Longread #459 -- Echo Chambers in Myanmar -- 3/25/14

My friend Matt recently published this excellent piece about the rise of social media and what it may mean for Myanmar. As someone who lives in a country where social media is already ubiquitous (especially among my demographic), it is easy to just assume that it has already taken hold in other countries or that its rise in other countries may simply parallel its development here in the U.S. But the story is not so simple, and the rise of social media in complex sociopolitical contexts like Myanmar raises a host of concerns. Check out Matt's article for a concise, intriguing, and well-argued look at the future of media in Myanmar.

"Echo Chambers in Myanmar: Social media and the ideological justifications for mass violence" by Matt Schissler
Published for the Australian National University Department of Political & Social Change Research Colloquium, “Communal Conflict in Myanmar: Characteristics, Causes, Consequences,” March 2018

Eric

Longread #458 -- The Dark Power of Fraternities -- 3/24/14

I was worried at first that this would be a standard hit-piece on fraternities. While those stories are often warranted by the facts, they often follow similar incidents without looking at any bigger picture. On the other hand, this investigative piece takes a much deeper look into the role of fraternities in campus life, how they are organized, and many of the risks that arise from their growth.

"The Dark Power of Fraternities" by Caitlin Flanagan
Published in the Atlantic, February 19, 2014

Eric

Longread #457 -- The Exotic Animal Trade -- 3/19/14

An eye-opening look at a lucrative part of the black market that is probably not on the radar for most people.

"The Exotic Animal Trade" by Alex Mayyasi
Published on Pricenomics, February 20, 2014

Eric

Longread #456 -- A Brief History of Serving Homeless Youth in Seattle -- 3/14/14

It's not uncommon to hear people (especially politicians) bemoan the cost or inefficiency of social services. It's also easy for people who are sympathetic to society's disfavored groups to become overwhelmed by the magnitude of social problems. I really enjoyed this article because I think it speaks to both of those issues.

In looking at the history of services for homeless youth in Seattle, it shows how a few individuals took steps to make isolated acts of compassion and kindness into a broad network of integrated support for some of society's most vulnerable people. It also belies the notion that social services are inherently inefficient as for decades many of these organizations have done more with less. Overall, I was just so impressed by the dedication of so many people to try to make this city more attuned to the needs of people who had for too long been forgotten.

"When we paid caseworkers in cookies: A brief history of serving homeless youth" by Sinan Demirel
Published in Crosscut, March 5, 2014

Eric

Longread #455 -- Confessions of a Nail Biter -- 3/12/13

I really enjoy Drew Magary's writing, and this one hit especially close to home.

"Confessions of a Nail Biter" by Drew Magary
Published in Deadspin, March 5, 2014

Eric