humanity

Humanity topics include pieces on the real lives of politicians, legislators, activists, women in politics and the everyday voter.

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
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
When You Belong Everywhere and Nowhere at the Same Time
Another family gathering full of enlightening conversation brought back the realization that after a few drinks and a little bit of Brexit chat, anyone has the potential to become an enemy. I’m joking of course, despite the heated discussions there were no punches pulled. I’m hesitant to write this because, well just like Beyoncé my mum mama taught be better than slating someone over the internet, (especially when they’re related to me) as we are definitely not one of those Jeremy Kyle type families who air their grievances in public, but as my experiences of casual racism gets more and more frequent, I feel it’s important to share them and moreover, it’s cathartic to vent.
By Maria8 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
How About a Little Patriotism for the 4th?
BRYCE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY - The virtues of a home town parade. Click for AUDIO VERSION. I have always enjoyed the charm of a local Independence Day parade. In my old hometown of Wyoming, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, the streets would come alive in the morning with the sounds of fire truck sirens, the High School marching band, and numerous neighborhoods dressed in red, white and blue and marching in the parade. Local politicians would ride in the parade and wave to the crowd. A friend of mine used to live at the start of the parade route and would have coffee and donuts available for the fire and police departments as well as parade organizers. People lined the streets, waved flags, and had a great time. Some of the neighbors along the parade route would roast hot dogs. It wasn't about politics, it was simply a great way for the community to pull together in honor of the country. I am pleased to say they continue this tradition to this day.
By Tim Bryce8 years ago in The Swamp
The Importance of Social Justice
Many people know that this concept exists, many implement it into their everyday lives, but unfortunately, some people are against it. I'm going to be discussing why everyone—yes everyone—should be pro-social justice.
By alice shaw8 years ago in The Swamp
Why so Much Hate Towards African Descendant People From Around the World?
From the United States to overseas European countries, black people are being racially profiled, and some people are profiting from their deaths.
By Darryl C. Richie8 years ago in The Swamp
'A Seat at the Table'
In 2016 when Solange Knowles gifted the world with A Seat At the Table, people of color around the globe triumphed. Her album articulately embodied the frustration, resentment, and rage that many minorities are experiencing today. So many feel silenced by white supremacy, privilege, patriarchy, racism, and sexism. As a result, Solange’s socially conscious music was a breath of fresh air and collective response to the inequity of society.
By Micky Thinks8 years ago in The Swamp
Humanity Is Weird
Humanity is weird! I really didn't think things could get much worse with our species. You see, I grew up in a time that would boggle the most open and accepting of minds. They called it "The Cold War" even though the people supposedly perpetrating it were, for the most part, a bunch of hot-heads. Case in point—I remember seeing Nikita Khrushchev on our little black & white TV waving his fists in the air while the news translator explained that Niki was exclaiming "We will bury you!" Even though, at my tender age of five (he spilled this quote in 1956...), I was not privy to the "f" word, I can certainly exclaim now—"What the fuck, Niki! What were you thinking?" So that was the start of it. For a five year old who just recently got unceremoniously shifted from his comfortable home in the UK to the wilds of Canada, it was a sobering start.
By Phil Rossner8 years ago in The Swamp
The Real Reason Why We Aren’t Asking the Department of Health and Human Services #WhereAreTheChildren
As our eyes and hearts are drawn to the plight of the ~2000 immigrant children separated from their parents, we are continuing to fail our missing and abused foster children. It isn’t newsworthy if we aren’t able to take a pot shot at Trump or his cronies. The public cares more about #WhereIsMelania, who is living the high life in her gold encrusted penthouse, than they do about the safety and well being of THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of foster children in their own backyard.
By Marnie Grundman8 years ago in The Swamp