Category · 112 questions
Society
Culture wars, urbanism, work, family — what binds us and what divides us.
In this section
112 entriesAre ghosts real?
Do ghosts exist? A surprising number of people believe in ghosts, or have reported experiencing paranormal phenomenon. The depiction of ghosts and spirits date back to ancient times, and are seen in almost all cultures around the world. But with new technology and advancements in science, there are a number of logical explanations for ghostly encounters. What do you think? Are people really able to make contact with the dead? Or is it all psychological phenomenon?
Are millennials lazy?
Older generations often consider millennials entitled and lazy in the workplace. Millennials see themselves as more efficient and better at challenging established rules in a way that sparks growth and innovation. Which one is it?
Are protests effective?
Protests are used to further social change when democratic channels do not work for the aggrieved population. However, people disagree on their effectiveness in furthering social causes.
Are US cities seeing a surge in violent crime?
In 2020 some US cities seem to be seeing a surge in violent crime. Is the rise in violent crime really happening or is it a new media blip or statistical change? Or if the US surge in violent crime is really happening, what is driving it?
Can astrology accurately predict human behavior?
Astrology claims to divine information about human affairs and terrestrial events by studying the movements and relative positions of celestial objects. It is often referred to as a pseudoscience, however, some individuals do believe it to be legitimate.
Can money buy happiness?
People constantly wonder about the sources of happiness, and is it possible that money is a key to achieving happiness? Or is money actually something that may get in the way of happiness?
Can racism ever be justifiable?
For most people, the gut reaction to this question is immediate: "Of course not!" But there are fringe examples, such as Israeli airport security, where blatant racial stereotyping is used, can be justified by the great safety that the airport provides to passengers. But still, can it be justified?
Can someone be transracial?
With the outrage following Rachel Dolezal's falsified claims of being African American in 2015, the question of racial identity has been raised. Should we have the right to identify as a different race than the one assigned at birth? And is transracial identity legitimate, or another means of cultural appropriation?
Can we rekindle the collective, caring spirit that emerged during lockdown?
The early Covid-19 lockdowns produced a surge of community solidarity. This entry asks whether that collective, caring spirit can be rekindled, setting out the positions that it can be and that it cannot.
Can white people in the USA be victims of racism?
In 2011 Harvard and Tufts universities published a landmark study into American attitudes to racism. Many found their findings surprising. White respondents believed their communities were subject to more racism than their black counterparts. Their belief was that post-civil rights efforts to correct anti-black prejudice had come at the expense of white people. But this idea of"reverse racism" frequently comes under fire . As study co-author Samuel Sommers writes, ""It's a pretty surprising finding when you think of the wide range of disparities that still exist in society, most of which show black Americans with worse outcomes than whites in areas such as income, home ownership, health, and employment." In the decade since the paper was published, this debate has become more central to the political agenda. Investigating prejudice, identity and ethnicity, has become critical to understanding how racism is performed and reproduced. So, can white people be victims of racism?
Do essential oils work or are they useless?
Essential oils are loved by many who believe in their healing and wellness properties, and are big business. But are Essential oils really working or has the marketing and hype blinded consumers to the reality?
Do zodiac signs influence anything?
Astrology is the belief that the alignment of stars and planets at an individual's time of birth affect their mood, personality, and environment. In astrology, personalized horoscopes are printed by birth date and make vague predictions, generally about the love life, success, and health of everyone who has that sign. But how does this work? Can the movement of planets have this much impact?
Does fortune telling work?
Humans have practiced fortune-telling since ancient times, and it has persisted into the modern day. There are many who believe in fortune-telling whole-heartedly, while others don't believe it's real. Does fortune-telling really work, or is it the longest-running hoax in human history?
Does multiculturalism help societies?
While countries used to be united by commonalities - a common culture, religion, or even ethnicity - immigration and globalization have created blended societies, ones that are culturally heterogeneous. Increasingly, this diversity of culture is being celebrated, rather than focusing on assimilating. Does cultural heterogeneity benefit society? And at what—if any—cost?
