Dr. Vaughn Joy
@gvaughnjoy.bsky.social
UCL PhD in Christmas Film History • MA in Comic Books • MPhil in Demons • Creator of https://blackwhiteandread.com/ • Author of Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy (2025) • Wife of My Favorite Person • she/her
Pinned
Dr. Vaughn Joy
@gvaughnjoy.bsky.social
· Nov 24
My new & first book, Selling Out Santa, is Open Access!
If you like what you read and can, please consider buying a copy for you and maybe one for a history/film lover at Christmas (it's 40% off)!
It'll likely be my only income in over 2 years once royalties pay next July, so please consider it!
If you like what you read and can, please consider buying a copy for you and maybe one for a history/film lover at Christmas (it's 40% off)!
It'll likely be my only income in over 2 years once royalties pay next July, so please consider it!
Selling Out Santa
Christmas is not just a day or a frame of mind as Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) imparts in Miracle on 34 th Street (1947); Christmas is also a vehicle for national mythmaking as an idealising mirror for...
www.degruyterbrill.com
Selling Out Santa: Hollywood Christmas Films in the Age of McCarthy is about how uniquely American cultural media changed as a result of federal influences on Hollywood in the 40s/50s.
I fought for Open Access because media & propaganda literacy are essential right now.
@hcrichardson.bsky.social
I fought for Open Access because media & propaganda literacy are essential right now.
@hcrichardson.bsky.social
A few days ago, I had an allergic reaction to my face moisturizer, so while we were out we stopped at Sephora.
Now, I'm intimidated by skin care girlies because y'all have a body of knowledge that I cannot break into no matter how hard I try, and I'm standing there looking like the Kool-Aid Man.
Now, I'm intimidated by skin care girlies because y'all have a body of knowledge that I cannot break into no matter how hard I try, and I'm standing there looking like the Kool-Aid Man.
a cartoon drawing of a pitcher with a surprised face
Alt: a cartoon drawing of a red pitcher with a surprised face, the kool aid man busting through a wall and backing out slowly
media.tenor.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:56 PM
A few days ago, I had an allergic reaction to my face moisturizer, so while we were out we stopped at Sephora.
Now, I'm intimidated by skin care girlies because y'all have a body of knowledge that I cannot break into no matter how hard I try, and I'm standing there looking like the Kool-Aid Man.
Now, I'm intimidated by skin care girlies because y'all have a body of knowledge that I cannot break into no matter how hard I try, and I'm standing there looking like the Kool-Aid Man.
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
As Trump proclaims the hemisphere as his & apparently makes plans for Cuba as the next stop in the Idiot Imperialism Imbroglio, I'd love all Americans to read José Martí's beautiful essay "Our America" (1892). A version of a shared hemispheric vision...
americanstudier.blogspot.com/2023/05/may-...
americanstudier.blogspot.com/2023/05/may-...
May 4, 2023: Hemispheric Histories: José Martí
[April 30 th marks the 75 th anniversary of the formal founding of the Organization of American States (OAS). So this week I’ll offer som...
americanstudier.blogspot.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:32 PM
As Trump proclaims the hemisphere as his & apparently makes plans for Cuba as the next stop in the Idiot Imperialism Imbroglio, I'd love all Americans to read José Martí's beautiful essay "Our America" (1892). A version of a shared hemispheric vision...
americanstudier.blogspot.com/2023/05/may-...
americanstudier.blogspot.com/2023/05/may-...
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
The non-profit Corporation for Public Broadcasting was formed 58 years ago.
5/1/69 Fred Rogers testified before Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications to defend $20 million in federal funding proposed for the newly formed Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKy7...
5/1/69 Fred Rogers testified before Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications to defend $20 million in federal funding proposed for the newly formed Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKy7...
May 1, 1969: Fred Rogers testifies before the Senate Subcommittee on Communications
YouTube video by Road Less Marveled
www.youtube.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:20 PM
The non-profit Corporation for Public Broadcasting was formed 58 years ago.
5/1/69 Fred Rogers testified before Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications to defend $20 million in federal funding proposed for the newly formed Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKy7...
5/1/69 Fred Rogers testified before Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications to defend $20 million in federal funding proposed for the newly formed Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKy7...
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
This news shit is whack, so do some escapism for your own sake. It's not cheating to look away from literal chaos for a few hours.
