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Tag Archives: Culture & Society
Big Food Is Boosted by All Our Pandemic Snacking
While some companies are struggling during the pandemic, major snack companies are bringing in unforeseen profits.
America’s digital divide: Why Internet access should be a basic human right
The pandemic has forced us to view our everyday lives in a new light, including our access to an internet connection. With virtual learning becoming a necessity rather than a luxury, should internet access be a basic human right?
Fires, orchestras, parachutes. Some other ways to describe coronavirus — besides war.
Listen: Metaphors used to describe the pandemic are so powerful, they can increase our fear and frustration.
Washington’s NFL team drops ‘Redskins’ name after 87 years
Washington’s NFL team retires “Redskins” name after decades of criticisms in the wake of recent racial injustices.
With a gay protagonist, Pixar short ‘Out’ makes history
Animator Steven Hunter is proud to be a part of Pixar’s first film containing an LGBTQ protagonist.
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.
The majestic Earth as seen through the eyes of astronauts orbiting above
| See Earth like never before while also hearing first-hand accounts about the awe-inspiring view of our planet from space. |
Old times not forgotten: Mississippi furls rebel-themed flag
Mississippi officials have finally agreed to retire their state flag containing racist symbolism.
Nearly half of all video-gamers are women
Video games have mostly featured male characters, but women are increasingly playing video games as well. Learn how the video game industry is changing to be more inclusive of female gamers.
This Is Your Brain on Summer
In this opinion piece, education expert Jeff Smink argues that enriching summer school programs will stymie learning loss and help students succeed.
What is peace?
Anthropologist Margaret Paxson writes about her struggle to quantify peace and ultimately argues that peace is knowable.
Caltech Researchers Ask: Is Risk-Taking Behavior Contagious?
Researchers at the Caltech Brain Imaging Center found that participants in a study were more likely to gamble when they saw peers doing so.
A Photographer Follows in Gandhi’s Footsteps
See photos retracing the route of Gandhi’s famous Salt March and learn about the photographer’s experience in this interview.
As We Seek Nature, We Wall It Out
Diane Ackerman contemplates the wildlife that creeps into our urban habitats.
U.S. immigrants get supersized
In 2011, researchers conducted a study to find out why people often gain weight after moving to the United States. They found that immigrants often choose unhealthy foods because they want to fit in to American culture.
When Does Adulthood Really Begin?
What is the biggest step toward becoming an adult? A poll taken in 2015 suggests that many people believe it has to do with financial independence.
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.
An Interview with Poet Patricia Smith
Patricia Smith harnesses the power of words in her work. In this interview, read about why Smith feels that poetry—especially when spoken aloud—has the power to change not only attitudes but also people’s lives.
How a book club is helping to keep ex-offenders from going back to jail
Reading books and writing poetry while in prison helped save Jimmy Santiago Baca from returning to a life of crime. A program in Washington, D.C., strives to make the same difference in the lives of prisoners.