Young Global Initiative

Digital Sabbaths and Electronic Buddhism

Nathania Silahi, YGI Staff Writer A Buddhist saying states that “just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life”. Since the ancient times, humans have always been intrigued by the mysteries and wonders of the Earth and the universal concepts of individual ‘purpose’ or ‘significance’. Yet sociologist Max Weber once described modernity – with its increasing…

What is the American Dream?

Emily Mao, YGI Staff Writer I was born to a man who carved the American Dream into his bloodline. The general idea of the American Dream goes like this: “Work Hard. Get to America. Work Hard. Secure stability and opportunity for your children.” Throughout my childhood, I went from living in a two bedroom apartment to living in a multi-million dollar house. My mom went from working three jobs to…

The Power of Debate

    Maria Mutka, YGI Staff Writer Debate – the mere mention of the word can cause blood to boil. It can evoke the picture of fruitless, petty arguing. Needles to say, it is not a pleasant image. However, the type of image of debate I would like to project is one of a formal debate. (more…)

Tackling the Topic of Cultural Appropriation

Mahnoor Imran, YGI Staff Writer In America, much of our art, cuisine, fashion trends, and traditions derive from the miscellany of cultures that make up our nation’s melting pot. Race and ethnicity plays a crucial role in how American citizens define themselves and their legacy. But more than often, cultures become disdainfully intertwined and the exploitation of minority groups through what is…

When We Let Languages Die

Nathania Silahi, YGI Staff Writer All of us are settling into the new rhythm of the new year – some with clear goals for 2016 already ingrained in the backs of their minds. Over the winter break, I was fortunate enough to fly from Indonesia to explore a handful of countries in central and eastern Europe. The entire experience was amazing, but it also triggered deep self-reflection when the new…

On How Dress Codes Teach Sexism

Submitted by Cece Jane, from El Segundo, California “I didn’t graduate from high school because I was distracted by a girl’s shoulders in class”… said nobody ever.  So why do administrators and parents fight to ban clothing that shows the slightest amount of female skin? (more…)

A Look at Climate Change

Maria Mutka, YGI Staff Writer Amid the contrasting opinions of different skeptics, scientists, world leaders, and activists on the subject of climate change, it can be hard to get to the truth about this important topic. It can be difficult to the biased stances that both climate change activists and deniers can take. Yet, the environment, and how climate change affects it, is a topic that…

The Hypocrisy of American Media

Mahnoor Imran, YGI Staff Writer In every society, the media plays an influential role in the way a civilization develops and prospers. In a way, its portrayal of topics and issues can result in a phenomenon comparable to the butterfly effect. One small alteration in the manner in which the media presents a certain piece of information can largely affect the opinions of a nation. Those…

Emily Mao, YGI Staff Writer Is truth definite? Or does it change continuously accordingly to the social dynamics of the present that dominate media, the definition of the oppressors, religion or cultural understandings of life? Can we cherry pick the truth to play the righteous? By consciously or unwillingly falling victims to ignorance, people all around the world are doing so. (more…)

The Image of Islam

Over the past month or so, my Facebook feed was an endless stream of news articles and shared links to videos discussing the advancement of ISIS or the image of Islam in the world. We all acknowledge that social media is a powerful platform for self-expression and networking. However events such as the November Paris terror attacks have also, in a sense, reminded us of its limitations. Although I…

The Light of Love

Friday, November 13th, 2015 is a day that will not be forgotten by the people of France or by the world.  It started as a Friday the 13th might usually, with the promise of a new weekend, the usual superstitious jokes that are typically brushed off. No one could possibly anticipate the horror and the darkness to come in the City of Light that evening.  Imagine yourself in the lively streets of…

Beauty in the 21st Century

#nofilter. #nomakeup. #beautiful. No matter how cringe-worthy this opening may seem, at some point in time, these were exceptionally popular hashtags on Instagram. After all, everyone seems to love celebrating confidence and ‘natural beauty’ in the 21st century. Many online magazines targeting female audiences regularly feature articles like ‘Celebs Who Look Flawless Without Makeup’ whilst many…

Having Less and Doing More

This summer, I accidentally stumbled across something that would change my life forever: Minimalism. What is minimalism? Minimalism is the act of living with the bare essentials. Minimalists regularly declutter, both physically and mentally. There’s really only one principle: If an object isn’t serving you, either functionally or emotionally, get rid of it. Minimalism helps people to reduce the…

A Call for a Change in the Approach to Politics

When Donald Trump announced his presidential campaign, much of our nation watched with our mouths hung open in shock. In the beginning of the 2016 race, many Americans regarded Donald Trump’s entrance as a publicity stunt, for he had been falsely speculated to run for presidency in 2012. Americans misjudged Trump’s capabilities, deeming it impossible that he, who had explicitly stated his…

When You’re “Feeling Philoslothical”

There is a great meme, as there generally is for nearly all topics, that relates to philosophy. It shows a picture of a sloth with its three claws resting pretentiously on its chin with the words “Feelin’ Philoslothical” on it. It is the perfect meme for many reasons. One of those reasons is that we all have those days at some point, those cliché and lazy type of days where we question life. It…

Education is a tool to liberate- but is it unfair? Education is truly life changing. Today it shapes people’s lives. It heightens their career prospects, raises them out of poverty, and gives them power to participate in their government. Education, whilst a right, is also a privilege. It enables people to succeed beyond the successes of their parents and families. It can be life changing. But…

The Triumphs and Struggles of the Public Special Education Classroom

For most people, the topic of special education is not one that they are familiar with. Unless someone has a family member with a disability, or worked with a person with a disability, it can be difficult to learn about special needs education. Yet, like any other issue, it is an issue that needs further awareness, so that education for those with disabilities may continuously be improved. In the…