It is cheating to mack on a hottie on a cruise when you have a partner tho, but Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are irresistible, so they filmed it beautifully. My latest:
It is cheating to mack on a hottie on a cruise when you have a partner tho, but Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are irresistible, so they filmed it beautifully. My latest:
DEFCON 1 Levels of Charisma – Black and White and Read All Over
A Formalist Approach to An Affair to Remember (1957)
blackwhiteandread.com
January 3, 2026 at 6:08 PM
This news shit is whack, so do some escapism for your own sake. It's not cheating to look away from literal chaos for a few hours.
It is cheating to mack on a hottie on a cruise when you have a partner tho, but Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are irresistible, so they filmed it beautifully. My latest:
It is cheating to mack on a hottie on a cruise when you have a partner tho, but Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are irresistible, so they filmed it beautifully. My latest:
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
PS. & once more, Biscuits implores you to check out our new site & subscribe (for free!).
blackwhiteandread.com/biscuits/
blackwhiteandread.com/biscuits/
Biscuits – Black and White and Read All Over
blackwhiteandread.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:03 PM
PS. & once more, Biscuits implores you to check out our new site & subscribe (for free!).
blackwhiteandread.com/biscuits/
blackwhiteandread.com/biscuits/
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
There’s a lot I don’t know about what 2026 might bring, but I promise you this: the #ScholarSunday threads will continue! Here’s my 257th of public scholarly writing, podcasts, new & forthcoming books from the past week. Add more below, share widely, & enjoy! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
#ScholarSunday Thread 257 (1/4/26) – Black and White and Read All Over
There’s a lot I don’t know about what 2026 (or today) might bring, but I can promise you this: the #ScholarSunday threads will continue! Here’s my 257th of public scholarly writing, podcast episodes, ...
blackwhiteandread.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:03 PM
There’s a lot I don’t know about what 2026 might bring, but I promise you this: the #ScholarSunday threads will continue! Here’s my 257th of public scholarly writing, podcasts, new & forthcoming books from the past week. Add more below, share widely, & enjoy! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
blackwhiteandread.com/scholarsunda...
This news shit is whack, so do some escapism for your own sake. It's not cheating to look away from literal chaos for a few hours.
It is cheating to mack on a hottie on a cruise when you have a partner tho, but Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are irresistible, so they filmed it beautifully. My latest:
It is cheating to mack on a hottie on a cruise when you have a partner tho, but Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are irresistible, so they filmed it beautifully. My latest:
DEFCON 1 Levels of Charisma – Black and White and Read All Over
A Formalist Approach to An Affair to Remember (1957)
blackwhiteandread.com
January 3, 2026 at 6:08 PM
This news shit is whack, so do some escapism for your own sake. It's not cheating to look away from literal chaos for a few hours.
It is cheating to mack on a hottie on a cruise when you have a partner tho, but Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are irresistible, so they filmed it beautifully. My latest:
It is cheating to mack on a hottie on a cruise when you have a partner tho, but Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr are irresistible, so they filmed it beautifully. My latest:
This piece is excellent for using Clue (1985) to think about the contemporary moment in which it as made. Highly recommend!
Also will recommend my own (very informal) review of Clue for what it has to say about the contextual moment in which it is set, 1954 with all its HUAC goodness.
Also will recommend my own (very informal) review of Clue for what it has to say about the contextual moment in which it is set, 1954 with all its HUAC goodness.
I wrote a new piece for TIME’s Made by History on one of my favorite films: #Clue! 🕵🏻♂️
I show how the film, set in 1950s during peak #McCarthyism, tells us more about the time it was created: the 1980s & new conservative movement.
If you’ve never seen this #cultclassic, check it out!
I show how the film, set in 1950s during peak #McCarthyism, tells us more about the time it was created: the 1980s & new conservative movement.
If you’ve never seen this #cultclassic, check it out!
The Surprisingly Profound History Lesson That Is 'Clue'
Based on a whodunit board game, the 1985 film is a perfect example of what pop culture can tell us about history.
time.com
January 3, 2026 at 3:47 PM
This piece is excellent for using Clue (1985) to think about the contemporary moment in which it as made. Highly recommend!
Also will recommend my own (very informal) review of Clue for what it has to say about the contextual moment in which it is set, 1954 with all its HUAC goodness.
Also will recommend my own (very informal) review of Clue for what it has to say about the contextual moment in which it is set, 1954 with all its HUAC goodness.
This acute analysis of modern political affairs deserves to be shared far and wide, so I added alt text.
January 3, 2026 at 12:38 PM
This acute analysis of modern political affairs deserves to be shared far and wide, so I added alt text.
