Despite the fact that I’m listing off individuals, what I’m really pointing to are specific images of people crystallized in popular culture. Marcus Aurelius was not always the Marcus Aurelius that is remembered by history and popular imaginings. The historical figures, considered this way, are no more real than the most crudely drawn stock character: real people are complex and contain multitudes. Characters – even the most three-dimensional, deep characters – are often the opposite.
Read MoreI am not transgender, but I am married to someone who is and many of my friends are, so I care about these things. However, if you don’t care, fine: you should still be pissed that this is what your elected officials are doing.
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