Society Archives

How to End Systemic Racism Once and For All

Is there a way to end systemic racism? What can you, as an individual, do to contribute to the collective efforts to put end to racism on the institutional/systemic level? Systemic racism is pervasive in that it permeates every aspect of the lives of people of color. To end systemic racism, we have to, first and foremost, acknowledge that racism is perpetuated on the institutional level. Because different parts of the system are propping each other up, if we pull out enough of the foundations, the whole ugly thing will collapse. Keep reading for some ways that you can contribute

The Human Aging Process: Why and How We Age

Why do humans age at the rate we do? What evolutionary factors play a role in the human aging process? Human aging is an unavoidable part of life. Over time, organ systems wear out and we become more susceptible to disease and injury. Find out why this process occurs and how it came to be this way through evolution. Continue reading to learn about human aging.

Racial Microaggressions: Types, Examples, Response

What are the different types of racial microaggressions? What unconscious assumptions do racial microaggressions reveal? Racial microaggressions can be direct and indirect, verbal and non-verbal. Microaggressions are important because they act as signposts for implicit bias and unconscious racist assumptions that might otherwise stay hidden. Read about the different types of racial microaggressions and how to deal with them on both ends.

Geography Symbols in Literature: What They Mean

Why is geography important in literature? What do different geographies symbolize? When an author writes a book, one of the first decisions she needs to make is where it will take place. Geography is a conscious choice and is often used as a plot device. Sometimes, however, the geographical location of a story can tell a reader more about the author than the story. Continue reading to learn more about geography symbols in literature.

Barack Obama’s 2008 Presidential Campaign

What was Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign like? How did Obama win against all odds? When Barack Obama ran for president, he was an unknown senator from Illinois. Michelle was also worried that America wasn’t ready for a Black president. However, Obama’s 2008 run gained strength due to its massive grassroots campaign. Continue on to learn about Obama’s 2008 campaign.

Mindful Relationships and Radical Acceptance

How can Radical Acceptance help us to improve our mindful relationships with other people? Why is community so important in Buddhism? Although we hear many stories of people who isolate themselves to go on spiritual journeys, humans are social creatures, and our spiritual journey can’t happen in isolation. The Buddha called sangha—community—a treasure of the spiritual path. That’s because communities have strength that individuals lack. Keep reading to learn why mindful relationships and community are important for Radical Acceptance.

Model Minority: Definition and Societal Implications

What is the definition of model minority? Why is the model minority stereotype harmful? The definition of the model minority is contained in the phrase itself: a minority demographic that is deemed to be a model or a reference group that outgroups should aspire to. At first glance, the model minority stereotype may seem innocuous, even positive, but it can have serious negative consequences for the demographic group in question. Keep reading for the definition of model minority.

The Obamas: Moving Out of the White House

Where did the Obama family go after they moved out of the White House? Are they happy to be out or do they miss it? Moving out of the White House was difficult for the Obama family, especially since Malia and Sasha basically grew up there. But it was bittersweet because moving out of the White House also meant regaining their freedom. Continue on to learn how the Obamas dealt with moving out of the White House.

Early Modern English: Major Linguistic Developments

What is Early Modern English? What are the major linguistic developments that took place during this period? The Early Modern English period extends roughly from 1500 to 1800 CE. The major developments during this period were the Great Vowel Shift, the invention of the printing press, and the English spelling reform. It was also the time of William Shakespeare, who made a remarkable contribution to the standardization and exaltation of the English language. Read about the key events and linguistic developments that took place during Early Modern English.

Opportunity Gap: The Existential Unfairness

What is the opportunity gap? What are the main factors that contribute to societal disparities in access to resources and opportunities? The opportunity gap can be defined as unequal access to resources and opportunities due to factors such as race, income, and ability. When we’re talking about it, we’re essentially talking about privilege. If you are privileged, even if you worked hard to get where you are, your success is greater than those who began without those privileges. Read about the opportunity gap and why it’s important to reflect on opportunities and privilege.