humanity
For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.
Am I a Bigot?
It has been 16 years since that horrific day. Sixteen years have passed and so have 3,000+ people. Yes, it was just over a decade and a half since four planes were hijacked and used as weapons against the citizenry of the United States. The first two planes hit both towers of the World Trade Center here in NYC. Another hit the Pentagon in Washington, DC. The final plane was intentionally crashed in an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Many people naturally fled the areas fearing more attacks while a brave few ran toward the crash sites in the hopes of rescuing as many people as they could. Many, unfortunately, perished in what had to be the worst attack since Pearl Harbor and, without question, the worst attack in my lifetime.
Maurice BernierPublished 7 years ago in HumansWhere Were You When September 11 Happened?
I know I'm certainly not unique when I say I was stunned beyond belief when the September 11 attacks occurred. I remember, at the very least, the way that day started. September 11, 2001 marked the early stages of a new job for me and, for once, my husband and I were able to spend a little time together prior to our respective departures for work. At the time, he was with the Canadian military and I was teaching English and French to military personnel and their spouses. I was also really into watching Live With Regis and Kelly, largely because who doesn't need a good laugh in the morning?
Christina St-JeanPublished 7 years ago in HumansBeing an Introvert
I don't know if it's just me, but it seems in today's world that the way to make new friends is via work, your current friends, bf/gf, or maybe volunteering. Personally, I have never seen a small group of people see someone alone and invite that person into their little group. I just don't think that happens anymore, if it ever really did. For me, I made one or two friends in school, then maybe they introduced me to more people, or it was just a couple of us and then other groups. Once I had to just start hanging out with a group of people and not leave. Of course, they thought I was weird but I had people to eat lunch with every day. Now that school is over for me, I retained very few close friends. And some family members say to "go out and meet people." But, I’m not sure where to do that? My only idea is either volunteering or joining a book club. Something that doesn’t cost any money. And to be totally honest, I probably should do some volunteer work regardless of whether it brings me new friends. It’s good karma and a chance to help out. But aside from volunteering, and maybe a book club. How do introverts/shy people make more friends these days?
Moonlit Sky.Published 7 years ago in HumansNo Hate (In the Rink)
In the year of 2017 we have seen many beautiful things; we saw an amazing eclipse that will not be witnessed for another 4 years, and we have also seen incredible acts of kindness in the midst of distress and disaster (as seen with Hurricane Harvey in Texas). Unfortunately while we have seen immensely kind acts we have seen tragedy; in this year we have seen much hate, much discrimination, and much violence. When will the hate end? Maybe it will never truly end, but maybe it will. Maybe slowly this world is turning and we can finally find hope again. Every so often I get glimmers of hope that humanity is heading in a positive direction (towards the road of love, peace and acceptance), and when I do, I will take that glimpse and I will refuse to let go of the light that it brings into my heart and soul.
Jordan Sophia ThomasPublished 7 years ago in HumansHurricane Harvey Heroes Step In to Save Precious Memento
To most people, Elsa, the princess from the Disney movie Frozen, is just another memorable character in an animated movie. For Maya Sacks, age 6, and for her mom, Julie, she represented hope for a future in the home they loved, and the return of normalcy to their lives.
Arlene Nisson LassinPublished 7 years ago in HumansBiology and Bias
I just read an eloquent article in Nature (a premiere science journal) in which the author discusses our need to become aware of our own biases in order to overcome them. Of course, this is true and critical. That said, there is truth in the premise that bias in built into our biology. Some of the evidence is overtly obvious, if you are five feet tall the chances of being a top tier professional basketball player are small to none hence coaches in college will exclude you because their goal is to win, not to make you feel good about yourself. Then there are much more subtle biases, many impacted (profoundly) by nurture (environment) but, as always, nurture acts upon, and responds to, the code that defines a living system, namely, nature (your DNA).
Eric HendersonPublished 7 years ago in HumansTexas Strong
While most of the world knows of the state of Texas, we are a proud state, but what people don't understand is what it means to be a Texan. In light of hurricane Harvey, I've never been more proud to share of my people or the place I grew up.
Kiarra PiersonPublished 7 years ago in HumansThe Empath and the Narcissist
I am currently learning how to value and protect my own mental health. There are many types of people in the world. I am an empath. This means that I absorb and often physically feel the feelings of those around me and those I am connected to.
Jasmine FlowerPublished 7 years ago in HumansWater Aid
It was the hottest day of the year so far. Sweltering. It was one of those days where you can feel the air resting on your shoulders and the sun burning the skin on your cheeks. I remember feeling like it would never be so hot again, or quite as dry. The searing heat cut through my body, scorching me, and my throat felt coarse due to lack of water.
Emily DurstonPublished 7 years ago in HumansWhat It’s Like to Date When You Have Lupus
People have asked me updates after my first story on Lupus in 2014. I detailed an encounter on how was I faced with Lupus watching my mother suffer from the disease for 14 years of my life before she passed away at home from a heart attack.
Chenelle CovinPublished 7 years ago in HumansPush or Pull
You brush shoulders with someone as you pass each other in the street. You have no idea who that person is or where they have been and you cannot possibly know what is going on in their head. They are fighting a battle you know nothing about.
Growth
I grew up in a small town, down the road from a brook, and a few miles from an abandoned farm. It is a place with its beauties, its quirks, and its little secrets. There are trees that appear to grow into the clouds, rivers that sing lullabies as you pass, and stories of vampires that run rampant in school hallways and around campsites at night. Like I said, beauties and quirks.
Katrina ThornleyPublished 7 years ago in Humans