THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE: The 8.30.26 Issue features Charles Homans on Democratic Socialists; Chien-Chi Chang on civil-defense drills in Taiwan; Jon Ronson on Greg Chism’s strange journey with YouTube; and more.

Rachel Cusk Tried to Caricature Natalie Portman. She Only Caricatured Herself.

Her latest novel appears to savage a celebrity. But Cusk has, once again, managed to turn herself into the victim.

In ‘9 to 5,’ Dolly Parton Put a Friendly Face on Feminism

In 1980, feminists were often stereotyped as man-hating or out of touch. Then Parton gave the movement a boost — and an anthem. By Susan Dominus

It’s One of Our Greatest and Most Controversial Novels. How Should It Be Taught?

I traveled around the country to find out if “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” still has a place in the classroom. By Ruth Franklin

‘Cult’ Used to Mean Something. Now It Applies to Taylor Swift and Trader Joe’s.

The word today applies to more than religious sects, but it says something about our worshipful attitude toward consumption. By Sophie Haigney