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The Value of Diversity

"The Dignity of Disabled Lives" by Andrew Solomon, NYT

This opinion piece explains why people with disabilities make a valuable contribution to our diverse society, after discussing the history of obscene discrimination against disabled people.

Read the author’s book, About Us: Essays From The New York Times Disability Series  

 

Slavery and Its Aftermath

Learning from the Germans: Race and the Memory of Evil by Susan Neiman

At a time of increasing social and political tension—largely surrounding the issue of race—Susan Neiman’s new book is a highly relevant and much needed addition to modern literature. Learning from the Germans provides an opportunity for contemplation about our nation’s history and a framework for how we may be able to cope with its past.

Read the New York Times Review

 

Water, Equity and Security

"Hurricane Dorian Is Not a Freak Storm" by Rachel Gutman, The Atlantic

After detailing the frightening facts about Hurricane Dorian, this report discusses how—as a result of climate change—these alarming storm statistics are becoming the new normal. 

 

The Future of Work

Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O’Neil 

This 2016 book is just as relevant today as it was when it was published. Algorithms and Big Data continue to dictate society, and O’Neil argues that not only do these “weapons of math destruction” control every aspect of our work and lives, but function to perpetuate social inequality.

 

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The Future of Work

"American Factory" (2019)

When a Chinese company brings hope to a struggling community by employing American blue-collar workers in its Ohio factory, two very different cultures must learn to adapt to a shared workplace. 

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The Value of Diversity

"IBM Age Discrimination Case Heads To Court", Here & Now (2019)

Last year, IBM fired over 20,000 workers older than 40. Robin Young and Peter Gosselin discuss the details and implications of IBM’s age discrimination lawsuit, which went to court last week.

Listen on WBUR