Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
Nationalism or Patriotism?
During many conversations on the United States and its problems, I hear the phrase "I'm not a nationalist, but I am a patriot." This phrase has inspired me to write on whether there is any appreciable difference between the two. As a student of the humanities, I'm down to debate useful definitions of nationalism, the meanings of particular words and their contextual or colloquial definitions. However, when I come across the words nationalism and patriotism, I find them to be rather similar. Is there any healthy difference between nationalism and patriotism? Does support for your country make you a patriot? Does any support for your country make you a patriot, or does it require a gradient? What fraction of supportiveness do we require for nationalism? What fraction of supportiveness do we require for patriotism?
Ellen HowellPublished 5 years ago in The SwampGuns in America
After the latest massacre here in America, I feel it is time for yet another piece on my feelings. Yes, this time it was not in a synagogue, like my first article about this controversial topic, but I cannot help but think that perhaps Private First Class Glendon Oakley could still feel like a normal soldier, instead of being praised as a hero just for doing his job and what he was trained for. It is hard not to say that Oakley isn't a hero, he is, but he did what I would hope any kind human being would do. He protected innocent lives, children, the future of our world, the ones who we hope can make this world better.
Erika FarrahPublished 5 years ago in The SwampAll Bandaids and No Solutions
(VLOG posted at the bottom for those who prefer to watch and listen rather than read.) Not a single soul should be forced to do anything in life that isn't fueled by their dreams and doesn't fill them with meaningful purpose at the deepest level.
Eric DurlandPublished 5 years ago in The SwampExamining the Modern Distrust of Science in the US
Throughout history, science has always pushed the boundary of public belief. Thankfully we have moved past the days where scientists were killed for fear of them being users of dark magic. Through general acceptance and applications of science we were able to prove its usefulness and have made great strides in our knowledge of the world around us. However, we may be moving back to the time where science is misunderstood as something bad.
The Coffee GhostPublished 5 years ago in The SwampThe Black Cowboys: Melanin Metamorphosis
Early American Western Cowboys descended from a blend of Spaniards, Criollos, and Native Americans. The Wild West was wide open and people from all over were pouring in while the getting was good to stake new homes and fortunes. This was the initial mixing of the so called Melting Pot; Go West Young Man!
PAT CHANEYPublished 5 years ago in The SwampThe Normalization of Extreme Violence
Extremism and all the other -isms that exist out there are not usually pretty things. They instigate us, embroil us, and fuel us with unhealthy emotions: for most of us, rage (at the idiocy of the fundamental ideal) and sadness mixed in with a little bit of fear (would be classified as the healthy response, by most psychologists).
Elric PankstonPublished 5 years ago in The SwampThe Heroism Resulting from the El Paso Walmart Shooting
These are some very dark times indeed for El Paso, Texas, and our thoughts and prayers definitely go out to all who have been affected by the shooting at the Walmart there. We could discuss the shooter, and we could discuss his motives, but above all else, the man is a coward for killing 20 innocent lives and injuring many more. We probably shouldn't give this man the notoriety he craves for this terrible act. On the other hand, one of the things we could also discuss would be the acts of heroism we saw during this horrific incident. Here are some examples of how the human spirit cannot be quashed even in the most difficult of times:
Vaden ChandlerPublished 5 years ago in The SwampStand, and Be True
TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of gun violence, concentration camps, mental illness, sexual assault, torture, inhumane conditions.
Paige GraffunderPublished 5 years ago in The SwampPolitical Fear - Let's Be Honest!
Honestly, where do we even begin? There's been a weight of fear and sadness that overcame me, and what seems to be the rest of the world. Rather or not you want to believe that social media has a part in this is up to you, and not something I want to debate about. However, I do want to talk about what we see through every platform.
Danii BarraganPublished 5 years ago in The SwampThe Correlation Between Gun Laws and Gun Violence
Sutherland Springs, Texas is about forty minutes away from my house. For most of my life, I hadn’t even heard of it. It’s not a very large town. However, after November 5th, 2017, when 26-year old Devin Kelley shot and killed 26 people at Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church, the town gained publicity. This event became the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history (Ahmed). For me, this tragedy was different. It wasn’t in some far off state like New York. I had some friends who knew people in Sutherland Springs. Never before had I been so close to an event so devastating. It’s because that church, could’ve been my church that the issue of gun violence has became the utmost importance to me. Thus, the question must be examined, what is the relationship between gun laws and gun violence?
Antonio FloresPublished 5 years ago in The SwampGeorgia’s Case with Russia Proves That Words Can Cut Deep in International Relations
The Republic of Georgia and Russia’s relationships have been tense ever since the 90s after the two countries fought a quick war in Abkhazia and then another one in 2008 in South Ossetia.
Giorgi MikhelidzePublished 5 years ago in The SwampJinger Duggar Is Not Free, and Her Husband Is Dangerous
Over a decade ago, Jinger Duggar’s father and mother, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, propped themselves up as the paragon of conservative Christian parents by showcasing their family’s sheltered lifestyle on TV. It was the perfect medium to sell their specific brand of fundamentalist Christianity to the masses: they got to decide which aspects of their lives were filmed, and editing could be used to cut out anything they didn’t want their viewers to see.
Treva BowdoinPublished 5 years ago in The Swamp