humanity
Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of politicians, legislators, activists, women in politics and the everyday voter.
How Islamophobic Are We?
A Much Maligned group? Ten years ago, during a parents’ evening at a secondary school, I spoke to a German-speaking Muslim couple of one of my pupils. Their English wasn’t yet good but with my limited German, we were able to converse. They had recently come here from Germany where they experienced prejudice and found the English were far friendlier.
By Richard Winnington7 years ago in The Swamp
100 Venezuelans Leave Peru to Go Back to Their Home
I must confess I stay in very little touch with my Venezuelan relatives and friends, so over the years I’ve lost touch with the so-called situation in the country. My best friend, one of the few I do speak to regularly, resides in Peru now. His chances of relocating his family to Lima are in jeopardy now thanks to actions taken by the Peruvian government—Venezuelans would no longer be allowed to come into the country with their laminated IDs, something that would normally suffice when crossing the borders between the countries of South America. Soon they will need a passport and visa to cross, and even that may not be enough if some get there way.
By Greg Sanchez7 years ago in The Swamp
Why Are You Ranking: How Individualism and Capitalism Are the Only Antitoxins for Racism Listed from Powerful to Puissant
Racism is stupid. On a ranking of the most unintellectual, base forms of collectivism, it ranks high. This pall of viciousness has fallen on both the victim and the perpetrator. On the one side, the victim identifies with his or her “race” and seeks to defend it. On the other, the perpetrator destroys the victim using non-scientific beliefs. The perpetrator continues on his or her path of destruction based on non-scientific beliefs and a corrupt mysticism related to skin color. African male and female specimens were different from European structure. Today, there are plenty of boxes besides race to check on an identification sheet. Muslim, Lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, disabled, and other nonessentials all pile up like rush hour traffic collisions. But the one lasting idea that separates and has kept human beings from advancing is the pigment divide. Honest individuals, both melanin challenged and otherwise, feel that they have to tip toe around the subject so as to avoid being labeled a racist. Outright defenders of the thoughtless act of judging chemical makeup rather than character find alleged “pride” in their own skin. In blacks, they ascribe their own “intelligence” to the geniuses of George Washington Carver, Miles Davis, and Toni Morrison; while choosing to ignore the black morons at the other end of the intelligence bell curve. They fail to see that the long list of black morons have constituted the race as well. Since the days of slavery in the United States, the distinction that has been placed on people with a darker flesh and coarse hair would be laughable if the history of racism in this country had not been so horrific. Just for being a black man, an individual could be stripped, shot, stabbed, hanged, set on fire, and drawn and quartered. And that’s just a mob showing restraint. Not to mention the black women used as breeding stock by their owners. So open up your tablets to receive a fresh take on a form of collectivism for "Why Are You Ranking: How Individualism and Capitalism Are the Only Antitoxins for Racism Listed from Powerful to Puissant."
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in The Swamp
Implicit Associations
Last year, I completed my second course in play therapy—a type of counseling for children in which they express themselves autonomously through play. These courses, and the journey that led me to them, have been pivotal for me in terms of the person I am and the person I want to be. They made me confront and assess parts of me that it’s likely I would never have come into contact with otherwise.
By Munjeeta Sohal7 years ago in The Swamp
Let's Make America Better!
I am a single mother with a five-month-old son. I recently was asked to leave a shelter we were staying at because it (the program) didn't work with my work schedule. Now I'm forced to sleep in a car with my son. During this time, I've noticed how no one cares about you truly nor will bend over backwards for you unless you're a relative, blood, or have known for a while. There is no more hospitality in America! I'm a hard worker and would lose sleep to do whatever it takes, but no matter what happens, I have no one that has my back but myself. I have so-called friends and once knowing my situation, knowing I'm with child now, I still can't get a helping hand. I just want to make a better life for my son. All I know is when I do become successful and I see a girl in the same situation as me, I'm going to make sure I give them a safe place and support so they can get back on their feet and be the person they're meant to be! Living in America is so sad now and I hate to say I'm American. Babies are on the street in your backyard, yet what are we doing about it? Oh, but quick to complain to change a law because someone disrespected you. America is so messed up and I'm ashamed of it.
By LaRaina Lewis7 years ago in The Swamp
Utilitarian Standpoint: Political Correctness & Objectivity—The Ten Times It Should Be Required
Disclaimer: If you are sensitive to socio-economic-political issues, please click out. If you have an open mind and are curious, stick around. Welcome to the US series, where I talk about subjective matters and aim for an objective solution.
By Heeta Joshi7 years ago in The Swamp
Has Political Correctness Gone Too Far?
‘Political Correctness’ is in itself conceptually illusive; and has transmogrified from its 1920’s German Marxist Roots. It’s abstract character and vast encompassment has left the phrase open to manipulation; with certain societal groups commandeering the ‘PC’ label for opportunistic motive. On the face of it; a code of ethics seeking to avoid offense and disbenefit to certain societal groups seems harmless, moral and almost altruistic. The reality however is more complex than that. Whilst the tenets of Political Correctness may be to preserve the feelings of others, the reality is that we’ve now switched off from the important topics altogether. Those who are prone to a conspiracy theory or two may even conclude that our avoidance of these ethical and moral dilemmas may play right into the establishment’s hands?
By T.P Schofield8 years ago in The Swamp
The Flint, Michigan Water Crisis
4% of the children of Flint, Michigan have lead contamination in their blood (NBC). Researches feel the problem could have been taken care of for as little as $100 a day, yet officials in the City of Flint did nothing for the 100,000 residents who pay their water bills. In April of 2014, Flint started drawing water from the Flint River, and not Detroit, a move that was originally promised as temporary. In October of 2014, a General Motors engine plant stopped using Flint’s water because it rusts parts, supposedly, which means it must be very acidic.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez8 years ago in The Swamp