Does political correctness harm society?
Politically correct refers to the avoidance or censorship of words, actions, and policies that could offend disadvantaged groups. In modern discussions, the word is loaded, with commentators divided concerning its influence. Many people use this term disparagingly, and see it as a reflection of our culture's hypersensitivity. Others argue that political correctness reflects respect for diversity. Does political correctness disrupt honest public discourse, or show concern for the marginalized?
Does the CIA run the international drug trade?
This entry maps the contested claim that the CIA runs the international drug trade, setting out the positions that the agency operates such a trade, and that it does not — a charge long debated since Cold War-era allegations.
Does white privilege exist?
White privilege, the notion that white people are afforded societal benefits that members of other races are not, has seeped into our lexicon to explain racial disparity in wealth, race and health. But are racial privileges responsible? Does white privilege exist? Can it adequately explain individual experiences? Or are other factors at play in creating racial inequality?
Has surveillance gone too far?
The Post-9/11 political consensus put a greater emphasis on state surveillance. Increasingly sophisticated technologies gave state actors the power to track and watch ordinary people like never before. While supporters argue that this is a small price to pay for increasing safety and preventing terrorism, others see this as a serious contravention of human rights. Is the extent to which we are now surveilled a step too far?
Has the body positivity movement accomplished anything?
The body positive movement has the view that "every body is beautiful" and has been championed acceptance and inclusion for years. Despite this, critics are quick to point out not enough has been done to include all people or that it indulges unhealthy behaviors. What has this movement actually accomplished?
Have e-rickshaws become more of a menace than convenience in India?
Have e-rickshaws become more of a hazard than a help on India's roads? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that e-rickshaws are a menace, and that they are not.
Have emojis changed the world?
In just two decades, emoji has become ‘the fastest growing language in history’. But are there more complex implications to their popularity? With more than 92% of internet users now using emojis, and billions used every day, do the simple digital pictograms have wider implications for society, relationships and even the way we're hardwired?
Have we stopped creating antiques?
In our modern times, we have created many convenience items which are meant to be temporary and disposable. Does this mean that we will leave fewer heirlooms behind for the next generations to collect and appreciate? Have we stopped creating antiques?
How are social classes defined?
Social class shapes nearly every society, but how is it defined? This entry maps the competing criteria — economic, cultural, educational and political status — and the view that all of these forms of capital matter equally.
How can I help others during coronavirus / COVID-19?
The coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic will impact people in deeply asymmetric ways. While many people have access to healthcare, robust immune systems and the ability to pay for, transport and store stockpiles of groceries, many others are not as lucky. How can those better able to cope help those more vulnerable?
How can we become a better world after the coronavirus pandemic?
Covid has inevitably created a recessionary crisis and Governments will be under intense pressure to restore growth. But if its growth at all costs And/or simply reverting to the way it was it will be a lost opportunity to seek a more equitable model. A model that is also attuned to the larger existential issue of climate change. Any new post Covid martial plan should focus on a progressive model the redressés much of what is faulty and unsustainable. If not, this pandemic will be a forewarning of even more turbulent times to come.
How did rich millennials become the voice of generation rent?
How did affluent millennials come to speak for 'generation rent'? This entry maps the explanations — that elite millennials want something to complain about, that they seek to relate to their peers, and that they are genuinely affected by problems like scarce job opportunities.
How do people benefit from human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a booming global industry which sees millions of people enslaved for the profit of others. There are many advantages to the traffickers including avoiding red tape, financial enrichment, and avoidance of taxes.
How do we think about the "woke" debate?
To proponents of "woke culture", the term denotes only a simple awareness of the fundamental inequalities and injustices suffered by minorities - religious, racial, social (LGBTQ). To its critics, woke culture smacks of liberal authoritarianism - a new cultural religion that tolerates no dissent on threat of 'cancellation'. Which is it?
How do we think about institutional racism in the American police force?
