The realities of alcoholism often include falling off the wagon, which is both more mundane and absurd than many people realize.
Society
What Gets You Sober—God Or Your Neurons?
In battling addiction, neuroscience offers a complementary and alternative approach to twelve-step programs.
Wine in the Baby’s Mouth
To cut or not to cut? Circumcision is influenced by cultural forces and religious tradition, especially for secular Jews and Muslims.
The Case For Philosophy In K-12 Classrooms
Learning critical thinking skills helps students become more creative, confident, and engaged.
Eulogy: For Reverend DePayne Middleton Doctor
Reverend DePayne Middleton Doctor, a minister, admissions coordinator, and mother.
Eulogy: For Reverend Daniel Simmons, Sr.
Reverend Daniel Simmons, Sr., a 74-year-old Vietnam vet, longtime pastor, father, and grandfather.
Eulogy: For Myra Thompson
Myra Thompson, a retired teacher, guidance counselor, wife, mother, grandmother, and newly certified preacher.
Eulogy: For Ethel Lee Lance
Ethel Lee Lance, a 70-year-old church sexton with five children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Eulogy: For Susie Jackson
Susie Jackson, an 87-year-old mother of two, family matriarch, devout Christian, church trustee, and eldest victim.
Eulogy: For TyWanza Sanders
TyWanza Sanders, a 26-year-old graduate of Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, who died trying to save his grandmother.
Eulogy: For Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, a reverend, track coach, speech therapist, and mother.
Eulogy: For Cynthia Hurd
Cynthia Hurd, head librarian with Charleston County Library’s John L. Dart Branch and manager of the St. Andrews Regional Library.
Eulogy: For Reverend Clementa Pinckney
Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney, a South Carolina Senator and senior pastor of Emanuel A.M.E. Church.
A Shared Road
In a society of technology-driven isolation, is the key to a more compassionate world simply taking the time to really see one another?
The Art Of Teaching
“Stereotypes, they’re sensual, cultural weapons. … At an artistic level, stereotypes are terrible writing.” -Junot Díaz
Polygamy: As Seen On TV
Many couples who pursue modern polygamist lifestyles find that creating the “perfect family” is more difficult than expected.
Why I Plan To Hover As My Son Becomes A Teen
What drives young men who commit horrific crimes? It may be a simple lack of basic morality.
If You’re Not Fit For College, What Are You Fit For?
Vocational training doesn’t ensure a living wage for students lacking the skills needed for college.
Nuns: The Environmental Movement’s Most Powerful Ally?
The Sisters of Loretto fought the Bluegrass Pipeline and protected their Kentucky homeland.
2014: The Year We Put “Just” In Front Of Malaria
How privilege, fear, and nationalism hinder the eradication of infectious diseases.
For My Child, Actions Teach Louder Than Words
Educators’ focus on language skills marginalizes kids who learn through physical, play-based activities.
I Didn’t Breastfeed And My Kids Are Healthy And Happy
Women who can’t nurse — or choose not to — shouldn’t be pressured or judged.
The Deep Web: The Internet Most People Don’t Know About
The Deep Web is not accessible through search engines. Its variety of uses may surprise you.
Why I Reject Forgiveness Culture
For trauma survivors, there are many paths to healing and moving on. Why demand that survivors forgive their abusers?
How Political Comedy Culture Breeds Social Apathy
Political satirists provide comic relief, but do they undermine the fight to address serious issues?
Cultural Equity: An Opera In Three Acts
When arts funding favors elite white institutions, both artists and communities suffer.
Teen Choice And The Dangers of Parental Involvement Laws
Do parental consent laws protect pregnant minors? The risks of politicizing teen abortion.
The Unseen Jury: The Ideology And Psychology Of Covert Racism
Examining institutionalized racism’s psychological and philosophical roots and how to combat it.
Genetically Modified Pregnancy: How Many Tests Are Too Many?
The costs, benefits, and ethical issues of increasingly sophisticated prenatal genetic tests.
My STIR: A Foster Care Success Story
In response to Deb Stone’s essay on foster care, former foster child Jaquel Pitts shares his successes.
Living And Working With The Missionaries Of Charity
A vivid and honest portrayal of one of the world’s most controversial organizations.
Are The New Atheists Committing The Old Mistakes?
The nature of belief, disbelief, and how to approach the threat of religious extremism.
What If Addicts Received Effective Treatment Instead Of Prison Time?
Poor treatment programs and the stigma of addiction have caused an epidemic of suffering.
What You Should Know About Collection Agency Practices
Third-party debt collection agencies harass consumers into paying debt they believe they’ve already settled.
Christian Purity Culture: Setting The Bar Too High For Men?
The Evangelical Christian purity movement and its impact on mainstream secular culture.
The New Conversation: Everyone Is Talking But Is Anyone Listening?
Two of STIR’s creators want to make you feel uncomfortable for a while.