Posts in Culture
Riding the Waves of Change: How Surf Therapy and Similar Programs Can Help Turn the Tide on Child Poverty

With the ever-growing costs of welfare programs in the United States, policymakers and advocates continue to ask the question: Is there a successful and cost-effective way to address this growing problem? Well, for this community in Peru, the answer is an unconventional activity: surfing.

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The Beauty of Diaspora: UNC’s Asian Culture Groups Hearken their Heritage

“In diaspora communities, the journey to maintaining cultural ties is narrow and arduous. Distanced by oceans and borders, immigrant communities – especially second and third generation-descendants – are prone to frayed ties to home. Commonly, the only window to the culture of their mother lands is through static-filled Facetime videos and phone calls. However, UNC’s Asian groups are striving – and flawlessly succeeding – in providing a connection that transcends geography. Faced with such a flourishing, I had the honor of delving ‘behind the scenes’ of UNC Ek Taal, the University’s competitive Indian classical dance group.”

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Young Dolph and Death in the Music Industry

“It is not just rappers like Dolph who often die before they reach old age. The premature deaths of pop artists across numerous genres is a phenomenon that has recently received more attention under an academic lens. Unfortunately, researchers have found that it is nothing new for pop artists to die young. However, some have noted that the ways in which they are dying are indeed unprecedented.”

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UNESCO’S Heritage List: Rumba and the Congo

“Culture and art’s role in social movements is just one of the many reasons why recognizing, protecting, and learning about cultural practices and sites around the globe are important. There are a variety of potential reasons why a country may want an aspect of their culture showcased and protected as culture encapsulates society and history.”

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I Am No Longer Ashamed.

Until young children across America and the world can come to terms with their sexuality and not feel shame, or worse, hate, Pride Month is vital. Until transgender youth can play team sports in high school without facing shame or judgement, Pride Month is vital. Until LGBTQ youth everywhere can openly be who they are without fear of being kicked out of their home, shunned from the families and lives that they know, Pride Month is vital.

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The Sun Still Rises

“I see my mom in everything: in sunsets and the temple and my cul-de-sac in Raleigh. I see her in my best friends when they sing along with me in the car. I see her in my brother when he tells my dad to stop hounding me about my grades, that I’m doing my best and figuring it out. I see her in myself, when I rub coconut oil in my hair and do the New York Times sudoku and brew chai using a microwave instead of her signature teapot.”

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