The 1917 Immigration Act That Presaged Trump’s Muslim Ban
Prohibitive laws like the 1917 Immigration Act barred many Asians from entering America. Cultural fears still determine who "deserves" to migrate.
How WWI Sparked an Artistic Movement That Transformed Black America
African-American literary works born out of the ashes of World War I went on to spur the bold spirit of resistance of the African-American protest movement.
How to Understand the Resurgence of Eugenics
The extreme right wing has brought the discredited idea of eugenics back into the national conversation. Brave New World and Gattaca offer perspective.
Mathematics is Beautiful (No, Really)
For many people, memories of maths lessons at school are anything but pretty. Yet “beautiful” is a word ...
The Global Jellyfish Crisis in Perspective
Are the increasing jellyfish blooms in our oceans the result of global temperature changes?
Sanctuary Cities Are as Old as The Bible
Sanctuary cities like New York and Los Angeles protect undocumented migrants from deportation. The concept behind them has ancient and religious roots.
Breaking Trail at the Iditarod, Alaska’s 1,000-Mile Dog Sled Race
Each year, Alaska hosts a 1,000-mile-long dog sled race called the Iditarod. Its founder, Joe Redington, Sr., deserves credit for preserving the sport.
How Global Warming Is Threatening Genetic Diversity
The meltwater stonefly, an insect on the leading edge of climate change, is in danger because its frigid mountain habitat is rapidly disappearing.
The Candid Appeal of the Advertising Show Card
A hand-painted show card evokes a certain nostalgia and humanity that machine-made signs can never arouse: It suggests honesty.
What Does Bill Cosby’s Problematic Legacy Mean for Black Colleges?
The Cosbys gave Spelman College, one of America's 107 HBCUs, over $20 million dollars. What does his legacy mean for the future of black colleges?