Just Looking

Health Crisis / Cause

Estimated Deaths Over Last 100 Years

Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) incidents

250+ million

Includes floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, drowning, blizzards, industrial accidents, and weather-related disasters

COVID-19

~7–30 million

Official confirmed deaths are lower, but excess mortality estimates are much higher

Spanish Flu

~50 million

One of the deadliest pandemics in modern history

HIV/AIDS

~40 million

Long-running worldwide health crisis

Tuberculosis

100+ million

One of the deadliest infectious diseases historically

Malaria

150–300 million

Especially deadly in tropical regions

Cancer

1+ billion

Combined global deaths across all cancer types

Heart Disease

1.5+ billion

Leading global cause of death overall

Cholera

Millions

Multiple outbreaks tied to poor sanitation

Smallpox

~300 million (20th century)

Transformers: Carnage of the Garden War

From the protein-rich plains of Carnitron, the noble Autobots were born—towering heroes sculpted from marbled steak, armored in bacon plating, powered by molten marrow cores. Their leader, Optimus Brine, carried the legendary Smoker Matrix, a sacred ember said to have sparked the first flame of flavor.

The relationship between the Inuit people of Greenland and Denmark is shaped by a long history of colonialism, evolving sovereignty, and ongoing struggles over cultural identity and self-determination. Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 and later received home rule (1979) and greater autonomy in 2008, yet Denmark still controls foreign affairs, defense, and financial transfers. For many Kalaallit (Inuit people of Greenland), this shared history produces mixed feelings: pride in their identity and culture but resentment of Denmark’s colonial legacy and lingering control. Some see Danish governance as a source of economic stability and social infrastructure; others view it as a continuation of paternalism and cultural suppression that hinders true self-rule and respect for their heritage. �

Because of that history, many Greenlanders—especially younger generations—feel that Danish rule still exerts structural influence on their lives. This contributes to growing support for independence and cultural revival movements that emphasize Inuit language, traditions, and autonomy. �

Reported Discrimination & Cultural Attacks

Historical & Structural

Colonial assimilation and disrupted traditions: Danish “modernization” policies in the mid-20th century forcibly resettled Inuit communities from small villages into larger towns, weakening traditional hunting and community structures. �

Little Danes experiment: In the 1950s, Greenlandic Inuit children were taken to Denmark under the pretext of education, forbidden to speak their language, and separated from families. Survivors describe identity loss, trauma, and lifelong impacts. �

Population-control measures: In the 1960s–1970s, thousands of Inuit women and girls were fitted with contraceptives without full consent, a policy now denounced and apologized for by Danish and Greenlandic authorities. �

Cultural & Linguistic Discrimination

Marginalized cultural recognition: Many Inuit living in Denmark report feeling like “invisible ghosts” due to institutional obstacles, lack of representation, and little consideration for Inuit language or cultural needs in public services. �

Language and education barriers: Danish schools historically offered limited support for Kalaallisut (Greenlandic) language and culture, contributing to lower educational outcomes and cultural isolation for Inuit students. �

Stereotypes and racism: Greenlandic Inuit in Denmark often face prejudices and stereotypes, such as being portrayed as unfit or socially problematic, which fuels social exclusion and reinforces racist attitudes. �

Child Welfare & Family Separation

Disproportionate child welfare interventions: Greenlandic children in Denmark are significantly more likely to be placed in foster care compared to Danish children, partly due to culturally insensitive psychological assessments (‘parenting competency’ tests) in Danish child welfare systems. Denmark began phasing out these tests after widespread criticism. �

Identity & Independence Movements

Growing push for independence: Many Inuit in Greenland increasingly embrace traditional culture and support full independence from Denmark, linking colonial grievances to contemporary political debates. �

Sources

News & Reports

Reuters: Growing support for independence and cultural resurgence among Greenlanders. �

Reuters

AP News: Forced contraceptive practices acknowledged and apologized for by governments. �

AP News

The Guardian: Denmark to discontinue controversial “parenting competency” tests with cultural bias. �

The Guardian

Human Rights & Academic

UN Special Rapporteur report on rights and discrimination affecting Inuit in Denmark and Greenland. �

OHCHR

International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs coverage of Inuit experiences and marginalization. �

IWGIA

Historical accounts of colonial policies and cultural impacts. �

Shop ‘Til You Drop: How “Traditions” Magically Turn into Shopping Traps

Every country insists it has its own special way of celebrating the holidays. But if you squint just a little, you’ll notice something suspicious: no matter where you are, the “tradition” somehow ends with you handing over your money.

In the United States, there’s Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when otherwise polite people transform into competitive bargain hunters. Stores open at ungodly hours, crowds sprint through automatic doors like it’s a game show, and shoppers proudly wrestle a discounted toaster out of someone else’s cart. We’re told it’s “the start of the holiday season,” but it’s really the start of retailers whispering, “Go ahead… you deserve three air fryers.”

Across the ocean in England, you’ll find Boxing Day—a name that sounds like it should involve sports or presents for the poor, but now mostly involves elbowing your way toward half-priced sweaters. What was once about charity has become the official day to buy things you didn’t want before Christmas but somehow desperately need now that they’re 30% off.

Then there’s Japan’s adorable-sounding Fukubukuro, or “lucky bags.” These are mystery bags sold on New Year’s Day. You don’t know what’s inside, but you buy it anyway because it might contain something amazing—or it might contain three phone chargers, a keychain, and a regret. Retailers get to clear out old inventory while you get the thrill of gambling, minus the flashing casino lights.

Different countries, different customs… same trick. Take leftover merchandise, sprinkle on some tradition, add urgency, slap on a festive name, and voilà—people line up happily to spend money they weren’t planning to spend.