Would you keep working if you won the lottery? Many Americans say they would. Read this article to find out more.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
Where the Women Rule
In India, one of the most rapidly developing countries in the world, women still fight for equality. But on trains, there’s one place women can feel safe.
Teenage Stress
Students should be encouraged to work hard at school. But at what point does the pressure to succeed become counterproductive?
Gene Sharp: How to Start a Revolution
What creates a more effective revolution—a gun or a book? The answer in this review of a documentary film might surprise you.
Pulling Down the Statue of King George III, New York City
In 1852–1853, artist Johannes Adam Simon Ortel painted Pulling Down the Statue of King George III, New York City, a work depicting an event that took place shortly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. How did the era in which Ortel lived and painted affect Ortel’s depiction? Visit this site to view Ortel’s painting and learn the answer.
Creativity in the Wild
Is it time to drop that controller, switch off that television, and head outdoors? This article reports the results of a scientific study of whether exposure to natural settings improves cognition. Perhaps the American Romantics were right about the effects of nature on imagination and thought. Read to find out.
A Pep Talk from Kid President to You
You’ve probably watched a Kid President speech or two before, but did you know that he has something to say about Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”? Watch this video to hear Kid President’s opinions about the decisions we face. Can we all really choose to become “awesome”?
Dr. Maya Angelou, Poet
If you’ve ever wondered how to overcome deeply held fears, be sure to read this interview with Dr. Maya Angelou. As a child, she ‘d been afraid to talk, yet she grew up to become a writer, a poet, a teacher, and an all-around inspiration to others. Check out her advice about living a full life, measuring success, and more.
CNN Heroes: Razia Jan
In 2004, Razia Jan set out on a quest to provide an education to girls in Afghanistan. Watch this video about how an amazing woman brought hope to so many girls.
Cure Violence
Explore the website of Cure Violence, the parent organization of CeaseFire Chicago, to find out more about Gary Slutkin’s approach to preventing violence.
The Battered Old Car That Drove My Father’s American Dream
For one child of immigrants, a hated car symbolized the difficulty of adjusting to a new life in the United States. Journalist Joanna Kikissis shares her story.
Super Role Model
Read about the ups and downs of Wonder Woman, a comic book character created to raise the self-esteem of girls.
Victory Over Violence
A program in an ethnically mixed borough in England trains teenagers to teach younger children nonviolent methods of resolving racial confict.
What Happy Teenagers Do Differently
The author of this article argues that healthy risk-taking can prepare teenagers to lead happy, successful lives.
What Is Democracy?
Almost everyone knows that the United States is a democracy. So what? Why does that matter? Read this article to learn one teen’s answer. Discover how our system of government helps make it possible for our many, many voices to be heard.
Little Rock Central High School: National Historic Site
In 1957, nine students in Arkansas decided that they would attend Little Rock Central High School. Their decision led to big changes all over the United States. Visit this National Park Service site to find out how and why.
From Walden to the White House
In this blog entry, Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, explains why his organization is undertaking its first campaign of civil disobedience.
The Emotional Lives of Animals
Have you ever wondered if your pet has emotions? What connections do animals feel to people and to other animals? Read this excerpt from Marc Bekoff’s book The Emotional Lives of Animals. Then, explore the site for the PBS film Animal Odd Couples to learn about the special bonds animals form with unlikely partners.
Soccer Helping Young Refugees Find Footing in U.S.
Refugees to the United States left their home countries under duress. This article and short video describe a program in California that uses soccer to help refugee children heal from their past and adapt to a new culture.
Joseph Kim: The Family I Lost in North Korea. And the Family I Gained.
As a teen, Joseph Kim escaped alone from North Korea. Listen to his inspiring story as he remembers the family he lost and the family he gained in the United States.