Salutations, dearest Community! It’s Saturday and time again for Picks of the Week, and what lovely picks they are. As I curate this list every Friday, it’s truly a joy to see the knowledge so many of you carry, as well as your passion for the subjects and issues that most matter to you. I learn new things and absorb valuable perspectives every single week.
Last week’s comment thread explored how and why diaries make this list, as well as the Community Spotlight, and I thought I’d toss a little sunshine on the loose criteria for a Pick of the Week diary. Yes, these are diaries that resonate among the staff all week, but are there any common threads? Upon review of the months of picks, I’ll say that there certainly are some recurring traits.
- They offer unique perspectives or thoughtful analysis on current events (rather than simply reporting something happened), and/or
- They explore personal journeys, and/or
- They teach us something new … PLUS
- They’re written with care, and
- They’re shelf-stable, and thus relevant far beyond publication date.
With that in mind, here are this week’s picks. Did we miss anything?
I’m Not Afraid, That’s Why I’m a Liberal
By KLWhite
If you scratch down beneath the hatred and oppression, you’ll find that fear of the other and the unknown fuel so much of conservatism. This writer, who was raised by conservatives, explores what’s possible in the absence of uninformed trepidation and terror.
Grad Students as Steelworkers
By Leo W Gerard
Unions have come a long way, baby. As colleges and universities continue to exploit workers, it’s clear that organized labor doesn’t care about the color of your collar anymore, if they ever did.
He hates it when you laugh at him
By EagleOfFreedom
Donald Trump doesn’t care if he makes you mad—in fact, he and his supporters feed off liberal anger, as well as fear. But when the left laughs, the MAGA crowd and their leader lose their way.
Perhaps we should laugh more often, and louder.
What do we do after Trump has been forced out of office?
By Socialjusticeamerican
Evicting Trump from the White House is only the beginning. Next, we must deal with those who believe in all that he stands for.
24 Signs of Democracy: A Resistance Photo Journey
By citisven
This lovely diary provides a potent look at the protests that progressives have led in this century. A must-read.
Thinking Outside the Plastic Box- Going Plastic Free in Rural America
By AuntieB
Ditching plastic and other waste isn’t just for city folks. This in-depth how-to diary offers tips that anyone living anywhere can use as we all make the commitment to reduce our landfill contributions.
Why unlawful border re-entry is a felony — the white supremacist origins of the law
By 1BQ
Since the 1920s, American immigration policy has targeted Mexicans and others entering through the southern border. It’s only gotten worse in the nearly hundred years since.
Still Without Federal Aid After Massive Flooding, Pine Ridge Braces for Another Storm
By Chase Iron Eyes
The devastation to Native lands in South Dakota is heartbreaking, and the White House has done nothing about it.
TRUE BLUE REPORT: Proposing new gender neutral pronouns: xmr and xsr
By TrueBlueMajority
Did you know that using “Ms.” to describe women was once a controversial choice? This exploration of new ways to address each other—without assuming gender—will make you think.
Human Origins: Leaving Africa, Why?
By Ojibwa
We know how humans left the so-called cradle of civilization, but do we know why? Daily Kos resident historian Ojibwa explores this in the fourth and final installment of the Human Origins series.
The deceitful voice of depression
By BritishSleeperAgent
This first-time diary explores depression and suicidal tendencies in a deeply personal way, and offers useful tips to help anyone dealing with a loved one in crisis.
The unholy marriage of the antivax movement
By Andrew Lazarus
The unfounded yet successful battle against vaccinations didn’t come out of nowhere. This concise diary explores the two movements that had to exist in order for this junk science to ever gain a following.
That’s it for this week, folks! As always, be sure to give these fine folks a follow and/or a Rec, and don’t forget to send me submissions through my Kosmail, which is always open.
Keep on writing, friends. Your voice matters, and we’re so glad you’re here.