During my sabbatical, as I have reflected more on the influence of hip-hop music on my development and the progression of my scholarship since 2018, I have, in typical Justin fashion, been exploring potential connections across these two influential areas or domains of my life. Namely, that there are parallels between how different music elements are modified and combined and how different ideas and analytical frameworks or perspectives are brought to bear in (my) academic writing. And by “music” I am referring to the elements related to the (1) track itself, (2) lyrics and rhyming style (e.g., the use and combinations of words, ideas, etc.), and (3) synchronization of (1) and (2).

This is a podcast dedicated to exploring ethical and moral considerations in everyday life. It is one of my favorite podcasts, probably in the top 2. Given its emphasis on ethics and morality, many of the episodes have at least some general relevance to something I study and/or teach. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. I also appreciate the seriousness they give religious/theological considerations and influences on moral thinking, articulation, and behavior.

My biggest takeaway from the series is that it prompts us to think about the things we “leave behind” for others. Both in terms of material and immaterial objects. I think this question (and related ones) provides a useful context to compare and contrast socialization and constructivist approaches to moral development. Something I do in my Perspectives on Moral Development course. I am currently working on a popular press essay exploring this idea. Stay tuned…

Through contrasting the perspectives of Matt and Frank, we gain a better understanding of what it means to remain within a system desperately needing change and what it means to opt out of that system altogether. Decisions that, taken together, clarify their respective orientations toward justice and others as Daredevil and the Punisher, while simultaneously encouraging us to reflect on the nature of our own lives as co-creators of our social existence.