In this piece, Jan Urbano, a senior at the University of Tennessee, shares his opinion about the importance of fighting against injustice, rather than turning a blind eye. Do you agree or disagree with his thoughts?
Tag Archives: Opinion
Frog Fable Brought to Boil
We’ve all heard the analogy of the frog that allows itself to be boiled to death because it doesn’t notice the gradual change of temperature in the pot. People often cite this story to show the danger of overlooking a gradual change—but of course, it’s completely false. A noted science writer explains the truth.
Dangerous Exotic Pets
Lions and tigers and bears—and cougars, leopards, cheetahs, chimpanzees, lemurs, anacondas, and pythons—are sometimes kept as pets. How wise is it for people to keep dangerous exotic animals? Visit this site to learn the Humane Society’s opinion and arguments about whether anyone should keep an exotic pet.
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.
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.
Mark Bezos: A Life Lesson from a Volunteer Firefighter
When ordered to “save” a pair of shoes from a fire, volunteer firefighter Mark Bezos felt terribly disappointed. After all, he had wanted to be a hero. Find out why he now thinks that we all should decide to get out there—and save the shoes.
On Forgiveness
What is forgiveness? Can you truly forgive if you are consumed with thoughts of anger or revenge? Written by a professor of philosophy at Boston University, this essay explores these and other questions.
How Can Women Gain Influence in Hollywood?
Did you know that only one female director has ever won an Academy Award? Why are there so few women making movies? And what should we do about it? Explore the opinions of eight different writers.
What Americans Keep Ignoring About Finland’s School Success
Finland has one of the most successful education systems in the world, whereas the United States remains mired in the middle. What is Finland doing differently, and why aren’t we trying it?
Is the Internet Hurting Children?
There is no doubt that the Internet and social media have become an essential part of every child’s life, but is that a good thing? Consider two very different perspectives on the influences of these technological advances on children.
A Youth Renaissance for Native Americans
How do Native American tribes keep their cultures alive while still responding to the changing world around them? Filmmaker Chris Eyre shares his thoughts and hopes.
Climate Change Is Inevitable — It’s Time to Adapt
Scientists assert that climate change is inevitable. The good news, however, is that humans can adapt to it. Read this article to learn one writer’s opinion about how we can do that.
‘Gnomeo & Juliet’: Shakespeare, Cheerfully Plastered
The story of Romeo and Juliet has been retold in countless book and film adaptations, not all to great success. Read one reviewer’s critique of a recent animated attempt to recreate Shakespeare’s characters as garden gnomes.