On June 8 2020, Minneapolis City Council announced it would be dismantling its police force. In its place, they pledged to introduce a new model for public safety, free from the institutional racism that had plagued its police. The decision was unprecedented, and yet, it has been followed by similar moves across the US, for police budget cuts and investigations into how they are run. At the heart of this debate is the question of institutional racism: where it comes from, how it manifests, and how it can be overcome. Following George Floyd's murder, pressure has grown for perceived systemic oppression to be addressed. Others argue that this is a myth, and that police are being victimised for the ills of society. The way that people are mobilising around this question reveals the fundamental ideas that drive their perspectives. So, who are these groups, what do they stand for, and why?
How do we think about the snowflake generation?
Snowflake is a derogatory slang term that developed in the 2010s, implying one may have an inflated sense of uniqueness, an unwarranted sense of entitlement, or are overly-emotional, easily offended, and unable to deal with opposing opinions. Common usages include the terms special snowflake, Generation Snowflake, and snowflake as a politicized insult. Yet, as the term has existed in the vernacular, the ideas surrounding it have evolved and opened the door to an array of opinions.
How will coronavirus change the world?
COVID-19 has torn through the fabric of our lives all over the world - with over 20M cases and nearly 1M deaths, and a global collapse in GDP that is historically unprecedented. Will it have long term impact, and what will that look like - economically, politically, and socially?
Is ‘hybrid’ work the way of the future?
With Covid-19 currently hanging over our heads, the need for work-from-home positions is greater than ever. Thankfully, technology has provided us many ways in which to hybridize our workspaces. But the question arises: If Covid-19 ever goes away, will 'hybrid work' still become the way of the future?
Is 2020 a dreadful 366 days or a massive awakening?
From a worldwide pandemic to fires that destroyed almost a quarter of Australia to racial supremacism, maybe what 2020 holds isn't a dreadful 366 days, but an awakening that forces us to shed, release, and re-evaluate humanity. From the Cenozoic Era, when humans first appeared, to what is now known as Gen Z, the developments and evolution are- without a doubt- significant and momentous. Along with technology, humans have also changed how we live, eat, and feel over time. However, humanity has also managed to feel superior to other races and religions, form divides and oppression against their own kind, make a mercenary of an altruistic society, and grow increasingly self-centered and self-obsessed in just a couple thousand years. But finally, with this worldwide pandemic, we are granted a quiet and calm space that allows us to reflect and re-evaluate. We become self-aware and are conscious of how we act and how the people around us act. We are able to shift beyond self-actualization into a realm of self-transcendence. With the deadly fires that arose, we have come to realize and experience the horrible hell we have put our animals and environment through. With protests and petitions against racial supremacism, we are finally able to use media for a cause that helps and fights for humanity and justice. Perhaps, the purpose of 2020 is not to evoke fear and dread but to force you to open your eyes and ears to see and hear the chaos and mayhem that we created from a peaceful, harmonious human civilization. Perhaps, 2020 is The Golden Age of Transformation.
Is a hotdog a sandwich?
The hotdog is a beloved meal that exists in many forms around the world, from Chicago dog, to the ballpark frank, the chilli dog, and on and on. A frankfurter placed within a bun with any variety of condiments in all sorts of combinations. But the question remains, is the hotdog a sandwich?
Is All Lives Matter a legitimate protest for equality?
In 2013 policeman George Zimmerman was acquitted of murder, after shooting black teenager Trayvon Martin to death. Many saw this as an example of racially motivated police brutality, and symptomatic of wider racial prejudices in the West. As public outrage grew, "Black Lives Matter" (BLM) became a rallying cry across the internet to protest against these injustices. The "All Lives Matter" (ALM) movement mobilised in response, seeing BLM as an affront to non-black rights. This has divided people. ALM argues that achieving an equal society requires inclusivity, and that focusing only on black lives is misleading and offensive to non-blacks. Meanwhile, their critics see the ALM movement as proof that black lives remain unequal. It is regarded as a problematic campaign. One that gives non-blacks license to distract from the uneven levels of inequality and prejudice faced by black people, and undermine their cause. With public figures including Richard Sherman , Ben Carson and Tim Scott active supporters of All Lives Matter, is it a legitimate protest for equality? Or does this campaign only deepen existing prejudice?
