Author Archives: Anita Hacker

The remarkable power of sport to bring about reconciliation

Journalist James Richradson argues that sports can break down barriers and bring people together.

Speech on Campus

In recent years, debate over what is considered free speech on college campus has increased. This Q&A from the American Civil Liberties Union answers what kind of speech is and is not protected by the U.S. Constitution.

The Words That Remade America

Garry Wills, journalist and historian, recounts the events surrounding the Gettysburg Address and argues that Lincoln’s words changed the way Americans viewed country’s founding documents.

How the long history of leaderless movements helps us understand the ‘yellow vests’ protests

This article compares current protests in France to the Swing riots in 19th-centurty England. Both lack a leader and spread by word-of-mouth.

Bucket lists are a good way to ruin the experience of nature

Writer and researcher Tom Winterbottom argues that the key to enjoying nature is to slow down.

When a city feels good, people take more risks

A recent study from McGill University shows that local events, such as a win by a sports team, can effect the overall mood of a city’s citizens. Read how this then increases risk-taking behavior.

Americans want equality at work; less so at home

An analysis of surveys conducted over decades show why the pay gap between men and women is slow to change, even when Americans say they suport equality in the workplace.

Virtual reality can help make people more compassionate compared to other media, new Stanford study finds

In a recent study, Stanford University researchers found that virtual reality technology can help people increase enduring empathy for others.

Kate Tempest: a winning wielder of words

In this summary of Kate Tempest’s career as a rapper and poet, critic Michael Hogan praises her work.

The Complicated Psychology of Revenge

Revenge is sweet, the saying goes. But in fact, research shows that seeking revenge is likely only to make things worse.

Where’s Bobbi Fischer?

Writer Hana Schank analyzes the lack of women who play chess and argues that it’s important for females to participate in male-dominated fields.

Migraines

Migraine headaches can be frightening as well as painful. While there is no cure for them, scientists are finding new ways to manage them.

A moment on ‘Oprah’ made her a human rights symbol. She wants to be more than that.

Clemantine Wamariya talks about her memoir, The Girl Who Smiled Beads, in which she writes about her experiences as a refugee fleeing genocide in Rwanda and rebuilding a life in the United States.

With Utah’s concerns about youth suicide, should students study ‘Romeo and Juliet’?

Mental health advocates argue that Shakepeare’s play could help start important conversations with teenagers.

Instead of Saying “Life’s Not Fair,” Teach Her How to Fight Injustice

This guide from the Girl Scouts explains how to identify injustices and overcome them.

There’s another way to build peace. And it doesn’t come from the top down.

Author and professor Severine Autesserre argues that building peace starts with individual communities.

How Kids Learn Resilience

More and more educators are valuing grit and resilience as keys to success, but how do parents and teachers instill those qualities? Education expert and writer Paul Tough analyzes the issue.