Wise Monkey News is here to provide young people an opportunity to discuss the issues that affect their lives. We hope that, through your participation, this website serves as a forum for the development, exchange, and expression of ideas that will prepare us to assume our positions as the leaders of tomorrow's world. Have something to say?
Finding Spain: No stone is without a story
by: Hank Smith - printed on 02-28-2001
España . . . España . . . ESPAÑA! It hit me when I heard these words from Carmela, the lead character in a Spanish play set during its civil war of 1936-1939. España…Spain, for some reason, took on a greater amount of significance. Carmela, in fact, was saying these words to foreigners, members of the International Brigade, those soldiers that came from around the world to defend Spain’s republic from a fascist threat.
American Politics: Three's a Crowd?
by: Jon Reitzenstein - printed on 11-03-2000
International Students at University of Portland who watched the presidential debates in the Cove the last couple of weeks must have felt they were at a Ping-Pong match. Maybe they wonder how the United States figures they can accurately and fairly represent the majority of American's with just two political parties. The ball is going back and forth between two people while millions sit back passively and watch until it is time to stand in line and pick one or the other.
A journey through Paris
by: Jefferson Azevedo - printed on 09-12-2001
Paris is romantic by definition, gallant by tradition, sophisticated by choice. I spent last year living, studying, and working in Paris; each day, upon exiting a metro station or turning a street corner, I came across a glamorous café or a staggering monument erected to celebrate French power. It sometimes felt like time had stopped in the bohemian life of the 20’s, as if I had been caught in a live oil canvas by Picasso or Van Gogh.
Ice shelves fall; the heat is on
by: Sarah Dempsey - printed on 03-27-2002
Last week the world saw first-hand the disturbing effects of global warming. Part of the Larsen B ice shelf in Antarctica, made up of 720 billion tons of ice (roughly the size of Rhode Island), collapsed into the ocean after a month of rapid melting and disintegration. This was not a prediction, not some scientist's dreadful warning, this was real life. This was the result of five decades of sharp temperature increases of as much as 4.
Illegal immigrants gain priority admissions to California universities
by: Jaime Denning - printed on 03-06-2002
You live in New York. Your dad, his dad and his grandfather all attended the University of California at Berkeley. Family tradition and desire push you to apply to the university. You harass the mailman daily, waiting for your acceptance letter. Finally it comes and you run triumphantly with it into the kitchen where your step-mom is making cookies. You tear open the creamy cardstock envelope and find "Dear Joe, We regretfully inform you.
Debunking the feminist myth
by: Christy Scheuer - printed on 09-25-2002
Feminism. Oh, the difference a word can make! The word feminism is fraught with negative implications, obscured by layers of stereotypes. Many people hesitate to call themselves feminists for fear of others’ scorn and derision.