing mutual aid coordination of funds, food; building code to help people find affordable housing; *still* pushing their universities to divest from weapons manufacturers; +++
November 24, 2025 at 3:26 PM
gen z is—WHILE SEEKING WORK AMID LAYOFFS/AI FALLOUT—currently: rallying at detention centers and tracking ICE sweeps; organizing mutual aid coordination of funds, food; building code to help people find affordable housing; *still* pushing their universities to divest from weapons manufacturers; +++
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
this is not a drag of the writer of this particular piece, which is largely sympathetic, but this line of argument makes me nuts
young people are involved in protest and organizing at several levers of power—but they're not able to show up to photo op street rallies at the same rates as retirees
young people are involved in protest and organizing at several levers of power—but they're not able to show up to photo op street rallies at the same rates as retirees
My @nytimes.com op-ed: The Boomers Are Protesting Trump. Where Is Gen Z? www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/o... (gift link)
The key point: "The absence of young people from conventional protests is both a problem and a warning."
The key point: "The absence of young people from conventional protests is both a problem and a warning."
Opinion | The Boomers Are Protesting Trump. Where Is Gen Z?
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:22 PM
this is not a drag of the writer of this particular piece, which is largely sympathetic, but this line of argument makes me nuts
young people are involved in protest and organizing at several levers of power—but they're not able to show up to photo op street rallies at the same rates as retirees
young people are involved in protest and organizing at several levers of power—but they're not able to show up to photo op street rallies at the same rates as retirees
Worth listening to the full answer. It's beautiful. He's so much like Harold Washington.
WELKER: What is your message to Jewish New Yorkers who feel you won't be tough enough in your response to antisemitism?
MAMDANI: That I am looking forward to being the next mayor and fulfilling the commitment I've made to Jewish New Yorkers to not only protect them but to celebrate and cherish them
MAMDANI: That I am looking forward to being the next mayor and fulfilling the commitment I've made to Jewish New Yorkers to not only protect them but to celebrate and cherish them
November 23, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Worth listening to the full answer. It's beautiful. He's so much like Harold Washington.
👀
November 23, 2025 at 5:33 PM
👀
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-j... - sadly this is so routine. disgusting and routine.
Women in S.F. jail say they were forced to undress while deputies filmed them
Women being held in a San Francisco jail say deputies ordered them to strip while the deputies laughed and filmed them with body cameras.
missionlocal.org
November 23, 2025 at 12:11 AM
missionlocal.org/2025/11/sf-j... - sadly this is so routine. disgusting and routine.
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
Nothing can possibly do justice to the incredible body language on display here—Mamdani's rigid spine, his hands clasped tightly to prevent them from punching a hole in the Oval Office window and jumping out of it, Trump repeatedly touching Mamdani's arm, smiling at him like the son he's never had.
Wow, President Trump Fucking LOVES This Mamdani Guy
Asdfjasdfjlsakdfsdhfsodfh;asdfasdf
hellgatenyc.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Nothing can possibly do justice to the incredible body language on display here—Mamdani's rigid spine, his hands clasped tightly to prevent them from punching a hole in the Oval Office window and jumping out of it, Trump repeatedly touching Mamdani's arm, smiling at him like the son he's never had.
Weird Stephen seen convulsing and shrieking through the West Wing
November 21, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Weird Stephen seen convulsing and shrieking through the West Wing
This is the strangest shit ive ever read
The Mamdani-Trump Oval Office press conference is starting now
LIVE: Trump and Mamdani hold meeting at the White House
YouTube video by Associated Press
www.youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:10 PM
This is the strangest shit ive ever read
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
I've always been convinced that video podcasts exist to force creators to be reliant on a closed distribution platform. Podcasts are built on tech (RSS) that nobody can own. Every major tech company has wanted to migrate podcasts to something proprietary, but it never sticks. Video is their answer.
*banging a metal pot with a wooden spoon very loudly*
people want to LISTEN to podcasts!!!!!!!!!!!!
*hitting you on the forehead with the spoon*
STOP PIVOTING TO VIDEO
www.westwoodone.com/blog/2025/11...
people want to LISTEN to podcasts!!!!!!!!!!!!
*hitting you on the forehead with the spoon*
STOP PIVOTING TO VIDEO
www.westwoodone.com/blog/2025/11...
November 21, 2025 at 6:33 PM
I've always been convinced that video podcasts exist to force creators to be reliant on a closed distribution platform. Podcasts are built on tech (RSS) that nobody can own. Every major tech company has wanted to migrate podcasts to something proprietary, but it never sticks. Video is their answer.
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
IN CASE ANYBODY CARES, I'LL BE ON BBC LONDON IN 10 MINUTES (give or take) talking to the innit people about #TheDoubleTax and why ignoring Black women is a bad idea!!!
Listen live to the playback here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p... #blacksky #uk
Listen live to the playback here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p... #blacksky #uk
BBC Radio London - Jacqueline Shepherd
Join Jacqueline Shepherd on BBC Radio London.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 7:34 PM
IN CASE ANYBODY CARES, I'LL BE ON BBC LONDON IN 10 MINUTES (give or take) talking to the innit people about #TheDoubleTax and why ignoring Black women is a bad idea!!!
Listen live to the playback here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p... #blacksky #uk
Listen live to the playback here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p... #blacksky #uk
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
eldest daughters deserve reparations.
