In 2017, a Pennsylvania historian found several slave narratives that had been published in a local newspaper in 1893. Read this article to learn more.
Author Archives: Chandler Gifford
Social Lessons from Our Favorite Horror Movies
Click this link for a list of valuable social lessons that are reflected in some well-known horror films.
UChicago research finds location plays critical role in assimilation of U.S. immigrants
This article highlights recent research that suggests immigrants assimilate into American culture in different ways in different parts of the country.
African American Spirituals
Why might singing be important for laboring slaves? Click this link to learn more about the important roles folksongs called spirituals played in the lives of slaves.
What Makes Horror Movies Scary? “We do,” Says Baylor Film Expert
A film historian at Baylor University believes horror movies are so compelling because they reflect the difficult and disturbing aspects of our society and ourselves.
20 skills you learn volunteering to help you get a job
Volunteering in your community is a great way to prepare for your first job. Click to read a list of 20 valuable skills you can learn from volunteering.
Controversy over plan to name train after Anne Frank
In 2017, Germany’s national railway considered naming one of its trains after Anne Frank. Many people objected to the plan. Read this article to learn more.
The Impulsive “Teen Brain” Isn’t Based in Science
The author of this article takes issue with the stereotype that teenagers engage in risky behaviors because their brains are out of control, as some researchers have suggested.
How Do You Create Attentive, Responsible Teens? Give ’Em Jobs!
Check out this link to see why one blogger thinks it’s important for teenagers to have jobs.
World’s awkward silence over Rohingya genocide warnings
In December 2017, a United Nations official suggested that the humanitarian crisis taking place in Myanmar could amount to genocide. So far, the international community has not responded strongly to the crisis. Click to learn more.
How puberty prepares adolescents for adulthood through changing face perceptions
Researchers at Penn State University are studying how young people who are going through puberty perceive the faces of others they encounter, and how these perceptions are related to social behaviors and relationships.
Researchers Examine the Fun of Fear
Two faculty members at the University of Pittsburgh have teamed up to study the science of fear. They are interested in learning more about the psychological benefits of being scared.
Hispanic Identity Fades Across Generations as Immigrant Connections Fall Away
Two recent studies conducted by the Pew Research Center indicate that fewer Americans are identifying as Hispanic or Latino than in the past. This article examines the reasons for this trend.
People prefer electric shocks to time alone with thoughts
A University of Virginia study found that people prefer not to spend time alone without distractions. This article describes the measures people will take to avoid their own company.
The Challenges and Opportunites of 21st Century Muckracking
In part of its 21st Century Muckrakers series, Nieman Reports, a foundation that seeks to advance the standards of journalism, outlines the obstacles and advantages of contemporary investigative reporting.
Why Street Protests Don’t Work
In this column, Moisés Naím argues that in order to effect change, a movement needs more than a large crowd inspired to gather by social media.
The newest story from Mark Twain
In 2011, a scholar in California discovered the manuscript of an unfinished children’s story written by Mark Twain, the author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Read to find out how two award-winning authors undertook the daunting task of completing the work of one of the giants of American literature.
Who betrayed Anne Frank? New probe launched by ex-FBI agent
Using “cold case” investigation methods and hi-tech data analysis, a team of experts is working to determine whether someone told the Gestapo about the secret annex, or if the discovery of the Frank family was merely a matter of chance.
Most Millennials Are Finding It Hard to Transition Into Adulthood: Report
This article points out that members of the millennial generation face a number of challenges as they adjust to life as adults in “the real world.”
Harriet Tubman: American Hero
In March of 2017, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center opened in Maryland. Read this article to learn more about the center, along with several other reasons Tubman has received fresh attention recently.