Behold! It is time for The Highlighter #129! This week’s issue includes pieces on the teaching of slavery, the advocacy of the Golden State Warriors, the adventures of New Kids on the Block, the trend of buying fake social media followers, and the impact of social class. Please enjoy!
Tonight is HHH #4 at Room 389 in Oakland, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Come meet new people, chat about the articles, and build our community. If you get a free ticket, you get a prize!
Only 8 percent of American high school seniors identify slavery as the main cause of the Civil War. This comprehensive report by the Southern Poverty Law Center explains how our approach to teaching slavery miseducates our young people and worsens racial relations in our country. As Prof. David Blight writes in the introduction, “Slavery is not an aberration in American history; it is at the heart of our history, a main event, a central foundational story.” If you’re a teacher or a parent, please read this report. ⏳⏳⏳
How The Warriors Became The Wokest Team In Professional Sports
My mom loves the Warriors and will be the first to tell you they’re not doing well lately. This excellent profile follows Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, and Steve Kerr and argues that the team’s advocacy on social issues stems from its long history in Oakland. But what happens if the Warriors stop winning, or when they move to San Francisco? ⏳
My 4 Days At Sea With New Kids On The Block And 3,000 Adoring Fans
This piece is a bundle of joy, particularly if you’re a secret fan of New Kids on the Block. (How could you not be?) The band that brought us “Step by Step” and “Please Don’t Go Girl” is back, hosting Carnival cruises to the Bahamas, complete with concerts and around-the-clock parties. Go ahead, spend a night with Jordan Knight, or take a dip in the pool with Joey McIntyre. ⏳
We tell our children that popularity doesn’t matter, that close friends do, and then we check our phone for new likes and emojis. This exposé of Twitter and Devumi uncovers our insatiable quest to feed our egos, even if that means paying for fake followers. Famous people do it. Maybe we should, too, to keep pace? ⏳⏳
Anne-otations: Opportunity Costs Death, Sex, and Money Podcast
When is the last time you talked to someone about your social class? Hear five stories on divorce, education, infertility, race, Ferraris, pride, and shame through the lens of class. If you’re feeling really brave, find me tonight at HHH #4 to talk about it! ⏳ (per story)
Podcast Update: Attorney Christine Rhee is on the show this week and is ready to talk about the San Francisco Giants. A former criminal prosecutor, Christine also offers her perspective on “Can You Arrest People Before They Commit Crimes?” which appeared in The Highlighter #127. Please listen and subscribe!
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