In this article, ten reporters share their most memorable experiences from the nationwide protests that followed the death of George Floyd in the summer of 2020.
Author Archives: Chandler Gifford
The Time Shakespeare Caused a Riot in New York City
Can you imagine a riot breaking out in response to a disagreement about which actor did a better job in the role of Macbeth? That’s what happened in 1849 in New York. Click to learn more.
How social media turns online arguments between teenagers into real-world violence
What role does social media play in creating conflict in our society? This article explains how online disagreements can lead to violence in real life.
Why People Misperceive Crime Trends (Chicago Is Not the Murder Capital)
Is the crime rate decreasing, or skyrocketing off the charts? In which cities is crime the worst? Click this link to learn about trends in Americans’ perceptions and misperceptions related to crime.
News for All: How the Immigrant Experience Shaped American Media
Read about how ethnic media has provided a link between immigrants’ old countries and their new homes in the United States throughout history.
Need to Dust Off Your Social Skills?
This article provides some advice for re-learning the social skills we may have lost during the many isolating months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Zoom Dysmorphia’: How Video Conferencing Can Wreck Our Self-Image
How does frequent video conferencing affect the way we see ourselves?
How to read Shakespeare for pleasure
Read small sections. Think like a director. Click this link for these and other tips on how to get the most out of your reading of Shakespeare’s plays.
Equality Act Would Extend Civil Rights Laws To LGBTQ People Throughout U.S.
Click this link to read about a law that, if passed, would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include a ban on discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community.
This 15-year-old was the original Rosa Parks
Watch this video to find out about the often overlooked story of civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin.
No, Shakespeare isn’t being ‘canceled,’ says this teacher accused of doing it
In this piece, a high school teacher explains her approach to teaching Shakespeare and rejects claims that she is taking part in “cancel culture.”
10 Surprising Ways Senses Shape Perception
Read this article to learn about some of the ways our senses can distort our perception.
The pandemic has shown the flaws of American individualism
Many Americans firmly believe that individuals should be independent and self-reliant. But the author of this commentary argues that too much individualism can lead to tyranny rather than freedom.
Pastor Says Fight for Civil Rights Looks Different in 2021
In this article, Pastor Ron English reflects on the events of 2020 and considers what the struggle for freedom and equality will look like in the months and years ahead.
When was greatness thrust upon William Shakespeare?
This article examines Shakespeare’s rise to greatness. It also features some interesting graphics that show trends in the popularity of his plays.
Your Brain Perceives Reality By Hallucinating
Are our minds playing tricks on us all the time? Click this link to watch an animated video that explains what perception and hallucination have in common.
For America to Succeed, We Must Find Common Ground
The author of this article points out that humans are more successful when they cooperate. He urges Americans to unite under our nation’s flag, in spite of political differences.
8 Leaders Who Carry On Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy
This article highlights some of today’s leaders in the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
Healing the political divide
This article examines the reasons for the current level of political division in the United States and considers how we might go about trying to improve the situation.
The Infectious Pestilence Did Reign
This piece examines several ways Shakespeare was affected by the plague. It also points out how the plague plays an crucial role in the plot of Romeo and Juliet.