humanity
Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of politicians, legislators, activists, women in politics and the everyday voter.
Politics A Level
Multiculturalism is often criticized for breeding tension and social conflict. However, critics of multiculturalism have argued this case in different ways depending on the political tradition from which they come. On the other hand, multiculturalists strongly reject this view arguing that multiculturalism is in fact a way of relieving tension and reducing social conflict.
By Natalie G.7 years ago in The Swamp
Homeless in Paradise
Southern California is stereotypically known as the land of dreams. The weather is almost always perfect, year round. Palm trees sway in the breeze. Winters are typically mild and welcoming. Tropical flowers decorate the landscape. Tourists in designer sunglasses and name brand clothing crowd the sidewalks and local shopping areas. The ocean, desert, and ski resorts are all accessible, within hours of each other. Many of the people who live in Southern California are some of the wealthiest in the nation. Sadly though, things aren’t always glamorous for the residents here.
By Marsha Morgan Medina7 years ago in The Swamp
Public Housing
I often joke describing my Instagram posts as, “projects chronicles shenanigans.” Of course, this is nothing to joke about, but just my way of bringing some levity to real life for many of us who live at the lower spectrum of society. And those Instagram stories are just my experiences. Within the yellow walls, red doors, brown tiles, and long hallways exist today's public housing. All of them look the same, nothing special sets them apart. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. Inside many, you will hear all the same sounds of children crying and playing; adults yelling, laughing, fighting and sometimes even partying. According to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD) "Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. In fact, if you were lucky enough to have been selected from the many awaiting their turn, public housing used to be the Utopia of the low-income family who couldn't afford “the house with the white picket fences” or to live in better affluent neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, for the progenies (like myself) who grew up within the walls of public housing as it is widely known, but nicknamed, “the projects,” it is the place where you couldn't wait to move away. The place when you left, it was like being granted parole for good behavior or before you got scarred for life. It's the place once you left, you never wanted to come back, not even for a visit. Growing up, I had come to know public housing as a cautionary tale. By the time my family moved to public housing in the 80’s, it was already well on its way to becoming known as the place where, you never wanted to be caught out after a certain time or in a particular neighborhood. At the time, my neighborhood especially was riddled with the current crack and cocaine epidemic, and rampant prostitution. By the time I was thirteen, I quickly realized that public housing was no Utopia. It was the first time I heard the term “ghetto,” a part of the city that is a slum, impoverished, destitute and occupied by a minority group or groups.
By She Writes8 years ago in The Swamp
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 Winnington8 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 Sanchez8 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 Saunders8 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 Sohal8 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 Lewis8 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 Joshi8 years ago in The Swamp