Is beauty in the eye of the beholder?
The subjectivity of beauty, or lack thereof, is a topic on which many have remained divided. We do not doubt that beautiful things, such as natural phenomena and man-made artefacts, exist but the principal problem arises when deciding whether certain aesthetic judgements hold universally.
Is BLM (Black Lives Matter) good or bad?
BLM the organization has seen countless donations in order to fight police brutality and has made a huge splash on America during a time of distress. Although they have brought a lot of recognition to the issue, they have come under extreme scrutiny for things their leaders have said, the damage that they have caused to communities, and the lack of involvement in Chicago.
Is coronavirus aggravating Islamophobia in India?
As covid-19 hit the headlines and became a national emergency in India, Islamophobia surged. On Twitter, furious posts poured out of the nation with the gruesome hashtag #CoronavirusJihad. The inference was clear: many Indians were using the pandemic as an excuse to victimise its Muslim population. Critics claim its government has done little to stop this, while others say the threat is exaggerated.
Is Covid-19 making airplane passengers more unruly?
Did the pandemic fuel a surge in disruptive airline passengers? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that Covid-19 is making airplane passengers more unruly, and that it is not.
Is French cuisine the best cuisine?
French gastronomy has long been prized as the epitome of culinary expression and has dominated fine fining and haute cuisine for decades. However, the value of French food has been questioned, both in its connection to colonialism and its repetitiveness.
Is Germany a good place to live?
Is Germany a good place to live? This entry maps the positions on the question — that Germany is a good place to live, that it is not, and that it depends on who you are and what you want from a country.
Is Germany good at integrating its Turkish minority?
Has Germany successfully integrated its large Turkish minority? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that Germany is good at integrating its Turkish minority, and that it is not.
Is it okay to punch Nazis?
In 2016, a video of white nationalist Richard Spencer being punched in the face by an unidentified assailant went viral. As it did so, a question that was first asked in World War Two rose to the surface of public debate again: is it morally permissible to punch a Nazi? Some consider these increasingly-publicized acts of violence to be slippery slopes that endanger free speech and compromise morals, while others consider games of whack-a-fascist to be their God-given right, as well as their moral duty.
Is it okay to say "All Lives Matter"?
As "Black Lives Matter" has become a rally cry to address police brutality and racism in the US and around the world. In some places "All Lives Matter" or "Blue Lives Matter" (Police) or "White Lives Matter" have been shared shared as a retort. Is it appropriate to share this perspective? Is it offensive? Insensitive? Or an inclusive perspective?
Is marriage an outdated custom?
The idea of marriage scares many people and it is seemingly becoming less and less ideal for younger generations. Nevertheless, marriages are still occurring. Marriage allows partners to identify their commitment on a higher level, as well as gaining benefits such as financial stability. However, government involvement in marriages can cause people to shy away from the institution. Others feel that marriage is not an appropriate act for demonstrating commitment.
Is Nagpur an increasingly unsafe place to live?
Is the Indian city of Nagpur becoming less safe? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that Nagpur is an increasingly unsafe place to live, and that it remains safe.
Is our society becoming egalitarian?
Egalitarianism is a school of thought within political philosophy that builds from the concept of social equality, prioritizing it for all people. It is generally the idea that all humans are equal in fundamental worth or moral status. Society is changing... and we ask the question: are we becoming more egalitarian?
Is Pepsi or Coke better?
The original cola war, fought out at taste tests and dinner tables for decades: is Pepsi or Coca-Cola the better drink? This entry sets out the cases made for each side of the rivalry.
Is political correctness detrimental to society?
