Top Stories
Stories in The Swamp that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
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 2 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 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 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..
The Deadly Power of Words
Words have incredible power, especially when they are repeated and digested as truth. No, you can't shoot or stab someone with words, but they are tools on the continuum of violence.
The Royals Are About To Have A Long Overdue Reckoning On Race.
Just as Martin Bashir's interview with Diana, the princess of wales in 1995, cast Prince of Wales in a wholly negative light regarding his extramarital affairs and his emotional absence, Oprah Winfrey's interview with the Sussexes is threatening to rock the centuries-old institution of the monarchy to its very core.
Adebayo AdeniranPublished 5 months ago in The Swamp
Dear Future Senator AOC
Dear Representative Ocasio-Cortez: I fully believe that you will be a New York Senator in the near future. I cannot wait to march as many souls to the polls to vote for you and your progressive agenda. You are going to be an amazing representative of all New Yorkers.
Barbara ForcePublished 5 months ago in The SwampStay Alive
Slender fingers of amber light poke through the window display, politely illuminating the shop interior. He looks up from his paperwork. Moving shadows from the street randomly interrupt the sun’s rays. On days like this, as his focus shifts from desktop to window, he easily imagines himself a lone figure at the centre of a zoetrope; the world beyond the plate glass flashing past: slowly coagulating into one coherent image.
Lann NiziblianPublished 6 months ago in The Swamp