Re: Rugged individualism vs. Collectivism
I get why some would balk at the idea of rugged individualism being bad, it's drilled into us as a deeply American trait, but as I argue in my book, that individualism turned extreme post-WWII and is now no longer what the nation needs. We need each other.
I get why some would balk at the idea of rugged individualism being bad, it's drilled into us as a deeply American trait, but as I argue in my book, that individualism turned extreme post-WWII and is now no longer what the nation needs. We need each other.
Selling Out Santa
Christmas is not just a day or a frame of mind as Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) imparts in Miracle on 34th Street (1947); Christmas is also a vehicle for national mythmaking as an idealising mirror for ...
indiepubs.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:09 AM
Re: Rugged individualism vs. Collectivism
I get why some would balk at the idea of rugged individualism being bad, it's drilled into us as a deeply American trait, but as I argue in my book, that individualism turned extreme post-WWII and is now no longer what the nation needs. We need each other.
I get why some would balk at the idea of rugged individualism being bad, it's drilled into us as a deeply American trait, but as I argue in my book, that individualism turned extreme post-WWII and is now no longer what the nation needs. We need each other.
I just met my therapist, and girl? We're HEALING this year.
The body may keep score but the game ain't over yet, bitch.
The body may keep score but the game ain't over yet, bitch.
January 2, 2026 at 5:10 PM
I just met my therapist, and girl? We're HEALING this year.
The body may keep score but the game ain't over yet, bitch.
The body may keep score but the game ain't over yet, bitch.
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
Kick ass, everyone. You're going to rock in 2026.
If you've made resolutions this year, you've got this!! Society prompts us once a year to work towards a stronger self, and you should be proud to do it!
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
January 2, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Kick ass, everyone. You're going to rock in 2026.
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
If you've made resolutions this year, you've got this!! Society prompts us once a year to work towards a stronger self, and you should be proud to do it!
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
January 1, 2026 at 3:02 PM
If you've made resolutions this year, you've got this!! Society prompts us once a year to work towards a stronger self, and you should be proud to do it!
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
"Sometimes working across sources, disciplines, and periods is like being a semi-feral cat: you go adventuring and return home with treasure, only for your sometime hoomans to jump on chairs, shriek with horror, and reject your gift."
#Maps #monsters #archives #libraries @contingent-mag.bsky.social
#Maps #monsters #archives #libraries @contingent-mag.bsky.social
Can the Archive Make a Monster of a Historian?
A historian who pays full attention to their sources can’t help but be transformed into a monster...
contingentmagazine.org
January 2, 2026 at 11:54 AM
"Sometimes working across sources, disciplines, and periods is like being a semi-feral cat: you go adventuring and return home with treasure, only for your sometime hoomans to jump on chairs, shriek with horror, and reject your gift."
#Maps #monsters #archives #libraries @contingent-mag.bsky.social
#Maps #monsters #archives #libraries @contingent-mag.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
You know what?
I think I need to keep talking about The Aila Test / Ali Nahdee Test.
Because we're not quietly going back to these types of roles for Indigenous women.
I think I need to keep talking about The Aila Test / Ali Nahdee Test.
Because we're not quietly going back to these types of roles for Indigenous women.
So the BAD Native woman fucks an imperialist genocidal maniac and uses his weapons to kill other Natives and the GOOD Native woman who has had her family and home destroyed gets to raise THAT GUY'S SON because reverse racism is bad.
Fuck all of you.
Fuck all of you.
January 2, 2026 at 12:02 AM
You know what?
I think I need to keep talking about The Aila Test / Ali Nahdee Test.
Because we're not quietly going back to these types of roles for Indigenous women.
I think I need to keep talking about The Aila Test / Ali Nahdee Test.
Because we're not quietly going back to these types of roles for Indigenous women.
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
As of today, January 1, 2026, I have not once used ChatGPT or any other generative AI programs, and this shan’t be the year I change that. I vehemently reject their ethically vacuous slop, and will continue to urge both my fellow writers and my students to reject it as well!
January 2, 2026 at 12:34 AM
As of today, January 1, 2026, I have not once used ChatGPT or any other generative AI programs, and this shan’t be the year I change that. I vehemently reject their ethically vacuous slop, and will continue to urge both my fellow writers and my students to reject it as well!
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
As of today, I am a FULL professor. I do not care much for occupational status markers. Still, it is not lost on me that only 2% of full professors are Black women. This goes beyond personal accomplishment. It is a responsibility to do as much as I can for others. That is exactly what I aim to do.
