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.
Category Archives: Ourselves and Others
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.
Racist words and acts, like the El Paso shooting, harm children’s health
In July of 2019, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement warning that racism has a negative impact on the overall health of children and adolescents. Click this link to learn more.
What Is a Stereotype?
Groups of people can often be stereotyped, but what does that really mean and how does is affect us?
This Georgetown sophomore wants to change how we view and talk about disabilities
Anna Landre explains how the narratives surrounding disabled people need to change and shares her own story.
In-groups, out-groups, and the psychology of crowds
It’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing the world as “us” vs. “them.” However, it’s much more constructive to take a step back and see how much “they” really are like “us.” A psychology professor provides some background and tips for avoiding bias.
The Question We Must Keep Asking
What does it mean to be human? In this opinion piece, artist Ai Weiwei stresses the importance of asking ourselves this question. He believes it is crucial for people to examine and re-examine who they are in a rapidly changing world.
Shirley Jackson: the US queen of gothic horror claims her literary crown
Shirley Jackson, author of “The Lottery,” was largely overlooked by critics during her lifetime because she was viewed only as a horror writer. According to this article, she is finally being recognized as an important figure in American literature.
Ursula K. Le Guin Was a Creator of Worlds
This article remembers the life and literary accomplishments of science fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin, author of “The Wife’s Story,” who learned from her father the importance of being curious about others who are different from ourselves.
Here’s what’s really going on in your brain when you experience ‘FOMO’ — the fear of missing out
One negative effect of social media, at least for many people, is having the feeling that others are living better lives than they are. This article takes a deeper look at this phenomenon, known as the fear of missing out.
Growing up black in America: here’s my story of everyday racism
The author of this article describes his personal experience with racism and explains what he has learned from it.
Crisis Guide: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The longstanding conflict between Palestinians and Jews in Israel is deep-seated and complex, with each side characterizing the same events in vastly different ways. This video series from the Council on Foreign Relations provides a neutral, even-handed view of the history of the conflict.
A History in Which We Can All See Ourselves
You may have heard the phrase “representation matters.” So why is it important to include culturally diverse perspectives when studying history? This article addresses that question and suggests ways to make history curriculum more inclusive.
Having A Best Friend In Your Teenage Years Could Benefit You For Life
How important to our well-being are our relationships with others? Read to learn about a 2017 study that suggests there are benefits to having close friendships as a teenager.
These Twins, One Black and One White, Will Make You Rethink Race
Is the concept of race really nothing more than an invention of the human mind? This article about twins with different skin colors suggests that it is.