Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
The Trump Cultural Revolution
Bryce on Politics: Click for audio version. When I hear the vicious political discourse and boisterous hyperbole of today, it suggests to me the country is embroiled in a cultural revolution the likes of which we haven't seen since before the Civil War. One of the basic precepts regarding culture is, in order for a person to function and succeed, he/she must learn to conform to the culture or face rejection. Enter the ultimate outsider to our federal government, Donald Trump, a businessman who has never held political office. It is the very fact he was an outsider that propelled him to the Presidency. After all, people had grown weary of "business as usual" in the nation's capitol by both Republicans and Democrats, and were ready for a change.
Wright Political Couple
Mr Wright had considered himself an important member of the party. Among many of his peers, he saw Margaret Thatcher as a Goddess—a true dominatrix. As a boy, he had a postcard of Winston Churchill, who he considered the greatest politician who ever lived. Taking what seemed to be another week of annual leave, he was sworn in by the prime minister to attend another one of those meetings regarding Brexit. Like in the last few letters, Mrs May insisted that the fate of the world depended on it. And like the last one, it ended up as a practice run for Strictly Come Dancing.
Chloe GilholyPublished 5 years ago in The SwampAppearance Matters More Than Reality
Appearance is now more important than reality. What we see, has more influence that truth. Examine the power of advertising and ask why are pure white teeth considered not only desirable but healthy and “good?” It is because advertisers, whilst in a campaign to sell toothpaste and dental equipment. (A campaign where the objective is to generate sales and make money,) have convinced us this is so. Dentists like to further this since they make more money from cosmetic dental work than from dealing with diseased teeth.
Peter RosePublished 5 years ago in The SwampThe Hillary Effect
Donald Trump lost the popular vote to her. Democrats once saw her as their messiah that would help them retain power and keep the White House under their control. Many have called her the most qualified person to ever run for the office of President. Her name is Hillary Clinton, and the group of Democratic Presidential hopefuls are either trying to tie themselves to her legacy or get as far away from a tarnished last name as possible.
Edward AndersonPublished 5 years ago in The SwampThe Two-Spirits of Montana
In Montana’s pre-Columbian history, there was a tradition of young boys and girls realizing that they were two-spirit and entering a new style of life which they felt better represented them. The two-spirit are a third gender with a variety of names, two-spirit being a modern pan-Indian term to replace the problematic previous anthropological term berdache, which derives from the Arabic word for eunuch slaves, which obviously carries an offensive connotation to the two-spirit. Two-spirit individuals would be born one gender, and once they realized their true nature, they would take up some or all of the responsibilities of the opposite gender. This meant that two-spirit would inhabit interesting and often important roles within their tribe. Unfortunately, as Western powers encroached on Native lands, they were disgusted by the two-spirit and repressed them, arresting them with little cause, writing poorly of them—often lying—and teaching the children of Native tribes that two-spirit were immoral. This repression caused a decline in two-spirit numbers, and many tribes lost their two-spirit community entirely. However, in the modern era there has been a resurgence of two-spirit individuals who are attempting to do activism in order to gain (or regain) acceptance, both in Native and non-Native communities.
History RoundtablePublished 5 years ago in The SwampDairy Industries at a Glance
Vegan. This more modern and ethical way of eating has grown and continues to grow throughout the years, creating a movement stating, and protecting the rights of the species that are a part of many diets.
Madison PagePublished 5 years ago in The SwampHow Do You Solve a Problem like Public History?
What with all the recent controversies surrounding "white supremacists" statues, we, as the public, are beginning to participate in the public vs academic history debate: a debate which affects many sectors of life from GCSE education to politics to media to the heritage sector. The crux of it is: the public does not want to hear about the nastiness of the past.
Elisabeth MillardPublished 5 years ago in The SwampIf You 'Don't See Color,' You Are Racist
Yes, I said it. Refusing to acknowledge the cultural differences and uniqueness of another ethnicity, background and history is disrespectful to them and their culture. The sentiment is often heard in retaliation to sensitive discussions regarding race, and is seen by non-marginalised folk as a way out of difficult conversations. An excuse for their inadvertent racist comments. "I have a black friend, so it’s okay." Is it really? Do you think your singular black friend approves of your disrespect to their identity?
Mary PisasalePublished 5 years ago in The SwampOpen Letter to Peta
Dear PETA, This is an open letter to your organisation regarding your actions and hypocrisy over the years. There is plenty that others have said about you, but it's time someone spoke to you directly and in public. There are a lot of things you need to address and as a big organisation with millions of supporters, you should know better.
Chloe GilholyPublished 5 years ago in The SwampFascinating Books About American Politicians
In the two-century history of American democracy, there have been many influential and pivotal political actors that forever changed the course and narrative of American politics, sometimes in a positive manner, though often in ways far more complex. From Abraham Lincoln to Franklin D. Roosevelt, many presidents and other holders of political offices have used their power and influence to make profound change, for better or worse.
Fred Eugene ParkPublished 5 years ago in The SwampThe Independent Group: How It Splits the Left
This week has seen a handful of UK Members of Parliament leaving the independent centralist group. Eight MPs have parted ways with their parties in what can be described as a protest, the way in which their parties and the government as a whole are conducting themselves. It is also an act that highlights the level of deficiency of the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn, and it is only going to weaken the party.
Patrick HollisPublished 5 years ago in The SwampWhy Don't We Warm to Meghan?
I love the Royal family, always have. I love hearing news of a Royal wedding, or a Royal baby. I love the Queen, she has done her role to perfection. I feel tremendously proud to have such a great ruling monarch. Her achievements are incredible.
Hayley DodwellPublished 5 years ago in The Swamp