January 1, 2026 at 9:09 PM
As of today, I am a FULL professor. I do not care much for occupational status markers. Still, it is not lost on me that only 2% of full professors are Black women. This goes beyond personal accomplishment. It is a responsibility to do as much as I can for others. That is exactly what I aim to do.
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
Starting with today's post, on four films that together suggest positive ways forward for the endangered Hollywood blockbuster, from Sinnners to superheroes to Ving Rhames's vital Mission message for the world.
blackwhiteandread.com/january-1-20...
blackwhiteandread.com/january-1-20...
January 1, 2026: Year in Review: Rejuvenated Blockbusters – Black and White and Read All Over
[The end of 2025 means another Year in Review blog series, AmericanStudying a handful of the year’s biggest stories. I’d love your 2025 reflections in comments!] On four films that together suggest po...
blackwhiteandread.com
January 1, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Starting with today's post, on four films that together suggest positive ways forward for the endangered Hollywood blockbuster, from Sinnners to superheroes to Ving Rhames's vital Mission message for the world.
blackwhiteandread.com/january-1-20...
blackwhiteandread.com/january-1-20...
If you've made resolutions this year, you've got this!! Society prompts us once a year to work towards a stronger self, and you should be proud to do it!
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
January 1, 2026 at 3:02 PM
If you've made resolutions this year, you've got this!! Society prompts us once a year to work towards a stronger self, and you should be proud to do it!
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
This is that good shit. Straight to my veins.
BE LOUD ABOUT HOW YOU HELP PEOPLE. Signal the fuck out of your virtue. Peer pressure people into kindness. Make it cool and badass to help strangers not for clout but because it feels good for everyone to partake in their society. It rocks! Do it!
BE LOUD ABOUT HOW YOU HELP PEOPLE. Signal the fuck out of your virtue. Peer pressure people into kindness. Make it cool and badass to help strangers not for clout but because it feels good for everyone to partake in their society. It rocks! Do it!
This is my Christmas gift to my homeless neighbors, to the volunteers who get great joy from helping them…and, yes, to myself. Merry Christmas to all!
🧵 9 of 9
🧵 9 of 9
December 21, 2025 at 1:12 PM
This is that good shit. Straight to my veins.
BE LOUD ABOUT HOW YOU HELP PEOPLE. Signal the fuck out of your virtue. Peer pressure people into kindness. Make it cool and badass to help strangers not for clout but because it feels good for everyone to partake in their society. It rocks! Do it!
BE LOUD ABOUT HOW YOU HELP PEOPLE. Signal the fuck out of your virtue. Peer pressure people into kindness. Make it cool and badass to help strangers not for clout but because it feels good for everyone to partake in their society. It rocks! Do it!
2026 energy:
the good that you do persists in this world
January 1, 2026 at 4:58 AM
2026 energy:
Biscuits is by far the best thing that happened to us this year, including my moving in with my husband.
This little freak is our own little rainbow piñata in the killer clown infested party with lead-laced cake and wasp-filled balloons that is 2025.
This little freak is our own little rainbow piñata in the killer clown infested party with lead-laced cake and wasp-filled balloons that is 2025.
January 1, 2026 at 12:45 AM
Biscuits is by far the best thing that happened to us this year, including my moving in with my husband.
This little freak is our own little rainbow piñata in the killer clown infested party with lead-laced cake and wasp-filled balloons that is 2025.
This little freak is our own little rainbow piñata in the killer clown infested party with lead-laced cake and wasp-filled balloons that is 2025.
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
Ben puts so much work into these threads every week to amplify other people's scholarship.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who shared work, their own & that of others, for this meta-thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
Special Best-of-2025 #ScholarSunday Thread! – Black and White and Read All Over
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing & work, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who...
blackwhiteandread.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Ben puts so much work into these threads every week to amplify other people's scholarship.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
Ben puts so much work into these threads every week to amplify other people's scholarship.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who shared work, their own & that of others, for this meta-thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
Special Best-of-2025 #ScholarSunday Thread! – Black and White and Read All Over
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing & work, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who...
blackwhiteandread.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Ben puts so much work into these threads every week to amplify other people's scholarship.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
Reposted by Dr. Vaughn Joy
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who shared work, their own & that of others, for this meta-thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
Special Best-of-2025 #ScholarSunday Thread! – Black and White and Read All Over
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing & work, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who...
blackwhiteandread.com
December 31, 2025 at 7:58 PM
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who shared work, their own & that of others, for this meta-thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...