November 21, 2025 at 7:09 PM
eldest daughters deserve reparations.
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
"Two decades ago, Summers chastised West for engaging in behavior that could be deemed 'embarrassing' to the university or could interfere with his teaching, such as engaging in politics and recording a rap CD."
*sighs deep Negro sigh*
*sighs deep Negro sigh*
Two decades later, Cornel West’s critique of Larry Summers hits differently
After his public feud with the former Harvard president, West sees irony in Summers’ downfall.
www.politico.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:23 PM
"Two decades ago, Summers chastised West for engaging in behavior that could be deemed 'embarrassing' to the university or could interfere with his teaching, such as engaging in politics and recording a rap CD."
*sighs deep Negro sigh*
*sighs deep Negro sigh*
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
HPD released new renderings for the Bronx’s redeveloped Grand Concourse Library, which will include 113 units of affordable housing.
A First Look at a New Public Library Complex in the Bronx
HPD released new renderings for the Bronx’s redeveloped Grand Concourse Library, which will include 113 units of affordable housing.
www.curbed.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:10 PM
HPD released new renderings for the Bronx’s redeveloped Grand Concourse Library, which will include 113 units of affordable housing.
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
Democratic Socialism Gains Momentum Among Young Voters
From The Murrow Network at Edward R. Murrow HS in Brooklyn
themurrownetwork.wordpress.com/2025/11/12/d...
#Studentjournalism
From The Murrow Network at Edward R. Murrow HS in Brooklyn
themurrownetwork.wordpress.com/2025/11/12/d...
#Studentjournalism
Democratic Socialism Gains Momentum Among Young Voters
By Mirabelle Pendleton With Zohran Mamdani, the democratic candidate of the New York City mayoral election, winning with 50.4% of voters and around 1,036,051 votes, a clear wave of voters are showi…
themurrownetwork.wordpress.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Democratic Socialism Gains Momentum Among Young Voters
From The Murrow Network at Edward R. Murrow HS in Brooklyn
themurrownetwork.wordpress.com/2025/11/12/d...
#Studentjournalism
From The Murrow Network at Edward R. Murrow HS in Brooklyn
themurrownetwork.wordpress.com/2025/11/12/d...
#Studentjournalism
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
“I am so excited for kids that come alive on stage to actually have a stage."
A theater program returns to the Laboratory School for Finance and Technology after a TEN YEAR hiatus.
hs223eagleexpress.com/1786/arts-an...
#StudentJournalism
A theater program returns to the Laboratory School for Finance and Technology after a TEN YEAR hiatus.
hs223eagleexpress.com/1786/arts-an...
#StudentJournalism
The Stage Is Set: Theater Returns to HS223 After 10-Year Hiatus
“Actors Places!” It’s been 10 years since The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology offered a theater program to its students. The 2025-2026 school year marks the theater program’s comeback and ...
hs223eagleexpress.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:24 PM
“I am so excited for kids that come alive on stage to actually have a stage."
A theater program returns to the Laboratory School for Finance and Technology after a TEN YEAR hiatus.
hs223eagleexpress.com/1786/arts-an...
#StudentJournalism
A theater program returns to the Laboratory School for Finance and Technology after a TEN YEAR hiatus.
hs223eagleexpress.com/1786/arts-an...
#StudentJournalism
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
Ellison, if all goes according to plan, will soon own CBS, CNN, and a part of TikTok. He's very openly trying to create a massive new right wing propaganda and lowest-common -denominator infotainment empire to rival Fox.
CBS/Paramount And The Ellisons Look To Buy Time Warner In Latest Destructive Major Media Megadeal
Fresh off of kissing Trump’s ass to gain regulatory approval for Skydance’s merger with CBS and Paramount, the billionaire Ellison family is cooking up another terrible idea: quickly me…
www.techdirt.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Ellison, if all goes according to plan, will soon own CBS, CNN, and a part of TikTok. He's very openly trying to create a massive new right wing propaganda and lowest-common -denominator infotainment empire to rival Fox.
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
Trump allied billionaire (and new owned of CBS) Larry Ellison is also trying to buy Warner Brothers and CNN, and has held discussions at the White House about firing CNN journalists the President doesn't like
Larry Ellison discussed axing CNN hosts with White House in takeover bid talks
Exclusive: Senior officials indicated favorability toward Paramount Skydance acquiring Warner Bros Discovery
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Trump allied billionaire (and new owned of CBS) Larry Ellison is also trying to buy Warner Brothers and CNN, and has held discussions at the White House about firing CNN journalists the President doesn't like
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
For the first time in my career, I can’t tell people to trust what the CDC website says. And that is an incredibly sad and devastating place for this country to be.
CDC has overhauled its website to assert that “the claim ‘vaccines do not cause autism’ is not an evidence-based claim”
November 20, 2025 at 4:22 AM
For the first time in my career, I can’t tell people to trust what the CDC website says. And that is an incredibly sad and devastating place for this country to be.
Reposted by Soraya Nadia McDonald
Various group-philosophical pessimisms will have you believing that universalism is impossible, not worth striving for. That if you don't oppress, you will inevitably be a victim. I refuse. We are best protected by democracy, by the rule of law, by human and civil rights.
November 18, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Various group-philosophical pessimisms will have you believing that universalism is impossible, not worth striving for. That if you don't oppress, you will inevitably be a victim. I refuse. We are best protected by democracy, by the rule of law, by human and civil rights.