Reflections & Essays

Medium Essays by Jose Franco

A quiet reading room for essays about fear, politics, blind spots, self-confrontation, capitalism, and the strange work of writing when the loudest ideas usually travel the fastest.

I am wondering why fear spreads faster than reflection

Why My Words Don't Scale Like Fear Does

Start here if you are questioning why honest reflection moves slowly while fear travels instantly.

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I want to see more clearly

To See Clearly, We Must Admit Our Blind Spots

Start here if you believe honesty begins with admitting what we cannot fully see in ourselves.

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I know depth often loses to dessert

The Op-Ed No One Will Click On

Start here if you understand the paradox of offering wheatgrass in a world trained to crave ice cream.

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I am questioning philosopher kings

From Plato to Trump

Start here if you want to examine wisdom, ego, power, and the blind spots of those who believe they see more clearly.

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I am questioning what America rewards

Sixty Guilders And A Megaphone

Start here if you are wrestling with why the loudest voice often receives the platform before the wisest one.

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I am from the Bronx, but not the expected story

Not Everyone From The Bronx Becomes AOC

Start here if you want a more complicated Bronx story—one that refuses to become a clean political symbol.

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I am tired of both parties pretending

Democracy's Dirty Secret

Start here if you are willing to look at the lies both parties may need in order to keep their stories intact.

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I keep writing even when misunderstood

Why I Keep Writing Even When I'm Misunderstood

Start here if you know what it feels like to write without applause and still believe the work matters.

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I am campaigning for nothing

John McCain's Ghost

Start here if you are drawn to conscience, public life, character, and the freedom of needing no office.

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I am imagining a table on Fordham Road

The Buffet On Fordham Road

Start here if you want the clearest image of Stoop Juice as a metaphysical table offering free wisdom without controlling who stops.

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