Stories about Americas
30 September 2016
French Diversity Raises an Eyebrow at Nicolas Sarkozy’s ‘Our Ancestors Are the Gauls’ Declaration
"When you're six years old and you read that your ancestors were Gauls, with fair hair and blue eyes... it wasn't only us who giggled, it was the teacher, too.”
29 September 2016
Mexico's Attorney General Secretly Purchased Costly Spyware (Again)
The Mexican government, for many years, allocated millions of dollars to acquiring highly intrusive digital spy technology without being transparent on how they were using it.
Facebook Live Video Triggers Presidential Controversy in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago's President Anthony Carmona held a press conference on September 28 to respond to claims against his office, but many questions remain unanswered.
28 September 2016
Puerto Rican Unity, a Bright Spot in the Darkness of an Archipelago-Wide Blackout
The blackout meant hardship for Puerto Ricans, but it also brought out the best qualities of many.
Fidencio Sanchez’s Inspiring Story Highlights the Best of Social Media—and the Plight of Latino Immigrants
"At a time when Donald Trump is calling Mexican immigrants drug dealers and rapists, the image of this hard-working Mexican immigrant has become a defiant symbol that challenges hateful stereotypes."
A Lavish Iranian TV Series Revises the History of the 1953 Coup for the Post-Nuclear Deal Age
Iran's 1953 coup d'état is widely depicted as a rupture in the modern history of Iran. It is also a Pandora’s box filled with contested narratives.
27 September 2016
Trinidad & Tobago's Deadline for Passing US Tax Legislation Looms as Politicians ‘Play Games’
"In essence, every bank in the world will become non-paid informants of the IRS."
26 September 2016
What Will Happen to Colombia's Youth in the Aftermath of War?
"I'm a direct victim of war and armed conflict. Yet if I have to give my hand to the murderers, I'm ready to do so because I believe in forgiveness."
Two Years and Still No Justice, but Mexico Has Not Forgotten Ayotzinapa's Students
"Mexican institutions' standard: 111 detained in the #Ayotzinapa case and no one knows for sure what actually happened. How stupid, right?"
25 September 2016
Chiles in Walnut Sauce: Mexican History in Each Bite
Hot peppers in walnut sauce is the signature dish in Central Eastern Mexico and one of the most popular meals in the national cuisine.
Polish Lawmakers Move Forward With a New Abortion Ban That Critics Say Will Be ‘Hell for Women’
Poland's “Black Protest” movement picks up steam, after lawmakers vote to proceed with legislation that will criminalize abortions in nearly all circumstances, threatening women and doctors with prison.
22 September 2016
Why Aren't We Talking About Mexican Prisons?
Mexican prisons are an example of inequality in the country. We look at prison facilities and the impact the implementation of the New Penal Justice System will have on them.
21 September 2016
The Role of Hashtags in a Country Searching for Peace
"The fact that the war in Colombia also takes place on social media is an undeniable truth," writes Renata Cabrales.
Theatre Helps Heal Wounds After Ecuador's Devastating Earthquake
Ecuadorians have found a way to heal from the damage caused by the strongest earthquake in the country's history: art, laughter, and solidarity.
A Totem Pole Unites Indigenous Resistance to Fossil Fuel Across North America
"We need to let them know they cannot in the name of profits do this to the people, the water, the land, and to the future generations."
Queer Tango: A Twist on Tradition in Favor of Diversity and Inclusion
As a response to discrimination on the dance floor, the Queer Tango opens spaces for diversity and exploration of the tango without gender discrimination.
20 September 2016
Emojis Created for and by Indigenous Peoples in Latin America
Indigenous language digital activists are making culturally diverse emojis available for use in electronic communication as a way to promote their native culture and language.
Could an Ousted Crime Show Host Be a Symptom of a Bigger Problem in Trinidad & Tobago?
"Ian Alleyne represents a collection of unfortunate truths about Trinidad and Tobago; we don’t trust our justice system, [...] but have all-too-much faith in those who pander to us."
There’s a Teacher Roaming Rural Colombia Atop Two Donkeys, Bringing a Mobile Library to Children
"One day, teacher Luis decides to load his two donkeys, Alfa and Beto, with books and takes them to remote areas for children who can't access them otherwise."
18 September 2016
‘Convenient Outrage’ in Trinidad & Tobago Over Demolition of Dance Pioneer Beryl McBurnie's House
"What's the point of outrage now if you didn't actually give any thought to the deterioration of this historical building over the years?"
