Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in The Swamp.
Dear America...
I have always been so incredibly proud to be an American, where at least, I knew I was free. But something has happened to my beloved country.
Deia De MarcoPublished 6 years ago in The SwampInternational Interference in American Elections
International interference in domestic elections. In the media, there are claims that the United States of America is accusing Russia of “tampering” with their (U.S.) election. To a Brit in England, this seems a pointless raising of contention, and makes me consider whether President Trump or his enemies, have an ulterior motive.
Peter RosePublished 6 years ago in The SwampHear the Echo
It happened again and we are not surprised. It is a strange time to be alive. We have access to so much information all the time; we are bombarded with it daily, if we allow ourselves to be. I find myself riding the waves through the stages of grief every time. Splash, I am angry. Splash, I am looking for someone to blame. Splash, I am numb. Splash, angry again. No, I did not know anyone that was killed in this shooting, but why does that matter? When tragedy strikes, I feel it as though it has happened to me. It is not hard to connect to the terror, the loss, and pain. Having profound empathy is my ever-present gift and curse.
Jennifer TranPublished 6 years ago in The SwampStill The Carnage Continues
History is ripe with incidents that reoccur most times through different scenarios but tragically so much of the outcomes remain the same. We are living in an age where we have yet to learn from our mistakes of the past so as not to repeat them in the future. It was in the Capone era in Chicago when the infamous St. Valentines Day massacre occurred. The movie of the same name tried to glamorize the horrific violence that took place that day. So much of Hollywood has succeeded in profiting from movies that showcase mayhem, death, and destruction. Still guided by profits and nothing more they continue to pump out those types of movies. Our society today seems we can't get enough of the shock and aw. It shows with the ticket sales that make millions for the movie studios.
Dr. WilliamsPublished 6 years ago in The SwampThe Real Problem Behind Gun Control Debates
Introduction A massive amount of gun control debates have risen in the wake of the recent Florida school shooting that claimed 17 victims. With each mass shooting that has come to pass, there has always been fiery debate on both sides, and yet no change has come. This is mainly due to misinformation and the vehemency of the partisan divide. I will speak on these obstacles by providing insight into gun control statistics and brainstorming potential compromises that can better secure the people of the nation so that these tragedies no longer dictate normalcy in the nation.
Jordan ShannonPublished 6 years ago in The Swamp'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas: Book Review
The Hate U Give is a novel written by Angie Thomas. Her novel focuses on the problems of today dealing with police shootings and #BlackLivesMatter. The main character, Star, witnesses her best friend, Khalil, shot by a police officer after being pulled over by the officer. Khalil died in Stars arms and she was traumatized after witnessing this tragedy. The novel shows how much her life changes after the tragedy and what others around her go through as well. It also shows how her community changes after the death of Khalil.
Anaya ChambersPublished 6 years ago in The SwampFinesse Black History Month Remix
Black History Month is such a big deal, especially in our generation where we have a President who is racist, sexist and really does not care about anyone except himself. Hundreds of innocent black people are killed by police and rarely do police ever suffer the consequences for their actions. Martin Luther King is celebrated in January because of his birthday, but all of our African Americans should be celebrated for the sacrifices they made in order for minorities to have their own voice. Mississippi is still one of the most racist territories of our nation. Interracial marriage was illegal until 1990! That is 28 years ago! I was watching Chris Rock's new Netflix special and he was sharing his experience while visiting Mississippi, as a famous Black comedian, he was scared to be in the environment. We have young black men scared to drive, scared to wear a hoodie, scared to speak because of the pattern of chaos and lost black persons at the hands of police. I am not saying all police are bad. I understand how hard that career is, risking your life every day to protect the innocent and attempt to keep the bad people off the streets. In the day and age of our current terrorism, it has been white men, white men, white men, white men shooting up schools, churches, concerts, movie theaters. Black people ARE not doing this, and that is why I am so perplexed about how in 2018 people can still be so racist and judging of other cultures. Has anyone told Trump that all these terrorists are not Muslim? So many people are hurting from all the misery our country has seen, and those people who are going out and killing others—it is because they do not how to handle difficult situations. Art is healing and that is why so many artists choose to make awareness through it versus violence. Jennifer Lopez and Lin Manuel Miranda made an exceptional music video to support the residents of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria knocked out all the electricity of the island, leaving people dying of cholera, with no food or water, nothing to help, and our President goes on golf trip after golf trip. Yes it is black history month, but we need to be aware that racism is still here. Afro Latinos have had the same circumstances. In the Dominican Republic, President Trujillo wanted all the BLACK Dominicans killed. Hitler was the not the only one interested in genocide. Everyone knows what Hitler did, how many know about Trujillo? That is the whole purpose of writing and singing poems to share with the world what they should know; our past can predict our future. If I was raised in those times, I would not have been able to play with white girls. I would not be able to marry a white man. I am grateful to be living in the age where discrimination is illegal but it's still such a tender thing and so hard to talk about. So support our young black youth and let them know they are special and it's not their fault that some people will never accept them for who they are.
Ananda Malave- ReyesPublished 6 years ago in The SwampGentrification: My Take
Gentrification has affected almost all people of all ethnic backgrounds in the United States. The most popular to date has been in the hispanic communities located in Los Angeles, California. Gentrification is a very controversial topic in 2017-18 due to the recent changing of areas such as Echo Park, Highland Park, and now Boyle Heights. Although gentrification is an action with good intentions, it is also one being frowned upon. The uprising of gentrification has caused lots of tension between people in communities affected by gentrification. This action has forced many people to move out of their apartments or sell their homes because they cannot afford to pay for the now expensive rent. This has created lots of division and conflict in the communities of certain areas and the people around them.
Alí GonzálezPublished 6 years ago in The SwampWhen Are Things Going to Change?!
Alyssa Alhadeff, 14 Scott Beigel, 35 Martin Duque Anguiano, 14 Nicholas Dworet, 17 Aaron Feis, 37 Jaime Guttenberg, 14
Kate BennettPublished 6 years ago in The SwampWhy Trump Is the Best Thing to Happen to Me, a DACA Recipient
Before you label me a Tio Tomas (Spanish Uncle Tom), you must read my reasoning. My parents made the decision to immigrate to the United States after my father lost everything. He worked for el PRI as a civil engineer and we had a middle class life. He was able to get a visa and then sneak me and my siblings into this country. I was seven at the time. My mother was forced to walk through the desert for several days, but that is another story.
Gun Control
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Mary CaitlynPublished 6 years ago in The SwampArt Analysis from an Art Student
When I reminisce about the years of 2008-2016, I realized that a lot of events happened. Movie stars, writers, artists came and went. I narrowed it down to events in my own life that happened. I graduated high school, I graduated my undergrad, and I became a graduate in that time. Romances for me were discovered and I lost many. I gained more strength in my artwork and my writing.