Environmental Injustice
Earlier this week, our nation celebrated the memory of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For many, Monday was a day to consider race relations in our country today, and how they have changed (or not) since Dr. King’s time. One issue that is still linked to racial inequality today is housing. Where […]
Bullying, LGBTQ Youth, and the Law
Bullying is a major problem in schools today. And it’s even worse for the LGBTQ community. Statistics show that LGBTQ youth are far more likely to be bullied than their heterosexual and cis peers. Here, btw takes a look at the extent of the problem as well as what can be done about it. How […]
The FTC Cracks Down on Social Media Influencers
Social media: it’s not just for sharing cute photos of your cat anymore. As a matter of fact, it has become a multi-billion-dollar-a-year advertising industry. The problem is, though, that the industry is largely unregulated. Now, the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC–the agency whose job it is to look out for consumers–has attempted to tighten […]
The Motherhood Gap
Women in the United States are having babies later than ever before. But according to a new study, the age at which they give birth varies widely based on geographic location and level of education. Here, btw takes a look at the findings and explores how maternal age can affect a family’s future. A Maternal […]
Meet Me at the Fair!
It’s August, and in many places, that means one thing: state fair time! Many people love state fairs for their rides, displays, and wide variety of unusual foods (deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, anyone?). Here, btw takes a look at the annual summer ritual of state fairs in the United States, and how they […]
UPDATED! National Museum of African-American History and Culture
UPDATE! Watch this video showing President Obama’s speech at the opening of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. *** Original post *** This coming September 24, a new portion of the Smithsonian Institution will open on the National Mall. Named the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, this new wing of the Smithsonian […]
Understanding the Hajj
Every year, devout Muslims who are able undertake the pilgrimage to the Islamic faith’s holiest city–Mekkah in Saudi Arabia. As one of the cornerstones of Islam, every Muslim is expected to fulfilll this journey at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage is known as hajj. This year’s hajj began this past weekend. It is expected that approximately two million […]
Pokemon Go, Go, Go!!!
Summer is a great time to get swept up in the latest cultural phenomenon. Surely, 2016 will be known as the summer people came together to hunt Pokemon. Given the sheer numbers of people playing, btw assumes a large number of our readers already know what we’re talking about. But, in case you don’t yet […]
Art in a Modern World
Continuing what has turned into a theme in the past few weeks—life in a digital world—btw looks at how “old institutions” are shifting operations in a modern world. Our lens this week is the re-opening of the newly renovated/expanded San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), which many are saying, “push the boundaries of what […]
Monotasking: One Thing at a Time
How often do you start reading something—an article, a story for school, an email—and jump to something else—another article, a text, or your Instagram? Some people call this multitasking while others say it’s distraction. Long before everyone became equipped with devices, the world was becoming increasingly busy. Consistent attempt at making things “easier”—two cars instead of […]