Autocrats are on the rise all over the world. Why would a voter choose one over a candidate that believes in democracy? Two ballot boxes give voters the choice of democracy vs dictatorship. (Illustration by News Decoder) Editor’s note: On 31 March 2024, voters...
Three decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has revived dormant fears of a catastrophic nuclear war. Russian RS-24 Yars ballistic missile rolls in Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, 9 May...
Like their parents before them, thousands of U.S. teens head to camp this summer. But for many, this R&R combines relaxation with religion. Two generations of kids at Jewish summer camp. Joshua Glazer, shown right, and his mother, when she was about the same age....
There isn’t much of a gender gap in Iceland, except in its maritime industry. But go back in time, and you’ll find women pulling in nets and steering the helm. A painting of Foreman Thurídur by Marian McConnell. Habitually clad in trousers, a rust-coloured...
For the world’s most gender-equal country, Iceland has a maritime industry that is surprisingly gender inequitable. Why and how has the status of Icelandic seafaring women regressed over the years? This piece by Ashley Perl gives an overview. In the article’s accompanying classroom activity, have students try their hand at uncovering the history of traditionally gendered professions in a research assignment well-suited for Women’s History Month.
Exercise: Read the article as a class, and then discuss the factors that have contributed to an increasing gender gap in the fishing and maritime industries in Iceland. Afterwards, have students select a profession that has a large gender imbalance in your country (perhaps teaching, nursing, engineering, etc.). Instruct students to research the history of the profession to see if these gender imbalances were the case historically, too. As part of this assignment, you may consider teaching research skills like assessing source credibility and using databases like Google Scholar.
Thousands of Black Marines fought in World War II. But they had to fight for the right to do so. Now their nation wants to honor them, if they can be found. Montford Point Marines attend a Congressional Gold Medal Commemorative Ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington...
Citizens across Europe will vote this summer for members of the European Parliament. That gives them a right no one else in the world has. Flag of the European Parliament against the backdrop of the Paliament house. Editor’s Note: The plenary session — or general...
Millions in Russia mourn the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny but few do so openly. In Russia, grieving is an act of political defiance. A man holds a poster reading “Freedom for Seva Korolev and all political prisoners” as he comes to pay tribute...
For decades nations of the world abided by some basic international rules. What happens when this international order breaks down? Someone erases three rules for the world on a chalkboard. (Photo illustration by News Decoder) This article was produced exclusively for...
The idea behind the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is that an attack on one is an attack on all. But is that only for those who can pay? The 30 member flags and large steel NATO Star sculpture at the main entrance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)...
For two centuries Great Britain and Greece have fought over artifacts taken from the Acropolis. In Athens, the matter of the Elgin Marbles is complicated. Ancient stones at the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. (Credit: tilialucida) We climbed to the top...
News Decoder editorial intern Kaja Andrić covers the contested rights to the Greek Elgin Marbles in this text. In our present day, should the Elgin Marbles be returned from England to their historical home in Greece? Help students learn to suspend biases and adopt multiple perspectives in this accompanying classroom activity.
Exercise: Read the article as a class, instructing students to make two lists: (1) why the Elgin Marbles should remain in England and (2) why the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Greece. Then, have students draft a resolution to this dispute. If one country gives up the rights to the sculptures, what stipulations should be in place to ensure both sides are satisfied?