Tag Archives: Culture & Society

These Twins, One Black and One White, Will Make You Rethink Race

Is the concept of race really nothing more than an invention of the human mind? This article about twins with different skin colors suggests that it is.

Naturalization Ceremonies

Constitution Day, observed every September 17th, is an occasion for citizenship ceremonies across the country. Watch a video about the ceremony and find out how students can participate.

People Are Paying Insane Amounts of Real Money for “Virtual Real Estate”

Would you buy a virtual plot of land if it cost more than a plot of land in the real world? Read about the booming virtual real estate market.

The Race to Save the World’s Disappearing Languages

Wikitongues aims to stop the loss of languages worldwide with its network of volunteers who film native speakers of dying languages.

Langston Hughes’ Collection of Harlem Rent Party Advertisements

Due to high rental rates and low salaries in the 1920s through the 1950s, black tenants in Harlem threw rent parties to help pay their rent. Langston Hughes collected cards advertising such events.

Everest is becoming a conveyor belt of hikers who pay $25,000 to do the climb — these images reveal what the trek really looks like

You don’t have to conquer Everest to enjoy nature. In fact, Everest may not be all it’s cracked up to be.

Biblioburro: The amazing donkey libraries of Colombia

“A man, two donkeys, and precious cargo.” This is how many would describe Luis Soriano and his traveling donkey library.

When Romeo Is a Robot

After observing a mechanical “couple” that was created as an art installation, one viewer writes about how technology might affect the mystery and destiny of love. Watch the video embedded in the article to view how the two robots interact.

In ‘The New Face Of America,’ Journalist Alex Wagner Saw Herself

Journalist and author Alex Wagner talks about her memoir, Futureface, which examines multiple identities and inconsistencies in family stories in order to find out where she belongs.

Meet the agoraphobic globetrotter who uses Street View to ‘travel’ the world

Read about a woman who explores the world with Google Streetview, using the project as an artistic outlet and to raise awareness for agoraphobia.

Laughter Is Contagious, But It’s Not Alone

Authors David Sturt and Tood Nurstrum discuss the contagious nature of positive behaviors and emotions, inlcuding how being appeciated by someone makes us want to show our appreciation for others.

Women really are better doctors, study suggests

Medical professionals analyze what factors might account for the results of a study that showed female physicians had fewer patients who died or were readmitted to the hospital.

Teens aren’t just risk machines – there’s a method to their madness

Psychologists from the University of Oregon argue that teenagers don’t take risks irrationaly, but as part of a process of learning and exploration.

Is Social Connection the Best Path to Happiness?

Click this link to learn about a recent study that suggests connecting with others can make people happier.

Kids Interpreting Medical Information to Parents

Because the children of immigrants often develop a command of English before their parents do, kids frequently serve as interpreters. That necessity can sometimes put young people in difficult situations.