HICKS: Palin, Oprah and media literacy

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HICKS: Reject violent video games

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009

Tuesday was one of those days when the news can confuse us. Just as millions of Americans tuned into the painfully moving memorial service at Fort Hood, Texas, honoring 13 Americans whose lives were extinguished by an Islamist soldier in their midst, entertainment news carried headlines about a record-setting war game now available wherever toys are sold.

HICKS: Lack of civility costly in court

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

It's probably just a matter of time until burglary suspect Kane Kellett files a lawsuit claiming he was denied his right to free speech.

HICKS: Non-admission on baby videos

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

It has a long way to go to make its organization's name a reality, but the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood claimed an important recent victory.

HICKS: Allure of fame skews reality

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

In August 2005, I was asked to consider auditioning for the reality show "Wife Swap," the premise being that I would visit the home of an uber-cool family that was unaccustomed to my authoritative parenting style, and a permissive and culturally savvy mom would stay in my home with my husband and our four children (presumably to be appalled by the sight of children who read newspapers).

HICKS: Between lines on poster ban

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009

Today's observation: Is it any wonder our teenagers are confused? They're surrounded by absurd mixed messages from adults that defy logic and fly in the face of common sense.

HICKS: Hidden hurt of unemployment

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

There had to be a dozen mismatched suitcases - big ones - all stuffed to capacity and secured with luggage straps, but the one I noticed first was a small, pink overnight bag with a teddy bear sticking out of the front pocket.

HICKS: A little respect goes long way

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009

Today's update on America's culture war comes from the village of Wintersville, Ohio, population 4,067. This charming enclave is home to 21 churches, an authentic drive-in movie theater, and perhaps the only high school marching band in the nation that has turned the vulgar music of Britney Spears into a football halftime show.

HICKS: Parents needed in culture wars

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009

The subject line on the e-mail in my inbox said, "Moms group question - song lyrics." The first draft of my reply read: "aaaaaarrrrrrrggggggg" all in caps, but I thought better of it. E-mail isn't good for conveying deeply held emotions - just ask South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford.

HICKS: Self-restraint prevents incivility

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009

Through emotional outbursts in virtually every corner of our culture, famous folks recently have offered up a veritable smorgasbord of bad taste on which to comment.