Extraneous Articles Worth Reading
Much like this year as a whole, the blog post I’m currently working on has taken a number of unexpected twists and turns… which basically means I need to dedicate more time to it before publishing.
While you’re waiting I obviously encourage everyone to read my archived posts, but there are a few extraneous articles that I highly recommend reading when you get a chance. The subjects and writing styles make each of them completely captivating and entirely worth your attention.
(Basically, I wish I had written them, and need to include them on my blog somehow, so click on the title to be taken to that article… Enjoy!)
The Trouble with Empathy
First for a reason. It’s a New York Times opinion article focused on whether or not schools can and should teach empathy.
Going into this, I really thought I was going to disagree with it. (Quick note: Disagreeing with an article doesn’t make it “bad.” Read my post on Perspective for a pretty good explanation.)
Then I started screenshotting sections I liked. By the end, I had pictures of the entire article in my phone and had audibly shouted “YES!” to an empty room three times.
Considering a good chunk of it reprimands Common Core for eliminating how books can be read for pleasure, I really think it’ll strike a chord with teachers and parents… or really just any human being.
A Letter on Justice and Social Debate
In July, a large group of authors collectively published a three-paragraph-long article stressing the importance of expressing issues, even (especially) when they’re controversial. They reasonably argue for debate, saying, “The way to defeat bad ideas is by exposure, argument, and persuasion, not by trying to silence or wish them away.”
Over 300 intelligent individuals signed this statement…including J.K. Rowling, whom society “canceled” about a month later. Sooo…
If you STILL haven’t read my post on Perspective, you might want to do so now, since this important open letter is featured. And when you’re done, I recommend learning more about how toxic this popular “cancel culture” really is. Then read Fahrenheit 451, while you’re at it
Genetic Scissors: A Tool for Rewriting the Code of Life
While nonfiction writing isn’t exactly enthralling, this subject matter DEFINITELY is. This Press Release highlights the two scientists who were recently awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for “the development of a method for genome editing.”
I strongly encourage you to at least read this summary because I would never be able to accurately explain this amazing, IMPORTANT scientific breakthrough in my own words:
“Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna have discovered one of gene technology’s sharpest tools: the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors. Using these, researchers can change the DNA of animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision. This technology has had a revolutionary impact on the life sciences, is contributing to new cancer therapies and may make the dream of curing inherited diseases come true.”
Since SCA is caused by inherited genetic discrepancies, this potential cure is pretty exciting, to say the very least.
Why Parents With Chronic Illnesses Are Damn Superheroes
Written in 2018 by a woman with Chrone’s disease, the title alone should tell you why I like this article. But it’s the way she starts that should convince you to read it:
“I want to be clear. This is not meant to be a claim that parents with chronic illnesses have it way worse than parents without. This is not an event in the weird, never-ending sport of competitive parenting where moms and dads fight it out to see who has had less sleep or a harder time potty training.”
It does an excellent job of giving readers a glimpse into the daily struggles AND achievements for a parent with a chronic illness. It also provides some pretty wonderful validation and support for those of us experiencing this first-hand.
I also highly suggest exploring The Mighty’s website, while you’re there; they have a wide variety of relatable & eye-opening articles.
Ataxia Blogs
Last, but certainly not least, here are some other blogs you should check out. They’re interesting, inspiring, and just so happen to feature articles written by Ataxians. So…
Please share other blogs & articles below. Thanks!
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