humanity
Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of politicians, legislators, activists, women in politics and the everyday voter.
Yes, Britain is Racist and I am tired of talking about it
One of the most frustrating things that I found is the fact that people keep on telling me that racism doesn’t exist as much in the UK or that things are much better off here. As a black person, I know that racism exists in the UK and it is not any better.
By Luwa Adebanjo5 years ago in The Swamp
In Defense of the People We No Longer Speak to
Are we still mad at Trump? I guess the better question is “Are we still mad at the people who liked him?” This week, I got an email blast from some Facebook guru who got into my email list because of a quiz that asked “What is Your Creative Spirit Animal?” I confess, as a Millennial, I’m a sucker for a good (or even bad) personality quiz, but I digress.
By Chelsey Albert5 years ago in The Swamp
Black or African-American: What's the Difference?
It was one of those uni nights; I had designated my spot in the third-floor stacks where I knew I’d be forever, and I had my change of clothes just in case I’d have to camp out ‘till morning. But the one thing that I was missing was a nice meal to get me through it all. So, I went to none other than the local student joint on campus, The Jolly Scholar, and ordered my usual. Like most times, I ran into a friend, but instead of being greeted with small talk, I was tossed a question. “Hey, my friend from South Korea had a question, and I thought you’d be able to answer it,” tossing her friend the mic she asked, “Soo, what’s the difference between Black and African-American?” The speech and debate retiree possessed me, and, taking a deep breath, arms and hands ajar, I was about to give her the explanation of a lifetime. “Maybe let’s save it for later,” my friend interjected, cutting off what she thought was about to be a 20-minute harangue. Perhaps she was right to do it since I only had a vague idea of what the difference was at the time. Now, I’d say I’m much more equipped to answer that question.
By Andrea Doe5 years ago in The Swamp
Return to Normal! What is Normal?
When the argument is presented, that 2020 was a year of disruption, it will more than likely encounter minimal to no debate. The last twelve to fourteen months has left everyone screaming, When is the world returning to Normal? I must say even my narrow minded lifestyle which at the genesis of this pandemic celebrated the idea of not having to subject myself to the social scene, has slowly begin to switch positions. Now the soon to be husband of a wife, I find myself desiring some of the ways by which we once lived. Just going to a movie, or simply dinner for two on a patio is somewhat like begging for air; but I am not in a hurry to return, because I am not truly sure of what we are returning too?
By Erik DeSean Barrett5 years ago in The Swamp
Where’s My Stimulus Check?!?
Uuuggghh... I’m sure I’m not the only one constantly checking the news feed to hear if there are any updates on the stimulus check. Where is my money? I thought I was going to get it last month! I thought I was going to get it this month! Now it looks like mid-March!?? With all do respect, all I can think of is WTH! And if I’m being completely honest, that H is really a F.
By 4AvynsFuture5 years ago in The Swamp
Australian Refugees
The sky had lit up like fireworks that night, but instead of laughter, screams had filled the air as people fled from the blaze. The very concrete under their feet shook, and Billie clutched the sweaty palm tighter in hers as she struggled to keep her feet. Her heartbeat urged her “faster, faster” as it fought off the ice water of fear which threatened to paralyse her. Ash filled her mouth, and smoke filled her nostrils, seeking to smother her, to drag her under the feet of the people running behind her.
By Sophie Richton5 years ago in The Swamp
The Huge Investment The BBC World Service Has In Africa Leaves A Sour Taste In The Mouth
The BBC annual budget is about £291m, a grant from The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, a vast proportion of which is spent in Africa. The BBC World Service and The BBC's International Radio Broadcasting Service covers Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East? And every week, The BBC Africa Service reaches about 96 million people in Africa, the channel's largest audience.
By Lanu Pitan5 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Herman Wilkins
I just read your letter to Mr. Trump and wish I could join you in your hiatus in Mexico City. It looks like the perfect place to restore, revive and renew your body, mind, and soul. I love all the bright colors - they excite the artist in me. Half of Americans could use such a leave of absence, and I think Mr. Trump should pay for us all to take a vacation to recover from his derelict shenanigans. After all, we paid for all his golf trips. The other half, aka Trump supporters (the kindest way I can identify them) should be bussed (on a non-air conditioned bus) to the border, pushed off the bus as it keeps rolling, coerced by “bad hombres” into the river, and when they try to come back across be herded into cages, made to share a single toilet, sleep shoulder-to-shoulder on concrete floors, and scramble to catch rolls of paper towels being casually tossed among them. Let the punishment fit the crime.
By Cheryl Manon5 years ago in The Swamp
No More Normal
The Covid pandemic has been long and exhausting for all of us. Like everybody else, I want to reach the other side of this horrible experience and move forward with life. Sadly, so many people are looking in the wrong direction. I can’t count how many times I have heard somebody wish for things to return to normal. Every time that word is put out in the world without being challenged, we lose. I don’t care if it is a random person online or the president of the United States of America; a return to normal is not the answer. I understand that most people do not really think about the implications when they wish for a return to normal. I know they are thinking about going shopping, eating at restaurants, or enjoying any number of school events with their children and not any larger socio-economic structures. It is only natural to think of those things which have the most direct impact on our daily lives. Still, it is that attitude and approach to life that scares me when people talk about returning to normal.
By David L Bishop5 years ago in The Swamp
