Society Archives

2024 East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Updates

Two members of the Ohio National Guard wearing hazmat suits after the East Palestine train derailment

Looking for East Palestine, Ohio train derailment updates? How are the cleanup efforts going? How was the local community affected? A year after a catastrophic train derailment in Ohio led to a massive chemical spill, clean-up efforts are nearing conclusion—but health concerns linger. While government officials assert that the environment is safe, some East Palestine residents remain concerned. Below is a look at the steps that have been taken to manage the derailment fallout and a look at the regulatory actions that have been implemented since.

The Black Power and Civil Rights Movements (Howard Zinn)

People assemble during the Black Power and Civil Rights movements in Washington DC

How did the Civil Rights Movement differ from the Black Power Movement? How did violent white supremacist suppression impact the progress and goals of both movements? In A People’s History of the United States, historian Howard Zinn explores the Black Power and Civil Rights movements. He highlights their distinct approaches to achieving racial equality amid systemic oppression and violent white supremacist backlash. Keep reading to learn about the Black Power and Civil Rights movements in America.

The 2023 Bad Friends Podcast Halloween Episode: Recap

How did the Bad Friends podcast celebrate Halloween? What are the hosts’ outlook on the spooky holiday? The Bad Friends podcast Halloween episode was an exciting time for both the crew and fans. Not only did they reminisce about their childhood memories of the holiday, but the crew also had fun playing a harmless prank on the hosts. Read below for a brief overview of the “Unspooky Halloween” episode of Bad Friends.

20th-Century Social Movements in America (Howard Zinn)

Silhouette of people holding hands in front of a huge American flag represents 20th-century social movements

How did the Second Red Scare impact the American labor movement? In what ways did the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement try to achieve racial equality in America? Howard Zinn explores 20th-century social movements in America from “the people’s” perspective. These movements, marked by defiance against oppression and systemic discrimination, exposed the complexities and challenges faced in the quest for societal change and equality. Continue reading for Zinn’s take on this history from his book A People’s History of the United States.

A People’s History of America in the 20th Century (Howard Zinn)

A United States map incorporating depictions of key aspects of the history of America in the 20th century

What does America in the 20th century look like from “the people’s” perspective? What were the aims of the elites, and how did they seek to achieve them? Howard Zinn provides a “people’s history” of America in the 20th century. He covers the labor movement, the Great Depression and the New Deal, New Imperialism, the World Wars, the Cold War, and significant social movements. Read more to get Zinn’s take on America in the 20th century.

Theo Von & Jordan Peterson Discuss Free Speech, AI, and More

Jordan Peterson speaks with attendees at the 2018 Young Women's Leadership Summit hosted by Turning Point USA in Dallas

What does Jordan Peterson think about Canadian society, emerging technology, and education? What’s a conversation between him and Theo Von like? In an episode of This Past Weekend with Theo Von, Jordan Peterson delved into a captivating exploration of pressing issues shaping our world. He navigated diverse concerns such as free speech, climate change, digital ethics, and personal growth—offering insightful perspectives and engaging dialogue. Continue reading for a summary of the podcast episode.

Gun Rights: The Supreme Court Tests Its Own Limits on Guns

Exterior of the United States Supreme Court building in Washington DC

How should the Second Amendment be interpreted in the 21st century? Should historical precedent inform legislation today? The Daily podcast took on the controversial topic of gun rights. Supreme Court justices and legal experts discussed how the Second Amendment should be interpreted today. Host Sabrina Tavernise led a deep dive into a momentous case holding significant implications for America’s gun rights landscape. Continue reading for a summary of the episode—along with context, alternative perspectives, and recommendations for related reading.

A People’s History of Modern America: A Time of Consensus

An American flag flying over a field of flags, an obelisk, and the coastline illustrates the history of modern America

How did control by the elites and a unified political agenda shape America after the 1960s? In what ways were corporations and the security state favored over the disenfranchised? In A People’s History of the United States, Howard Zinn explores America’s post-’60s political climate. He emphasizes elite control, a unified political agenda, and impacts on domestic and international policies. Keep reading to get a “people’s” history of modern America, from 1974 to 2001.

Jordan Peterson: Free Speech Is Under Attack

Jordan Peterson speaks at the 2018 Student Action Summit in West Palm Beach, Florida

Do you really have freedom of speech? Do you feel like you can fully express your views privately or online? What has Jordan Peterson’s experience been? According to Jordan Peterson, free speech is at great risk. Peterson and podcast host Theo Von engaged in a stimulating conversation on This Past Weekend. They talked about compelled speech legislation in Canada, speech on the internet, and AI deepfakes. Read more for a summary of this conversation, along with some context and recommendations for related reading.

How AI Chatbots Are Changing the Future of Communication

A man talking to an AI chatbot in a depiction of the future of communication

What are the pros and cons of using AI chatbots? Are chatbots like ChatGPT the future of communication? How are chatbots changing how we connect with other humans? The growing prevalence and sophistication of chatbots is reshaping human language, communication, and relationships. As people interact with increasingly human-like chatbots, their conversations with humans could turn more transactional, diluting their ability to empathize and build rapport. Continue reading for a look at chatbots’ effects on communication and the potential risks.