The eldest daughter of six children in an observant Pakistani Muslim family has to persuade her parents that accepting her place at her dream school – Princeton – will not contradict her faith.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
11 Outlandish Ways Aristocrats Displayed Their Wealth During the Gilded Age
Imagine having a bathroom of gold or rerouting an entire train track and moving a town in order to avoid the sight of train smoke. These weren’t the actions of finicky royals, but instead a reality for tycoons and socialites during the Gilded Age. Read more about the outrageous ways people spent their money.
In 1870, Henrietta Wood Sued for Reparations—and Won
Henrietta Wood’s story of enslavement and kidnapping is not unique. However, her story is one-of-a-kind due to the fact that she won a civil suit against her kidnapper and was awarded reparations.
America Is a Dream
A recently unearthed comic by Stan Lee reveals the lens through which he viewed American society and politics in 2007. Many of the divisions remain, as does the hope that the United States may one day be united.
This Game Allows You to Plant Trees Around the World Simply By Answering Trivia Questions Correctly
What if you could have fun learning and help the planet by planting trees at the same time? Plant the Peace created a game to let you do just that. Read about the game and plant a tree or two here.
The Rise of the Zombie Mall
With the rise of online shopping, the number of people taking trips to physical shopping malls has declined. Shopping malls may not be dead yet, but their future is uncertain.
Stitch by stitch, a brief history of knitting and activism
Learn about the significance of textiles and knitting in protest movements throughout history, and how people continue to use the craft to fight for causes they believe in.
A storytelling pilgrimage inspired by “The Canterbury Tales”
Inspired by The Canterbury Tales, a non-profit organization in England brings together volunteers and refugees who share their personal journeys on a five-day trek. Their goal is to create empathy through storytelling.
The historic women’s suffrage march on Washington
Watch this video to learn about the Women’s Suffrage Parade—the first mass protest for a woman’s right to vote.
The Black Student Loan Crisis That Led Robert Smith To Pay Off HBCU Morehouse Grads’ Debt
Read about one billionaire’s response to the student loan debt problems facing the country and how African American graduates are disproportionately affected.
The World 9/11 Took From Us
The author of this opinion piece shares his perspective on how the world has changed as a result of the 9/11 attacks.
Can Fear Actually Be Healthy? 5 Health Effects of Halloween Horrors
Halloween’s popularity grows year after year, perhaps in part because being scared can be good for us.
The Krampus and Fear in the Holidays
This video from the New York Times explains the German Krampus, and why fear is a part of their holiday tradition.
Why many children have more-liberal attitudes about gender roles
A study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business shows how different factors lead to changing ideas about gender roles.
Happiness doesn’t follow success: it’s the other way round
This article examines the correlation between success and happiness.
Prosecutors Need to Take the Lead in Reforming Prisons
Former district attorney Lucy Lang questions what justice for violent crimes is, argues that prison conditions should be improved, and calls on prosecutors to be on the front line demanding change.
Did Quilts Hold Codes to the Underground Railroad?
Two historians claim quilts may have contained encoded messages for enslaved people looking to escape through the Underground Railroad. Though others disagree, it is an intriguing idea.
A Lost Work by Langston Hughes Examines the Harsh Life on the Chain Gang
Though slavery was outlawed in the late 1800s, forced labor remained legal in the United States if someone was convicted of a crime. Langston Hughes wrote about such a loophole in his powerful essay examining the harshness of chain gangs.
Calling People Names: An Expression of Colonial Power
Historically, colonizers gave names to the indigenous people of North America instead of using the names already in place. This continued imposition is inaccurate and at times insulting. Read the article to learn more about this problem.
Historic Photos Celebrate Pioneering Black Explorer
Matthew Henson, an African American polar explorer, is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Read about his voyages and achievements.