Author: Charles Cottle

I'm retired after teaching political theory and social science research methods for 35 years at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I'm interested in lots of things - mainly social issues, photography, and politics.
Sue Messer and Max White sitting on a restaurant patio.
Art

UW-Whitewater Artists Deliver Workshops in Oaxaca

Congratulations to Max White and Sue Messer, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Art Department faculty, who conducted eight day workshops in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico during January, 2011. The two artists developed and led the workshops for students at the Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños (Museum of Oaxacan Painters – MuPO).  Under the direction of Maestro Juan Alcázar Méndez, the Museum is a world-class facility that … Continue reading UW-Whitewater Artists Deliver Workshops in Oaxaca

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Vivian Maier
Photography Commentary

A Holiday Gift for All of Us – The Photography of Vivian Maier

A major photographic and cultural find is just now coming to light. Vivian Maier, a nanny, photographed the streets of Chicago on her days off from the 1950’s into the 1980’s. Her photography, seen by hardly anyone until now, is extremely strong. Initial predictions are that Vivian Maier will rank among the most important of 20th century street photographers. I’ve only seen the few images … Continue reading A Holiday Gift for All of Us – The Photography of Vivian Maier

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Politics and Economics

Misplaced Priorities

The New York Times reports tonight that Senate Republicans have blocked a health care bill for 9/11 rescue workers who became ill from working in toxic dust and fumes. They rejected  the bill because it will cost $7.4 billion. That’s strange. Senate Republicans don’t seem to be concerned about how to pay for the tax deal extending tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. The tab … Continue reading Misplaced Priorities

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Photo Galleries, Photography Commentary, Travel

On Tourism Photography

The photographs we take often say more about us than about our subjects. Recently, I decided to take a look at the photos I have taken as a tourist and see if I could discern any patterns in the photographic choices I made. I found that many of my photos fall into one of three general categories. These are: Pictures of subjects I see there, … Continue reading On Tourism Photography

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Photo Galleries, Photography Commentary, Travel

The Commuter

I take photographs and people often tell me they like the photographs I take. This is gratifying and I’m always grateful for any positive comments. I almost always like the photos that receive positive comments, but I notice that some of my favorites don’t usually evoke a response from others. Reactions to photographs, whether positive or negative, are highly individualized. All the so-called rules of … Continue reading The Commuter

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Cartoon - full-body scan
21st Century Life, Travel

Full-body Scan

I travel frequently to Oaxaca, Mexico. On my last return trip I was singled out at the Mexico City Airport for extra scrutiny by the security personnel. I’m told that passengers are chosen at random for the extra attention, but I don’t believe it because I’m often chosen. Maybe I look shifty, or perhaps my mustache makes me look suspicious. Who knows? In any case, … Continue reading Full-body Scan

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Photo Galleries, Travel

In Search of Elusive Fall Colors

Fall colors weren’t very good in this part of Wisconsin this year. I don’t really know anything about the science of leaf color, but it seems that each fall is a little different from the last. This year the colors were quite uneven. Some trees turned color early, while others remained completely green. By the time some trees turned, others were completely leafless. There were … Continue reading In Search of Elusive Fall Colors

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21st Century Life, Social Issues

Living in the Age of “Feel-Good” Citizenship or “It’s not easy being green.”

Have you noticed that in order to avoid using plastic bags we are now encouraged to bag our groceries in little green cloth bags? Have you also noticed that almost everything sold in the grocery store is packaged in plastic? Even the organic produce is put up in plastic bags. In effect, for every little green cloth bag we fill up at the grocery store, … Continue reading Living in the Age of “Feel-Good” Citizenship or “It’s not easy being green.”

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Photo Galleries, Travel

New Photos of Guelaguetza 2010 Parade Posted

I just posted new snapshots of the 2010 Guelaguetza parade (July 24th) at the following site. Guelaguetza is a yearly celebration of ethnic diversity in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. It is now a major event in the city of Oaxaca with delegations from across the state attending the festival during the last two weeks of July. Guelaguetza 2010 Continue reading New Photos of Guelaguetza 2010 Parade Posted

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Photo Galleries, Travel

Shameless Self-Promotion

In September I was invited to exhibit six photographs at the Roberta Fiskum Art Gallery at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I was one participant, along with four others, in a show for Latino Heritage Month. The photos, show below, are from Guelaguetza, an annual celebration of ethnic diversity in Oaxaca, Mexico. Special thanks go to Mike Flanagan, Director of the Crossman Gallery at UW-Whitewater for … Continue reading Shameless Self-Promotion

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