humanity
Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of politicians, legislators, activists, women in politics and the everyday voter.
Homelessness
Imagine yourself having to live on the street, sleeping on cold concrete with nothing for warmth or protection. You wonder where your next meal will come from. You have to constantly watch what little you have in order to make sure no one takes it when you aren’t looking. Think about your town installing barriers and spikes, so that you can’t sleep in your usual spot, or being turned away from a shelter because it’s already full. Meanwhile, we are in our cozy houses, complaining about it not being warm enough. So, we simply go and turn the heat up.
By James Howell8 years ago in The Swamp
The Drum Major Instinct
The other night, during the Super Bowl, a Dodge Ram commercial aired which took excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr’s speech, known as "the Drum Major Instinct," and aired it in one of their commercials fifty years to the day that he gave the speech.
By James Howell8 years ago in The Swamp
We've Got a Long Way to Go
This website is something I have been looking for for a long time, however it is hard to figure out the first story to write. I have many views and passions but its intimidating to try to portray all of those into one story or "the story." As an introduction, my first story, and since it is Black History Month I am going to share an essay, that I won second place in, at a contest at Macomb Community College in Clinton Township, Michigan. The context of the essay/story is continually existing racism, white privilege, and acknowledging both so we can progress further in Dr. King's accomplishments and beautiful, relevant, and meaningful words.
By Lacey Lewis8 years ago in The Swamp
Diversity
Diversity is a value shown in mutual respect and appreciation of the similarities and differences such as age, culture, education, ethnicity, experience, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and the list goes on and on. These are the things that make us a unique society.
By Lily Papenfus8 years ago in The Swamp
Hostile Environment. Top Story - January 2018.
Another day, another example of rich people putting spikes on things to shield them from reality. This time (I swear I am not making this up), a developer in Bristol has put spikes on the branches of trees to prevent pigeons from roosting there and pooing on the residents’ fancy cars. Have we reached Peak Privilege? I think we may have. The trees overhang the car park, and rather than cleaning their cars the good old-fashioned way, the residents requested that the building management install a preventative measure, so that they don’t get inconvenienced by unsightly bird shit. I do hope those trees aren’t deciduous (haha, yes they are!), or they’re going to be mighty upset come autumn.
By Katy Preen8 years ago in The Swamp
How Feathers, Beads and Glitter Can Restore Peace in a Small Island War-Zone for 48 Hours
Imagine a scene where all the cars on the streets are replaced by droves of people, interrupted only by massive trucks transporting speakers. Imagine that those people are clad in colourful bikinis covered in beads, glitter and feathers, and that the speakers are playing loud music, native to the people. Imagine too, the rhythm of the people dancing to music and the synchronous sway of the feathers they wear on their heads. Imagine an entire nation parading together in the streets of their home, to music born from the triumphs of their ancestors. Imagine the sound. Imagine the scene. Imagine happiness. This is it. This is Trinidad Carnival, often referred to as the 'Greatest Show on Earth'. It is a two day scene of organized chaos, dressed in vibrant colours. It is the green, yellow, purples, and blues of the costumes worn on the bodies of black, white, and red. It is the the unity of an entire population of people from every race, every religion and every walk of life, celebrating each other. It is the reminder of a nation often referred to as a melting pot; an island of 1.6 million people, very few of whom are a single race. A multi-ethnic nation that once epitomized peaceful, all-encompassing co-existence.
By Jazz Morgan8 years ago in The Swamp
Top Nine Reasons Why Climate Change Is 100 Times Worse Than You’d Think
Climate Change. Usual story. Polar bears are losing their homes, after all, what do I care? I’ve come to realise how little we really know of climate change, a theory ‘scientists’ seem to debate is even happening. Very likely to be the biggest transformation of the 21st century. For better or for worse, it's up to us to decide. Waiting for fossil fuels to run out is in simple terms, waiting for the enemy to point his gun at your head before you surrender. This article’s purpose isn't to make you depressed about the future; it's a wake-up call to tell you that there is still time to make a comeback. I know you might not want to join the movement now, but if you do change your mind after reading this, please go to our website and help us make a difference. Or simply deal with the consequences of your actions; it’s up to you.
By Climate Change Reversal Organization8 years ago in The Swamp
