humanity
Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of politicians, legislators, activists, women in politics and the everyday voter.
Oppression
In her poetry, Maya Angelou defines the birdcage as “The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom.” She expresses her early childhood experiences of oppression by discrimination based on prejudices of racism. The birdcage is used as a metaphor by both Maya Angelou in her poetry and Marilyn Frye in her “Oppression” article. In “Defining Racism: “Can We Talk?”” Beverly Tatum analyzed “Internalized Oppression.” She addresses how the members of oppressed groups often believe the distorted messages about their own groups. Oppressed people are like the birds in a cage. They wish for freedom, but they cannot break the cage because of the systematic beliefs. The barriers of those systems or cultures are like the bars of a cage. People can express just how a bird does by singing, but they wait for someone to break those barriers just how a bird would wait for someone to open the cage. Frye’s illustration of the birdcage relates to such groups of oppressed people. Our society puts invisible barriers of beliefs by its actions that can give distorted messages to oppressed groups. While Tatum refers to it as an internalized oppression where you have an option to break free but owned beliefs block you, oppression goes beyond that. It is not only about beliefs, but it is also about systematic actions that favor one group over the other such as the white privilege. The distorted beliefs of oppressed people are strengthened when they face such discrimination. As they say “actions speak louder than words,” people mostly believe the actions that they see. Therefore, it is imperative to stand by our words of equality if we must prevent such distorted messages.
By Beena Patel9 years ago in The Swamp
The Demise of Common Sense
Like many around my own age (I was born in 1965), I have lived through harsh times, such as the capitulation of the Government to Trade Unionism, the so-called "Winter of Discontent," and some good, or rather feel-good times too. Yes, there were numerous conflicts around the world during those formative years, as well as droughts, famines, natural disasters, and so on. Yet the overriding memories I have where Government was concerned, was that the Law held sway and was always to be upheld.
By Dominic Lane9 years ago in The Swamp
Dear Cis Allies
I'd like to start by saying thank you. We see you, we appreciate you, and now more than ever we need you. However, there are some things that we need to discuss. Things that, to you, seem innocent. Things that, for us, are a painful reminder that society still places us in the category of "other."
By Stella Lane9 years ago in The Swamp
Revisiting Anti-Semitic Incidents
Remember me talking about the meanings of Zionist and Anti-Semitism? I think I might have ranted about how racist and cruel people are. Guess what, I'm back again writing a revisit about something that has caught my attention; that people are still hating people who dress differently or live differntly than them.
By Lizzy Arrow9 years ago in The Swamp
Camelot
At a time when the world is in chaos, where the hopes and dreams can never be realized, we would be wise to remember that there was a place in time where goodness and virtue prevailed. Camelot, the name synonymous with peace and tranquility. That was the time and place where troubled waters were replaced by the calm seas of compassion and benevolence. Camelot, the place where its leaders under God exemplified a common demure of compassion and humility while fostering goodwill toward all.
By Dr. Williams9 years ago in The Swamp
Homeless in America
I understand societies' image of the ever growing homeless population in America. No matter where one goes, whether it is running errands in your respective hometown or on vacation in another state, just about every corner has a panhandler asking for money. With the signs in which you or I see, we don't take the time to stop and ask panhandlers what their stories are considering the signs are so vague when asking for help. Our busy lives and lack of money due to financial struggles of our own prevent us from handing out money to panhandlers.
By Kate Adams9 years ago in The Swamp
5 Ways Black People Can Practice Self-Care
The world is a mess, but it doesn’t have to be. For black Americans, today’s current political agenda and cultural issues are a lot to handle. Speaking for myself, I sometimes feel overwhelmed and stressed by today’s problems dealing with black people. The stereotypes, police brutality, our communities and how the world portrays us. I then have to realize the importance of living stress-free and the things I can do to not only help myself but help my community and fellow black Americans as well. It’s important to stay aware of the world around you and to stay on top of information at all times. However, there are effective ways to live a stress-free life. We think of the term, “being healthy” as a physical thing. However, it’s important to stimulate your mind, body, and spirit.
By Christian Sinclair9 years ago in The Swamp
How To Cope with Overpopulation
There are roughly 7 billion people on this planet. No one knows exactly cause it's a little hard to keep track. But for every two people that die, about four are born. The world's population is growing by about 2.5 people per second. Now 7 billion people is a lot to take in. Let's put it this way, if you were to say a number a second, it would take over 220 years to count to 7 billion. However, we have plenty of space on earth to fit all 7 billion people. So if there's enough space for us all, then what's the big deal?
By Alissa Budzinski9 years ago in The Swamp
Does The Concept of White Privilege Worsen the Problem of Racism?
Surely nobody can argue against the idea that white people enjoy certain privileges that others don't... or can they? In general terms, there is no doubt that if you are born "white" in the so called "Western World", you will enjoy greater privileges than most people in the (and I hate to use the generalisation but) non western world. Likewise, you will enjoy many more privileges than most non-white people born in the Western world... "Most"... a very important word.
By Jennifer Darch9 years ago in The Swamp
Speaking in Hypotheticals
There is a political tidal wave just on the horizon. Most people have seen its effects already, as the waves preceding have begun to change the landscape. This wave is made up of the faces and voices of the newest generation of American, the Millenials. These kids, age ranging from forty to eighteen, have recently come of age in the political scene and already their voice is being heard.
By James Hildebrand9 years ago in The Swamp
A Class In Anxiety
The dry mouth, sweaty palms and a sense of impending doom, are symptoms we can all relate to. Anxiety and stress are natural parts of protecting ourselves from danger, but they can also be debilitating. The individual may be overwhelmed and their reality perverted, sapping them of confidence and making it difficult to go on.
By Phillip Woodford9 years ago in The Swamp
