Civility Won’t End Racism
History shows that our cultural insistence on civility has maintained White superiority.
YES! Article archive
Opinion
Enunciating Power: Amanda Gorman and My Battle to Claim My Voice
“As I later listened to Gorman talk about all she’s overcome, I thought about the power of mastering language, especially those languages that stubbornly push us to their margins.”
Addressing Anti-Asian Attacks With Transformative Justice
As attacks on Asian communities rise, so must understanding and solidarity between Asian and Black communities to challenge the real enemy, White supremacy.
Ah, Sweet Normalcy: Obstruction and Dysfunction
Initial progress in Biden’s first weeks may be overshadowed by rising obstructionism, and timidity in his own party.
A Tale of Two Insurrections
In the wake of an insurrection, reconstruction has always been an optimistic act of rebuilding, reimagining, and recreating our country.
It’s a Sign: How to Keep Climate Communications Compelling
“Minimum Viable Planet” is a weeklyish commentary about climateish stuff, and how to keep it together in a world gone mad. This week, on benign visual interventions in physical space.
The Origin of Black History Month—and Why It Still Matters
While the roots of Black History Month began 94 years ago, there is still much inspiration and guidance to be gleaned from the past, says the Secretary of the Smithsonian.
Water Protectors Hold Their Ground in Wild Rice Country
A report from occupied Palisade, where Water Protectors confront a dying, but still deadly, energy behemoth.
Biden Can’t Heal America By Himself. Here’s How to Help
Conversations across the lines of race, class, politics, and religion can have a transformative impact on a community.
What the Inauguration Meant to Me, as an Abuse Survivor
I was unexpectedly emotional watching the Biden-Harris inauguration. Then I remembered the last time I felt so bowled over by basic decency.
What Will It Take to “Build Back Better”?
We’re in a time of global and national crises. President Biden must rise to the task.
Unity Is Impossible Without Accountability
President Biden’s inaugural address focused on bringing the nation together. But that won’t happen if “unity” means we revert to the way things used to be.
The Year of Good Trouble
“Minimum Viable Planet” is a weeklyish commentary about climateish stuff, and how to keep it together in a world gone mad.
The Capitol Insurrection and White Supremacist Infiltration of US Police
There is a long history of racism in U.S. policing. For all Americans to be truly safe, it is important to weed out White supremacy, especially in the institution sworn to protect us all.
This Insurrection Demands Justice
We can’t afford to wait 13 days until Trump is gone. The time to act is now.
This Is America
This country was founded on violence and desecration. If you want it to be better, prove it.
There Are Better Ways to Educate a Child
The pandemic is traumatizing students. It must be a wakeup call for us to change how we educate.
Why I Gave Away My Salary During the Pandemic
It wasn’t philanthropy. It was an investment in a marginally more livable world for us and our child.
2020 Has Shown Us the Way Forward
As you spend time at the end of this year reflecting and setting goals for 2021, here’s one to consider.
All Families Have Conflict. Here’s How to Repair It
With many families spending more time together now, there are ample opportunities for tension and hurt feelings. But these moments also offer invitations to reconnect.
Let’s Call Environmentalism What It Is
We should be thinking less about keeping a clear conscience and more about striving toward a mutualistic relationship with the rest of the earth.
Georgia Is Our Future—and That’s a Good Thing
Georgia’s political shift could be an early sign of the whole country's shift toward equality and justice.
Biden Won. Now Comes the Hard Part
The electoral college has affirmed Biden’s election. But he’s inheriting a country in crisis that will test his administration in a way we haven’t seen since the Civil War.
Should This Article Be Trusted?
On the importance of teaching critical media literacy.
Yay, You! On the Necessity of Lockdown Cheer
We all deserve to be celebrated for making it through today.
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