The Briefing 02-23-15

1) Oscars reveal extent of Hollywood influence through control of stories world tells

An Oscar Moment Before the Selfie Age, Wall Street Journal (Bob Greene)

“50 Shades” of Confederate grey: Why the Christian right is losing power over Southern morality, Salon (Edward L. Rubin)

2) Journalist recognizes inability of secularists to diagnose authenticity of ISIS theology

Is ISIS Authentically Islamic? Ask Better Questions., New Republic (Elizabeth Stoker Bruenig)

3) Digital migration of social interaction results in difficulty in developing close friends

How to Find a Best Friend, Wall Street Journal (Sue Shellenbarger)