While most young writers rely on glibness and cute sarcasm, The Simon is a forum for sophisticated political and media commentary by new, fresh voices from around the country.

In pursuit of this ideal, our daily essays merge two forms of writing: the personal reflection and the critical analysis as a way to explore art, politics, and culture from unique, first-person perspectives.

The Simon believes that criticism itself is also a form of art -- one which illuminates and persuades through compelling thought and writing -- and reflects our lives just as much as the issues we examine.