Although founded on the idea that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, political correctness is frequently used to dismiss opinions as racist, sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic, transphobic and misogynistic. What is the real impact of political correctness? Does it foster harmony, or is it a weapon to stifle debate and dismiss controversial opinions as invalid?
Is psychiatry a sham?
Is psychiatry a legitimate medical discipline or a sham? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that psychiatry is a sham, and that it is not — covering diagnosis, treatment and the nature of mental illness.
Is QAnon taking over America?
Is the QAnon conspiracy movement gaining a decisive hold on American politics? This entry sets out the two positions on the question: that QAnon is taking over America, and that it is not.
Is romantic love real?
Romantic love is described as the feeling you get when you find someone whom you care for and you can't imagine a life without them. How is this different from any other kind of love? Why is it seen as the highest form of love for so many people?
Is social media outrage a positive force in society?
The age-old maxim goes, "if you're not outraged, you're not paying attention". This has never been more applicable. Nothing drives social media engagement like outrage and social media platforms have embraced models designed to inflame and spark anger. The success of positive social and political movements like #MeToo and the Arab Spring largely stem from social media outrage but is it a positive societal force, or a dangerous sociological weapon that can destroy as fast as it creates?
Is the internet of things beneficial for contemporary society?
Yes. Smart objects allow governments to collect data and plan for the benefit of citizens, eg helping to organise quarantine by measuring temperatures. No. Smart objects allow tyrannical governments to control subjects.
Is white fragility real?
In July 2020, "White Fragility" topped the New York Times Bestseller list. Though two years had passed since its publication, protests following George Floyd's murder thrust its controversial theory of race back into the mainstream. Written by University of Washington Professor Robin DiAngelo, the book claims that white people sustain racism by refusing to engage with it. The idea assumes that white people consider themselves the "default" race, and actively avoid and undermine challenges to this worldview. As the thesis has gained traction, it has also come under criticism for being reductive and choosing to see entire populations based on race. So, who are the groups forming around this debate, what do they believe and why?
Is working from home better than working from an office?
With much of the world now working from home, it is time to revisit the question, is it better? From mental health, to productivity, to cost, is WFH really better than traditional office environments? Is WFH the future of work?
Is Zimbabwe extending an olive branch to its white farmers?
Decades after its contested land seizures, is Zimbabwe reaching out to its dispossessed white farmers? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that Zimbabwe is extending an olive branch to white farmers, and that it is not.
Proud Boys - Who are far-right group that backs Donald Trump?
This entry maps how the Proud Boys are characterised — from their self-description as 'western chauvinists' opposed to political correctness, to characterisations of the group as a far-right, neo-fascist, white-supremacist, anti-LGBTQ and Islamophobic organisation.
Should Cinco de Mayo be celebrated in the USA?
Should Cinco de Mayo be celebrated in the United States? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that it should be celebrated, and that it should not — touching on heritage, commercialisation and cultural appropriation.
Should straight people go to gay bars?
Should straight people frequent gay bars? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that straight people should be welcome in gay bars, and that they should not — weighing inclusion against the value of a safe space.
Should the drinking age be 18?
The risks associated with drinking have led most countries to set a minimum legal age for the purchase or consumption of alcohol, but the specific drinking age varies from place to place. The most common drinking age around the world is 18, but the United States has a minimum legal drinking age of 21, and ages from 15 to 25 are used in other nations. Is 18 the ideal standard, or should the drinking age be 21? Should there be a minimum legal drinking age at all?
Should the monarchy be abolished?
The Royal Family is considered a pillar in the British cultural and political landscape. The country tunes in for their weddings, places bets on their baby names and earnestly discusses their wardrobe choices. However, polling shows that many people have a critical view of the royals and do not support the way they operate – for example their secrecy or tax-avoidance – or the public money that's spent on them. Given the monarchy's diminished role in politics, is it time to get rid of the royals? Or do they still serve a purpose in modern society?
Should the police be defunded?
