Tag Archives: Culture & Society

The Pre-Viking Legend of Ragnarӧk

One of the best-known Norse myths about the end of the universe may have originated in a real-world ancient catastrophe.

The Dawn of the Age of Artificial Intelligence

In this article, Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee discuss the second machine age, in which artificial intelligence and the ability of most people to access online resources will come together to create new innovations.

“Space Dive” Success: Baumgartner Breaks Skydive Record, Sound Barrier

Read about, and watch a video of, Felix Baumgartner’s world record-breaking skydive in October 2012, when he broke the sound barrier by jumping to Earth from a helium balloon in the stratosphere.

Meet the Sacrifice Generation

In Montgomery County, Maryland, Asian immigrants straddle a cultural divide.

Do Something

Whether it’s disaster relief, anti-bullying, or animal adoption, find a cause that matters to you. What will you do to effect positive change?

How One Observant Muslim Persuaded Her Parents to Let Her Attend Princeton

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.

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.