The Truth Behind U.S. and Canadian Indigenous Boarding Schools
Content warning: murder, colonialization, genocide, and physical, mental, and sexual abuse In May of 2021, it was announced that over 200 bodies were found in unmarked graves on the property of The Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, Canada or more accurately, on the traditional territory of the Secwepemc. Established in 1890, it was considered one of the largest residential schools in Canada, peaking at 500 students in the 1950s. It was first established as an acculturating Indigenous school. But the school finally closed in 1978.
Bella LeonPublished 21 days ago in The SwampWhy We Owe Pride Month to Transgender People of Color
Pride Month is something I’ve noticed for years when growing up. It was something I was so enamored with and in awe of. Watching my family members who were openly out, celebrating their true selves, made me appreciate the significance of the month even more. However, it wasn’t until years later that my appreciation grew.
Critical Race Theory: A Former Tennessee Teacher Responds to New State Legislation
Critical Race Theory. The latest newly politicized buzzword has become a polarizing topic in politics and education circles across the U.S. Touted by many academics, activists, and professional teachers as a valuable lens through which to analyze legal, political, and historical topics but widely derided by the conservative right as an inaccurate portrayal of history, today I will examine the basics of critical race theory, explain how this method comes into play in K-12 classrooms today, and argue against legislation currently awaiting the governor's signature in my home state of Tennessee.
Lindsey WardenPublished 2 months ago in The Swamp
Can Writers Be Apolitical?
Short answer: no. No, they cannot. Long answer: it's a little more complicated than that. I find discussions of politics to be incredibly fascinating. Maybe it's because I study in a program heavily based on politics and write about current affairs every day. Growing up, I was privy to a phrase that rings in my ears to this day. Three things you never talk about: money, politics and religion. I have to say, even as a child, I thought this was a weird turn of phrase. On the smörgåsbord of interesting conversational topics, why is politics off limit? What about politics triggers our delicate sensibilities and makes such topics untenable?
Laquesha BaileyPublished 2 months ago in The Swamp
''Blackfishing" Is The Modern Day Version Of Blackface
We are living in an age where non-black people are using a modern form of blackface that enables them to get opportunities because of this “Black Aesthetic.” However, black women struggle to get the same opportunities that people who blackfish do.
Petiri IraPublished 2 months ago in The SwampThe One Thing I Love The Most About Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris is a phenomenal woman. She is not only beautiful, inspirational, accomplished, bold and strong, she is also a mover and shaker in her fields of endeavour. Women and little girls from all over the world are in awe and are looking up to her.
15 Minutes
It all started with a tweet...or several. I have always had lots of things to say, even when I didn't have the right words or delivery. My mom saying "That may be true, Tiffany, but you can't just say it like that. The tact you need will come with age," still plays in my head as loudly as your favorite song on the radio. I have developed that tact, but it didn't quiet my voice.
Tiffany FCPublished 2 months ago in The Swamp
Giving a Voice to the True Americans
When native lands were invaded by foreign Europeans in the 1700s, the people who lived upon those areas were quick to take action. Battles were fought; blood was shed. This may sound like the start of a very interesting movie, but as we all know, it is history. Native Americans were driven away from their homes to designated areas the government had “given” to them. Yes, given. After taking their homes and forcing them to walk miles upon miles chained up, they decided compensation would be provided by giving them land. This type of mistreatment was not uncommon back then, and it is not uncommon nowadays, either. Native people are just like you and I. They have the same hopes, dreams, and feelings as you do, but they are still being treated otherwise. That is the issue. The general public wants to believe reservation life is great, but unless you are there, you will never know the struggles the people face every day. Since living conditions, schools systems, and healthcare are severely flawed on reservations, more must be done to finally end the injustice Native Americans receive in the United States..
Dear Donald
Open letters to the President of the United States from the people of the world. Submit your own grievances, praises, and suggestions through Vocal today.
Political Humor
Where political gaffes become comedy fodder.
Dear Theresa
Open letters to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; do it like they do on Downing Street.
The Butt Hurt of Juneteenth
All people of all colors from all over the country came out in droves to celebrate America’s newest recognized holiday. That’s what I wanted the headlines to read anyway.
Nakia DeonPublished about 16 hours ago in The Swamp
Transforming the Political Climate of Our Country Through My Private Member Community
As a political science major in the 1990s, I spent numerous classes arguing with professors and other students and was sure that by the end of each year they’d see things my way. I marveled at the students who debated against me with such fervor, and then would ask me [with a handshake and a smile] to go out for coffee afterwards. I’d still be fuming and thinking, I can’t hang out with those people! I took every issue personally, but they did not. By my junior year, I was burnt out, frustrated, and had changed my major.
Laura JohnsonPublished about 18 hours ago in The SwampJustice Delayed is Justice Denied
Today, I speak to you as an old white man, on the subject of racial justice. There, that intro has cleared out the room. Now, under your seats, you’ll now find a copy of Mein Kampf. Please turn to page 122.
Grant PattersonPublished about 18 hours ago in The Swamp
What Are You Passionate About?
I'm passionate about being a person who is capable of changing the world. My efforts - my business ideas, my ways of making money, I'm able to bring change that is sorely needed. I'm the most passionate about everything I touch. I bring it to my work. People read my articles because I'm interesting and I can't help be interesting. I have many ideas that just might make an impact. Take my nonprofit, which is a way to help abused people with chronic illness escape abusive families only because we do not have dedicated shelters for us.
Iria Vasquez-PaezPublished about 18 hours ago in The Swamp
Freedom is NOT Free!
Freedom is not Free. As told by a fighter in the 60’s Civil Rights Movement Freedom is not free. Many decades ago, I sat my seventeen-year-old body in the streets in front of my college campus. Praying that the moving cars would indeed halt and not crush my young body, I knew I was fighting for freedom. I also knew that there was a risk I had to take to gain this freedom.
Saja Bo StormPublished about 19 hours ago in The Swamp
How To Get Free Money From The Government? - A Complete Guide
There is a process for getting free money from the government. This is not a joke. No, you don’t need to rob a bank. No, you don’t need to find some shady way to get a payday loan. This is about a government program that is specifically designed to help people in need. In this blog post, we will talk about how to get free money from the government.
Best All ReviewPublished about 19 hours ago in The SwampImpeach Bush Now
Even a month ago, I was content to let the electoral system punish President George W. Bush for his incompetence in prosecuting the war in Iraq. Let him deal with more Democrats than he bargained for after the 2006 midterm elections, I thought. That would sufficiently punish him for his failures; anything more would set a dangerous precedent discouraging future presidents from launching big endeavors that might not work.
Muhammad FaheemPublished about 21 hours ago in The Swamp
Public Servant, Private Slave
I’m sold. A sitting member of Congress would be a good thing to own. I could get them to sponsor bills I wanted, vote on ones I agree with, and give me tours of the Capitol so that I might be awed by Federal splendor. They could get one of my children into West Point or Annapolis, but those are just the minor perks. The big deal is the lawmaking.
Stacey RobertsPublished about 22 hours ago in The Swamp
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