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 4 months 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 4 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 5 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 5 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 5 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.
IHT Does Another Hatchet Job on American Health Care System
There are plenty of legitimate problems with the American heath care system. Medical insurance companies are bogging doctors down with truckloads of paperwork and ensnaring them in a Gordian knot of red tape.
ankit shakyaPublished about 12 hours ago in The SwampGeneral Milley Crosses the Rubicon
On the 10th of January, 49 BC, Gaius Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River with the army he had led to victory in Gaul. Facing a campaign of politically motivated prosecution in the Roman Senate, Caesar’s choices were bad and worse.
Grant PattersonPublished about 14 hours ago in The SwampCrossroads of Insanity
I set out to write something kind today—I wanted to make a point, but gently. A nudge of persuasion and a sprinkle of controversy. But I realized I was dissembling and dancing around my real concern—which is really more than a ‘concern.’ It is a fear – the sort of fear that you dwell on at midnight when your spouse is asleep, and the world is quiet.
Farah ThompsonPublished about 15 hours ago in The Swamp
False Binaries & Disabled Being
Disability is a popular topic while the world is still wracked by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which previously healthy and able-bodied individuals now grapple with post-infectious chronic conditions that have drastic effects on their lives. In social media spaces where disability and chronic illness are discussed, I continue to encounter a multitude of posts that revolve around whether one "counts" as physically disabled or is "disabled enough" to use certain resources that might improve their health and functioning in everyday life. These social media users typically cite physical symptoms that limit or entirely prevent many of their activities and responsibilities but have been led to believe that these limitations aren't significant due to misconceptions surrounding what qualifies a person as disabled. While this self-doubt may not seem like much on its surface, it comes from and exposes a pattern of ableism and medical neglect that occurs on both a systemic and individual level.
Pretty Social RejectPublished about 15 hours ago in The SwampThe Myth of Canadian Superiority
As a Canadian born long after America’s supposed “Golden Age,” I have grown up with the celebrated notion of Canadian superiority. In school, well-meaning teachers bragged about the inherent multiculturalism of Canada, referencing famous Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s famous Multiculturalism Act when discussing the legacy of racism in the United States. Canada was designated as some sort of shining beacon for anti-racism and inclusion, while the US was its wayward, bigoted neighbour.
Ilana QuinnPublished about 15 hours ago in The Swamp
Portrait of the Artist as a Cancelled Man
A recent news story reported that Bob Dylan, one of my favourite artists, had been accused of grooming an underage girl in the 1960s. This took place shortly after I bought a big framed portrait of him for the wall of my new flat, and reopened a thought process that lots of people go through, I imagine, especially in this so-called "cancel culture" age. And that thought process is, essentially, can you continue to enjoy art made by a troubling artist?
Matty LongPublished about 15 hours ago in The Swamp
Drumbeats of War belong to the U.S.
By Koohan Paik-Mander As a longtime Hawaii resident, I have always scratched my head as to how Grover Cleveland -- the president of the United States – had been so ineffective when it came to foreign policy. His efforts to right the wrong of the unauthorized armed invasion and imprisonment of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 fell woefully short. Corporate and military forces influenced Congress to undermine the president and successfully orchestrate the overthrow of the sovereign nation of Hawaii.
The Great Escape From Slavery Pt. 1
Written with the utmost respect & in loving memory of grammy, Ms. P, "Big Madea", who forever changed my mind and my life. I love you. 1921- 2004 <3
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