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Tag Archives: Culture & Society
“12 Years a Slave” based on true story
The film 12 Years a Slave is hailed as one of the most accurate portrayals of slavery to come to the movie screen. In this short clip, you will see some scenes from the film and meet the screenwriter.
What if the Secret to Success Is Failure?
What role should character development play in education, and who should be responsible for teaching it? Is failure an essential part of success? Discover how two very different New York schools address these questions.
Shakespeare in Scotland: What did the author of Macbeth know and when did he know it?
Some scholars have long maintained that someone other than William Shakespeare authored some of the Bard’s best-known works. This article explores the idea that a writer with a deeper knowledge of Scotland than Shakespeare could have had must have penned Macbeth.
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.
American Experience: Freedom Riders
In 1961, a diverse group of activists rode interstate buses to several southern cities, violating laws that did not allow African Americans to sit at the front of the bus or alongside white riders. This simple act sparked violent responses that drew attention to the civil rights cause. Explore the route and hear the voices of the Freedom Riders through this interactive site.
Why Are Eyewitnesses Unreliable?
“I saw it with my own eyes!” A statement from someone who witnessed an event is usually taken as absolute proof of the truth—but how reliable are eyewitnesses, really? Charles W. Bryant digs into some of the problems with relying on eyewitness testimony.
Proudly Bearing Elders’ Scars, Their Skin Says ‘Never Forget’
Descendants of Holocaust survivors remember and honor their loved ones in many different ways. Read how some are trying to keep these events fresh in the minds of those who did not live through the times.
Teen entrepreneurs think ‘outside the box’ when starting their own businesses
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? In this article, 17-year-old Drayton Blackgrove and several other teens share their experiences in entrepreneurship.
Undocumented journalist describes immigrant experience, American dream
The work of award-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas explores the immigrant experience and the road to American citizenship.
Adolescence and the Agony of Decision Making
Psychologist Carl Pickhardt explains why it’s hard for teenagers to make decisions and offers some advice.
The Harlem Renaissance
Did you ever wonder what the Harlem Renaissance looked like? See for yourself by watching a video about this age of discovery for modern African-American literature, art, and music.
10 Offbeat Things Humans Have Launched into Space
Did you know that Buzz Lightyear has really been to space? Most of the more than 100 space trips have included an odd item or two on board. Read to find out more about the interesting, and sometimes wacky, items that have traveled to space.
Did the United States put its own citizens in concentration camps during WWII?
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States government relocated many Japanese Americans to internment camps. This articles gives more information about how and why this happened.
Brain Scans of Hoarders Reveal Why They Never De-Clutter
Would you have trouble parting with your favorite things? A hoarder is a person who collects items and can’t discard any of them. Often, the homes of hoarders are completely full, with only enough room left to walk from room to room. A new study using brain scans helps shed light on why people behave this way.
Civil Rights era activist reflects on struggles, triumphs
The Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964 because thousands of ordinary people bravely protested for equal rights. This report tells the story of one woman who took a stand in her hometown.
The hidden power of smiling
Your smile can predict how long you live. Would you believe it? Listen to one man give voice to his theory about smiling.
The Atlantis-style myths that turned out to be true
Atlantis isn’t the only myth about a long-lost kingdom beneath the ocean. Read what other lost city myths are told around the world.
Seeing Opportunity In A Question: “Where Are You Really From?”
In this radio interview, Alex Sugiura shares his experiences as a person who isn’t immediately recognizable as one race or another. Be sure to click on the radio clips to hear Alex’s story.
Opulence in the “Gilded Age,” 1890
In the late 19th century, some families in the United States grew fabulously rich from the country’s industrialization. Read about the “Gilded Age,” Mark Twain’s term for the excesses of wealthy people during this period.