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?
Americans packin' heat
by: Jason Talbot - printed on 04-24-2002
Dear Uncle Sam: I am writing in regards to the war being fought against terrorism. My wish is for you, the federal government, to let me help protect our country from other acts of hatred. The protection I need may only be secured through armament. For this reason, each and every American citizen should be sent a gun through the mail as soon as possible. That's right, the American public needs to pack some heat.
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.
Japan's Forgotten People: The Ainu
by: Kukiko Iwamoto - printed on 04-11-2001
A widespread belief about Japan is that it is a homogenous nation. But there are minorities in Japan. About ten thousand years ago, people lived in the northern part of Japan (now called Hokkaido) who were ethnically separated from the rest of Japanese population by their different lifestyle, culture, and language. These people were called “Ainu” which means “human being” in their own language. Today, the Ainu are considered an indigenous people.
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.
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.
Beer, wine, cigarettes and other dispatches from Spain
by: David Miller - printed on 02-28-2001
My flight from Portland to Madrid, Spain had a layover in Newark, New Jersey. As I had four hours to spend in Newark, I bought a premade, mushy Philly-steak-and-cheese sandwich and sat down to collect my thoughts. I was on my way to Spain to spend the next four months studying there, in Spanish, all in Spanish. It wasn’t like I hadn’t ever traveled before, I had. I wasn’t worried about that. It was the 15 credits of college courses .