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?
US applauded for recognizing anorexia as a problem
by: Katie King - printed on 02-28-2001
Studying abroad in Spain last semester opened my eyes, wide and clear, to many differences between our two countries, and reading Erin Smith’s words last week in her article “Social pressure causes unhealthy behavior” struck a chord with me. Among other things, Spain is known for its beautiful people, but this attraction comes at the expense of their health.
At first, it seemed as though Spain didn’t have many social problems, especially in comparison to Franco’s dictatorship and the monarchies preceding it.
Coal plant threatens lives in Thailand
by: Meghan Molenda - printed on 04-10-2002
Progression and invention are two of those highly valued American ideas that permeate our culture, right up there with wealth and power. We are always looking for better ways of doing whatever it is that we are doing, and therefore we are suckers for anything new because "new and improved" signals progression, which is valued. With this in mind, it would seem that our old methods of doing things would become outdated and not even put into question, much less practice.
Who is in charge?
by: Chris Graham - printed on 09-12-2001
At the center of the debate over stem cell research, the value of human life is being debated from both sides of the issue. On one hand, stem cells are believed to potentially have the ability to regenerate damaged organs and tissues which would prove extremely valuable in the fight against diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. The opposition stems from the fact that these stem cells are taken from embryos grown in fertility clinics.
Bringing Democracy to the land of Mao
by: Christy Scheuer - printed on 11-28-2001
Dr. Jianli Yang, who spoke at the University of Portland on Thursday, November 15, has been officially charged as a traitor by the Chinese government. In 1989, Dr. Yang helped to lead the Chinese democracy movement, which culminated in the student rally in Tiananmen Square in which 30 students were killed for speaking out against communism in China. Consequently, he was exiled and placed on a list of 49 dissidents who are strictly forbidden to return to China.
A unique student shares her global perspective
by: Christy Scheuer - printed on 01-23-2002
"What do you mean, 'crazy'" Asima laughs at my word choice, and then pelts me with questions about the incongruities of American diction and slang. "You say 'crazy' and it means so many different things. Also, 'slick.' What does that mean? None of these words mean the same here as they did in my English classes. Like 'cool' ? people don't use it to mean cold!" She looks at me inquisitively, automatically adjusting her cranberry colored headscarf, and then her face erupts into a smile.
Los jornaleros: Day labor on the San Francisco peninsula
by: Jessica Jenkins - printed on 03-27-2002
They cluster together on street corners in the early morning hours, intently watching the passing cars, looking for any sign of a potential employer. They are as young as 17 and as old as 52. Nearly all are from Mexico or Central America, and the vast majority of them have no legal immigration documents. They wait each morning, sometimes for hours, for the lucky job in gardening, construction, carpentry - basically anything they can get.