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.
Category Archives: Ourselves and Others
Conflict Resolution Skills
The most you can control in any conflict is one side—your own. Learn ways to manage your emotions and use approaches that will help you work toward resolving conflicts with other people.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many Black and Asian Americans Say They Have Experienced Discrimination Amid the COVID-19 Outbreak
According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, Asian and Black Americans are experiencing racism and discrimination more frequently than they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click this link to learn more about the results of the survey.
Dare to Disagree
Constructive conflict fuels progress far better than passive agreement does. Learn how great ideas and strong results can stem from disagreement.
The surprising downsides of empathy
Empathy—the ability to understand the feelings of others—is an important aspect of emotional intelligence. However, the author of this piece suggests that empathy can have negative effects. Click the link to learn more.
Emotional Intelligence
Check out this link for some information on developing emotional intelligence, which includes skills like being aware of your own emotions as well as understanding how others are feeling.
Revisiting Ursula K. Le Guin’s Novella About Interplanetary Racism
Notable science fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin wrote a novella about a far-off world that reflects the history of racism and colonization on our own planet. Click here to see graphic novelist Ben Passmore’s rendering of this story.
At 16, Coco Gauff’s voice is already as strong as her serve
Coco Gauff—the youngest player ranked in the top 100 by the Women’s Tennis Association—says we are all responsible for the fight against racism.
Why Twitter Influences Cross-Cultural Engagement
Studies find that Americans increasingly segregate themselves, living and working mostly with people from similar backgrounds who hold similar beliefs. However, Twitter serves as a powerful tool for bringing together very different people and allowing them to share diverse viewpoints.
How common threats can make common (political) ground
It’s popular to say that Americans are more politically polarized now than they have been in years. But we can band together to tackle the problems we all agree exist.
A Syrian Refugee’s Story
A journalist reflects on the relationship she formed with a woman finding hope even in turmoil.
First Amendment Center
Freedom of speech includes both rights and responsibilities. Find out how the First Amendment applies to students at this non-profit site.
Accept The Awkwardness: How To Make Friends (And Keep Them)
Want to know what you can do to make new friends and keep the ones you already have? Read this article for some expert advice.
What Does Free Speech Mean?
Public figures often tout their constitutional freedom of speech to defend their statements. As with any right, though, the freedom of speech includes certain guidelines and limits. The United States Courts spell out what the law says about this essential American right.
Mirror Image: Twins and Identity
Every teen is in the process of establishing a unique identity, but things are more complicated for identical twins. This blog written by a twin discusses the challenges he and other identical twins face in differentiating themselves from the person closest to them.
Agreeing to Disagree
It may be easier to have a conversation with someone who already agrees with you, but it’s better for your brain to talk with—and listen to—someone who disagrees with you. In this article, Art Markman, Ph.D., a cognitive scientist at the University of Texas, discusses the practical applications of psychological research on disagreement.