How can Shakespeare still be relevant in the age of the smartphone? Alexandra Petri takes a light-hearted view in this opinion piece.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
How Writing Changed the World
It’s no exaggeration to say that the advent of writing changed everything for humans. Here’s a look at some of the key shifts in history that resulted from those first scratches on clay tablets.
Are decisions made in groups better than decisions made alone?
When you have to make an important decision, what do you do? Sometimes two heads are better than one, and sometimes they are worse. Find out how working in a group to make a decision can affect the outcome.
Syrians Speak Out Through Their Art
Civil war has torn the country of Syria apart for years. As the government and opposition forces fight, many civilians have been caught in the middle. Some artists are using their work to tell the world about the experiences of ordinary Syrians in this conflict.
Juneteenth: A New Birth of Freedom
Have you ever heard of Juneteenth? On June 19, 1865, almost two and a half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, word finally reached Texas that the Civil War was over and that any slaves were free. Learn more about this celebration of freedom.
How to Improve Communication with Your Parents
Do you have a hard time talking with your parents? Check out these four steps to better communication.
5 Ways to Listen Better
What conflicts can you think of that happened because someone simply didn’t listen? People who tune out others’ ideas or hear only what they want or expect to hear can’t understand others or the world around them. In this TED Talk, sound expert Julian Treasure provides five tips for conscious, careful listening.
Letters Of Heartbreak Find Some Love In Verona, Italy
For years, heartbroken people have been sending letters to the city of Verona addressed to Juliet. In the 1990s, the city of Verona created the Juliet Club to deal with all the letters. Read the article, and then listen to the full story.
Product Placement Can Be A Lot More Powerful Than We Realize
Discover the powerful means by which product placement subtly directs us to prefer and choose brands.
Ah, Wilderness! Nature Hike Could Unlock Your Imagination
Have you ever found yourself struggling to write your English paper because you’re distracted by your smart phone or TV? Maybe a trip back to nature will help clear your head. Read this article to find out how getting away can help you regain your focus.
Building a healthy community in ‘the nation’s salad bowl’
How many heroes do you know? It may be more than you think. Not all heroes are famous. Many work hard for important causes in their local communities. Sarah Ramirez is dedicated to helping people in her town eat healthier food.
Is There A Genetic Basis to Online Media Consumption?
With so much information at our fingertips have we a choice in what we view and consume?
‘In stressed times, we can take comfort in wildlife’: why nature-writing is ‘exploding’
Journalist Alison Flood investigates the increase of nature writing and reading in times of transition.
Tinker v. Des Moines: Protecting student free speech
This article describes the chain of events that led to the 1969 Supreme Court decision that protected students’ right to free speech.
Millennial pink is exposing our culture’s worst anxieties about “girly stuff”
Author Sady Doyle argues that pink, whether feminine or not, is simply a flattering and pleasing color that has been popular throughout time.
Collective reparation in Colombia: when everyone suffers from the ravages of war
Read this article to learn what collective reparations are. Watch the video to see how one village in Colombia was affected by war and how the program will help them restore their community.
Plessy and Ferguson: Descendants of a divisive Supreme Court decision unite
Read about the historic Plessy v. Ferguson court decision and about how the two namesakes’ ancestors have joined together to form a foundation that seeks to educate the public about the importance of the case.
To Overcome the Fear of Failure, Fear This Instead
After talking to many successful entrepreneurs, professor and author Adam Grant found that they feared failing to act more than failing itself.
For migrant workers on Illinois farms, the job is hot, risky
Have you ever wondered about the people who harvest the fruits and vegetables you eat? This article explores the difficult conditions many migrant farm workers face.
Teen Night Owls Struggle To Learn And Control Emotions At School
Do you tend to stay up late at night? A group of researchers recently conducted a survey to explore the effects of teenagers being “night owls.” Read to learn more.