Learn about how a Supreme Court case nearly a century ago has influenced our approach to the freedom of speech.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
10 Ways Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk
Learn about a few of the ways in which you quote Shakespeare every day, without even knowing it!
The New Separate and Unequal
The 1954 Supreme Court decision in the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka opened the doors of previously segregated schools to African American students. Read about how far we still are from realizing the promise of that ruling.
The ‘America effect’: How immigrants fall crazy in love
This opinion piece, written in 2012, explores how moving to the United States changed the views of one immigrant family.
Novel Finding: Reading Literary Fiction Improves Empathy
One way we find common ground with others is by imagining ourselves in their circumstances. Reading novels and stories that put us into a character’s thoughts can develop our ability to make connections in the real world.
Change the Way You Look at Things and the Things You Look at Change
A bee; is it an insect to be feared or a mainstay in the production of our fresh food? Well, it depends how your mind perceives it. It’s quite possible to change the way we look at things.
Wangari Maathai
One of Africa’s leading environmentalists and a political activist, Wangari Maathai was the first African woman (in East and Central Africa) to earn a doctorate degree. And, in 2004 she was the first African woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize for her work on sustainable development in Kenya among other things.
Three shirts, four pairs of trousers: meet Japan’s ‘hardcore’ minimalists
How important are your belongings and could you live with just what you actually need, rather than what you want? Do you think a minimalist life is for you?
The History of Earth Day
Across many nations, including America, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. This is a day for people worldwide to focus on the great environment in which we live and breathe, and raise awareness about environmental problems.
Beyond Grief and Grievance
Poet and essayist Philip Metres argues that in attempt to use poetry to heal after tragedy, poets should be careful not to fall into cliché or exploitation.
What America’s Gilded Age tells us about the Trump era
Annabelle Quince, a broadcaster with a background in law, psychology, and history, draws parallels between American robber barons of the past and today’s political and business leaders.
The crucial role of men in gender equality
MSNBC reporter Richard Lui writes that men play a major role in fighting for gender equality. Read the article and watch the video to hear his argument.
Children should be allowed to get bored, expert says
Are there benefits to spending time being bored? Read this article to find out why one expert thinks it’s important to embrace boredom for children and adults alike.
How Hard Is It for Teenagers in Your Community to Get a Job?
Looking forward to being old enough to get a job? It may not be as easy as you expect. Click this link to read about the recent decline in teenage employment.
From Germany to Mexico: How America’s source of immigrants has changed over a century
Click this link to learn about some trends in immigration to the United States over the past hundred years and to see some interesting graphics that help to illustrate these trends.
‘Writing Was Always an Act of Losing Control’: An Interview with Etgar Keret
Get this Israeli author’s perspective on how writing has helped him connect with others from around the globe.
Beautiful Plastic Sculptures Tell Ugly Story of Human Garbage in the Ocean
In the middle of the Pacific Ocean swirls a human-made disaster: a giant patch of garbage that has devastating effects on sea life. Learn how artists are creating vivid reminders of this problem in an effort to inspire solutions.
Greek Mythology
From “how and why” stories to legends and myths about gods and goddesses, Greek mythology helped explain the world to people.
Berlin Duo Launch a Supermarket With No Packaging
Are you sometimes drawn to certain food products because of the flashy packaging? How would you feel about shopping in a store with zero packaging, selecting food based on the quantity you need and paying by the weight of goods?
China Places We Protect: The Yangtze River
The Yangtze River in China is the third-longest river in the world, sustaining life for about 400 million people. But, the aquatic life in China’s principal waterway is under serious threat of extinction from pollution and development.