The process of defunding the police involves diverting funds from police departments and reallocating them to non-police forms of public safety such as social services, youth services, housing, education, healthcare, and other community resources.
Should we have daylight saving time?
Daylight saving time has been around for over a century now. Recently, however, some debate has sparked as to whether or not it is still necessary to partake in. Are there truly benefits of participating in it? Or is it an outdated concept of the 20th century?
Should we preserve dying languages?
A language becomes endangered when its speakers do not pass the language down to the next generation and its remaining native speakers grow older and pass away. A language is considered dead or extinct when it has no fluent speakers. Languages change, shift, and die throughout human history, yet linguists and speakers of endangered languages go at great lengths to record and maintain such languages for research purposes or cultural heritage. If languages change and die naturally, are they worth preserving? What is the purpose of preserving a dying language?
Should we stop calling rape victims 'survivors'?
This entry maps the debate over the language used for those who have experienced rape, setting out the positions that we should stop calling them 'survivors', and that we should not — and what each term conveys.
Should you maintain relationships with racist family members?
Should you keep a relationship with a family member who is racist? This entry maps the positions on the question — that you can, that you cannot do so ethically, and that it depends on the circumstances.
What are the conspiracy theories about chemtrails?
This entry catalogues the chemtrail conspiracy theories — the claim that aircraft condensation trails are deliberate chemical sprays for purposes such as weather modification, population control or chemical warfare. The entry documents these beliefs, which scientists reject.
What are the conspiracy theories around COVID-19?
Despite all evidence pointing to infected animals at China's Wuhan seafood market as the source of the COVID-19, conspiracies abound. These claims range from international political plot to eccentric effort to undermine the Chinese economy. So, what are the conspiracies around this previously unseen, potentially devastating, illness?
What are the conspiracy theories around FEMA?
This entry catalogues the conspiracy theories about the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — claims that it plans to detain citizens in concentration camps, imprison dissidents, or kill people for population control. The entry documents these baseless beliefs.
What are the most effective work from home practices during COVID-19?
With offices around the world closed while we hunt for a coronavirus vaccine, millions are working from home for the first time. Adjusting to conference calls from your bedroom can be disorienting, but making small changes to your environment can energise and improve your concentration.
What are the positions on Australia Day?
This entry maps the debate over Australia Day, held on the anniversary of British colonisation, setting out the opposing positions that the date should be changed and that it should not.
What are the positions on Australia First People's?
This entry maps the positions on the rights and circumstances of Australia's First Peoples — covering the 'close the gap' agenda, health disparities driven by discrimination, substance abuse, political representation, federal initiatives, and land ownership.
What are the positions on First Nations' Rights?
This entry maps the debate over First Nations' rights in Canada, setting out positions on the history of forced assimilation, hunting traditions versus animal rights, the legacy of state schooling, and the right to self-government.
What are the positions on racism in South Africa?
This entry maps the debate over racism in South Africa, setting out the opposing positions that the country still struggles with racism, and that it no longer does, decades after the end of apartheid.
What are the positions on the Canadian Mi’kmaq lobstermen?
This entry maps the dispute over the Mi'kmaq lobster fishery in Canada, where Indigenous treaty rights collided with commercial fishers, setting out the positions that the Mi'kmaq lobstermen should be able to catch lobster, and that they should not.
What are the positions on the HIV/AIDS debate in South Africa?
This entry maps the debate over HIV/AIDS in South Africa, setting out the opposing positions that frame it primarily as a health issue, and as a racial issue bound up with the country's history and inequalities.
What are the pros and cons of living in the US?
The United States of America has for many years been a nation admired around the world for its commitment to freedom and democracy, scientific achievements, and popular culture. But what is it like to live in the United States today? Does US history reflect its current quality of life for its citizens?
What are the pros and cons of nihilism?
What are the upsides and downsides of nihilism, the view that life has no inherent meaning? This entry maps the positions — that nihilism carries real advantages, and that it carries serious disadvantages.
What are the pros and cons of police wearing body cameras?
