activism
Grassroots campaigns have proven instrumental in bringing about political, social or environmental change; you've got to start somewhere-might as well start here.
Black Lives Matter
Many have heard the chants of angered frustration from the activists of Black Lives Matter. This movement garnered international recognition in the summer of 2020 in response to the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The social and political movement known as Black Lives Matter (BLM) advocates against all racially motivated crimes against black people. The movement began with a simple hashtag (#BlackLivesMatter) following George Zimmerman's vindication in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Since then the movement became nationally recognised for shining a spotlight on the cracks of the criminal justice system towards African Americans. Specifically, the deaths caused by police brutality.
Keira BrownPublished 3 years ago in The SwampIn Defence of Greta: Why We Have to Stop Ignoring Reason
"It has been proven that Greta Thunberg is making a real difference to climate change . Every time she comes on the TV approximately 1 million people switch it off." Unknown.
Christopher DonovanPublished 3 years ago in The SwampI Voted for Biden; it's not enough
2020 has been a big year for the Black Lives Matter movement, but not for any reasons worth celebrating. In March, Breonna Taylor was shot dead in her own home during a botched raid. In May, George Floyd was killed by a police officer who knelt on his neck for over 8 minutes despite cries that he could not breathe. These are only two of many instances of police brutality and violence in the US this year.
The Lost Art of Thoughtful Debate
When facing a rival thought or opinion, do you ever consider the fact that the person to whom you are opposed may feel or believe as strongly about their side of the argument as you do?
Theresa NoelPublished 3 years ago in The SwampThe Payday Predator's Pal
Donald Trump loves loan sharks. This should come as no surprise. After all, this is the same guy who couldn't make money in the casino business and saw his Atlantic City Taj Mahal fail. What's worse, contractors and union workers in that deal were left with no money after Trump refused to pay the bill.
Plastic or Planet
Most seahorses weigh just half a pound, too light to keep from drifting in the oceans current. In the ocean the cling to seaweed or coral to anchor themselves in a place they call home. What happens though when home disappears?
Kate EmersonPublished 3 years ago in The SwampWhite Nationalism
Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. White Nationalism is a political view that the white race is superior to other races and a white national image should be upheld. White Nationalist groups include Neo Nazis, The Ku Klux Klan, anti-immigrant groups, Skinheads, and Alt-Right activists. Not all, but many of these groups and many in these groups commit what are known as hate crimes. Hate crimes are crimes motivated by racial, sexual, or other prejudice, usually involving violence. Hate speech is used by everyone in these groups to express their distaste for those who do not look like them. Even though it is not expressly stated in the name, many white nationalists also tend to be sexist and discriminatory to people in the LGBT community. White Nationalists are not frequently called, but are by definition, terrorists with the political goal of eliminating non white immigration and oppressing non whites through laws and fear. White Nationalism is possibly the greatest threat facing America today.
Ace MagnoliaPublished 4 years ago in The SwampPiecing Together a Broken Society
Imagine you’re sitting on your couch, binge watching Netflix, and a tornado spawns on your area rug. You’d convince yourself you were seeing things, until the turbulent winds picked you up, couch and all, and tossed you skywards. You’d probably grip the couch for dear life, do your best to dodge the flying tchotchkes, and wait out this weird, unpredictable storm.
Jennifer BlackPublished 4 years ago in The SwampThe Night That Was Too Much
I was involved with the Black Liberation Movement/Black Live Matter movement in Des Moines, Iowa. Shit hit the fan on June 22nd, 2020.
Charles AhlgrenPublished 4 years ago in The SwampElect Yourself.
Leading up to the election, 95% of my email inbox has been full of dramatic panic messages from various elected officials and their endorsed political hopefuls needing donations tonight or risk losing the entire election.
Wowing 20s
The Wowing 20s By: Call Me. Ishmael Oct 23, 2020 The year 2020 will go down in history as a time that most would say “ The world is ending!”
Call Me. IshmaelPublished 4 years ago in The SwampWhat's happening in Africa?
TRIGGER WARNING: This post includes discussions of rape, sexual assault and sexual violence. Africa is a beautiful continent and to see it in such havoc breaks my heart. It's such a shame to see such a beautiful continent have to deal with the worst, ugliest, corrupt government there is. Africa needs justice.