Writer Samantha Cole weighs the pros and cons of staying in your comfort zone, the premise of Meghan Daums’s book, The Unspeakable: And Other Subjects of Discussion.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
Running Down a Dream
Read the story of Allen Martin, who coaches long-distance runners to succeed not only in the sport, but in life.
Ending Gang Retaliation With Text Messages
Because most gang violence can be attributed to retaliation, the city of San Diego has implemented a program in which former gang members intervene with victims and persuade them not to seek revenge.
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.
Why Isn’t the U.S. on the Metric System?
Nearly every nation on earth—except for the United States—primarily uses the metric system for all weights and measures. With its clear base-10 relationships among measurements, the metric system is easy to use. So why does the United States still mainly use the far more complicated customary measures? How Stuff Works explores the American resistance to change.
Racial Bias in Medicine Leads to Worse Care for Minorities
The struggle for full equality doesn’t just show up in history books—it’s happening in hospitals every day.
U.S. public seldom has welcomed refugees into country
Some Americans disagree about whether we should take in refugees fleeing war and disaster in other countries. This is far from the first time.
Why do we need heroes?
Read about why heroes from Odysseus to today continue to inspire us.
Out of Eden Walk
Paul Salopek is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who is retracing our ancestors’ migration out of Africa on foot. This epic journey began in Ethiopia in 2013 and will end this year at the tip of South America. Explore the walk and some of the latest stories from the journey.
Why Black Panther’s representation matters, according to the cast
If tales of superheroes serve to inspire us and reflect what we value, they should represent all of us. Hear from the director and cast of the blockbuster movie.
Annual event pays tribute to proclamation
In Beaufort, South Carolina, people come together every year to remember the day President Lincoln read the Emancipation Proclamation. Read this brief article to see how they celebrate.
Study: Social Media Helps with Teenage Empathy, Awareness
Social media is a great way to keep up with your family and friends. But a new study shows that it is also a way for you to learn about social causes. Read this article to find out more.
Why being a foodie isn’t ‘elitist’
In this opinion piece, Eric Schlosser, the author of Fast Food Nation, outlines why sustainable farming is the opposite of elitist.
Kids need to offset ‘screen time’ with ‘nature time’
This article and video discuss ‘nature deficit disorder’ and the benefits of being in nature on our emotional, physical, and mental health.
10 Companies That Completely Reinvented Themselves
Did you know that a major cell phone manufacturer used to make rubber boots? Or that a well-known gasoline company used to sell seashells? Check out this slideshow to see how some companies have transformed themselves.
How a Nuclear Meltdown Works
Nuclear meltdowns are very rare but dangerous. Read about how nuclear reactors work and what causes a meltdown.
Can Museums and Other Institutions Keep up With Digital Culture?
In a rapidly-changing digital world, traditional cultural institutions like symphonies and museums are struggling to remain relevant. Find out how some are trying to keep up.
Here’s What Teens Think It Takes To Work In Tech
For teens thinking about forging their own career paths, the technology sector can be both alluring and intimidating. At a recent conference in California, tech professionals and teens met to discuss some of the truths and misconceptions surrounding today’s tech careers.
Anne Frank was captured 70 years ago today. But what if she had escaped the Nazis?
Although she died in a concentration camp when she was 15, Anne Frank’s thoughts and feelings are alive and influence many writers today. Learn about the contemporary play and the novels that are part of Anne’s legacy.
Quinceañeras often symbolize family’s hard work, success
Quinceañeras are traditional Latino celebrations that symbolize the transition from childhood to adulthood for 15-year-old girls. This video and accompanying article give a bit of background on the quinceañera and look at one family’s story as an example of modern quinceañeras in the United States.