Police body cameras can eliminate issues of hearsay between parties when others are not present at the time of an incident. There are, however, concerns about their reliability, how these cameras are used, what impact they have on police officers' health, issues of privacy and how much they assist.
What are the pros and cons of political correctness?
Does PC culture stagnate a society’s progression, or does it set better more inclusive terms for everyone? Is political correctness useful? Has political correctness gone too far?
What happened to Breonna Taylor?
This entry maps how the 2020 killing of Breonna Taylor, shot by police during a raid on her home, is characterised — setting out the positions that she was murdered by the police, and that she was accidentally killed during the raid.
What is "race"?
Race is one way humans classify one another. Yet, views of how humans are classified differ between person-to-person and even country-to-country. The debate of "what race is" has important - and dangerous - implications across society and between individuals.
What is a conspiracy theory?
What exactly makes something a conspiracy theory? This entry maps the defining features set out across positions — an alleged secret plot, a group of conspirators, cherry-picked 'evidence', the denial of coincidence, a good-versus-evil worldview, and the scapegoating of groups.
What is Europe's most misunderstood capital city?
Which European capital is most misunderstood? This entry gathers the contenders — among them Luxembourg, Paris, Brussels, Dublin, Warsaw, Zurich, Zagreb and Budapest — and the case made for each.
What is QAnon?
This entry sets out how QAnon is understood — as a sprawling far-right conspiracy theory, and as a vehicle for Russian propaganda — mapping the competing characterisations of the movement and its origins.
What is the difference between a language and a dialect?
Are Mandarin and Cantonese individual languages, or are they dialects of Chinese? Questions like these would be easier to answer if dialects and languages were easy to define, but linguists still disagree on the difference between the two.
What is the illuminati conspiracy theory?
This entry sets out how the Illuminati are understood — as a real 18th-century Bavarian society founded to curb the Church's influence, and as the shadowy group of conspiracy theory said to secretly rule the world.
What is the role of the police in America?
The American police force has the capacity to do most anything, but there is currently much controversy about what exactly they should be doing. Given the police’s almost boundless authority, defining their job is imperative to maintaining our constitutional rights while keeping everyone as safe as possible.
What is the sociological definition of a family?
The concept of “family” has evolved in recent decades. The intolerant view of a nuclear family, where a man and woman in wedlock have children and the male provides while the female undertakes child care responsibilities, no longer applies to many modern family units. So, what is a family?
What makes a martyr?
What makes someone a martyr? This entry maps the competing definitions — that a martyr is one who dies for a belief they hold, one who dies for others, and one who dies to advance a cause.
What would a world without prisons be like?
What would a society without prisons actually look like? This entry maps the positions on prison abolition — that it would mean upending the current justice system, and that it would mean confronting root causes like inequality, education and employment.
What's happening in Belarus?
In 2020 mass protests erupted in Belarus after the public felt the presidential election was rigged. But the situation is much more complex than just that, with a number of factors driving the unrest. So what is happening in Belarus?
What's next for all-you-can-eat buffets?
Can the all-you-can-eat buffet survive a post-pandemic world? This entry maps the positions on its future — that buffets will disappear, that they will continue unchanged, and that they will endure but in altered form.
When does a good attitude become toxic positivity?
When does relentless optimism curdle into 'toxic positivity'? This entry maps the answers — that it occurs when bad feelings are denied legitimacy, when people are shamed for not being positive, and when they pressure themselves to ignore hard emotions.
Why are arranged marriages successful?
Why do arranged marriages often endure? This entry maps the explanations offered — that they relieve individuals of a hard choice, that they are made with little agonised deliberation, and that they begin from low expectations that are then exceeded.
Why are South African youths disillusioned with politics?
Why are young South Africans turning away from politics? This entry maps the explanations — that they feel their votes do not count, that they are indifferent to elections, and that they feel politics does not affect them.
Why do people become extremists?
By Oxford definition, an extremist is defined as "a person who holds extreme or fanatical political or religious views, especially one who resorts to or advocates extreme action." The United States FBI has outlined the following reasons why people may turn to extremism.
Why do people believe in conspiracy theories?
Studies show that the majority of people believe in at least one conspiracy theory. They’re becoming increasingly pervasive in our everyday lives, with it not being uncommon to hear conspiracy theories coming from commanders-in-chief. Why would someone believe something that others perceive as crazy?
Why has the divorce rate increased?
Why has the divorce rate risen over recent decades? This entry maps the explanations — the rise of individualism, the strains of the pandemic, easier access to divorce, the decline of religion, and the empowerment of women.
Why has there been a rise in hate crimes in Germany?
This entry maps the explanations offered for a rise in hate crimes in Germany — that it has been driven by rising populism, that it stems from the refugee crisis, and that there is no real rise, only increased reporting.
Why have humans always slaughtered each other?
War, unbalanced countries , huge divide in living conditions yet we are the only species that know our fate is death' on this small blue ball earth that was given mm perfect yet we do nothing but destroy damage , an poison our home . Kings through the centuries till Now. Is asking for every human to live in peace so inconceivable we could' cultivate our world an harvest so people could have lived as equals , But NO humans choose the path of greed' an blood' for power' borders , We have everything yet nothing , yet centuries ago our ancestors had nothing like modern age but could produce pure genius eg Michelangelo / Pyramids/ we can't even decide on medicine, or Food, humans have declined , This is the dark ages . we slaughter, seems like WAR we are the cancer. from 1066 to BC bloodshed why that's all ,Please excuse my punctuation i suffer
Why is domestic violence surging during the COVID-19 pandemic?
For people who are experiencing domestic violence, mandatory lockdowns to curb the spread of COVID-19 have trapped them in their homes with their abusers, isolated from the people and the resources that could help them.
Why is far right extremism on the rise in Germany?
Why is far-right extremism resurgent in Germany? This entry maps the explanations — that the country has always harboured such extremism, and that the 2015 refugee crisis fuelled its recent rise.
Why is QAnon dangerous?
This entry maps the reasons given for regarding the QAnon conspiracy movement as dangerous — that it is linked to real violence, that it functions as a cult, that it disregards truth to push an agenda, and that it corrodes belief in facts.
Why is the standard of living in East Germany so much worse than West Germany?
Why does the former East Germany still lag the West in living standards decades after reunification? This entry maps the explanations — that the east is still grappling with its history, that it faces discrimination, and that it remains proud.
Why is there so much poverty in South Africa?
Why does poverty remain so entrenched in South Africa? This entry maps the explanations — extreme inequality, low intergenerational mobility, and the enduring legacy of colonialism and apartheid.
Will 500,000 Hong Kongers really move to 'Nextopolis'?
Could half a million Hong Kongers relocate to a proposed new city, 'Nextopolis'? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that 500,000 Hong Kongers will move there, and that they will not.
Will cities survive now that work from home is becoming permanent?
If remote work becomes permanent, the daily commute that filled offices, transit systems and city-centre businesses may not return at its former scale. This entry maps the debate over whether cities can survive that shift, or cannot.
Will coronavirus change the world?
First encountered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the new coronavirus disease COVID-19 has spread rapidly within China and reached many other countries as well. COVID-19 is highly transmissible, with no vaccine or treatment currently available, and on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Will the coronavirus lead to an unprecedented global pandemic, as some experts predict? Or are warnings over the dangers of COVID-19 just fearmongering?
Will life change after the pandemic?
Right now, the world is stuck in a state of uncertainty. Will citizens have jobs? Will students go back to school? Will the value of money change? It seems impossible to answer these questions as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on. So-will the pandemic change the world as we know it?
Will the Black Lives matter movement create lasting change?
There’s no question that the wave of protests against police violence and racial injustice across the country has had a tremendous impact. “It’s different this time” has been a frequent sentiment among historians, activists and other experts. Is it too early to tell?