Commentary

National

How We Engage In 'Discipline Theater' In Policing And Parenting

5:18pm December 11, 2016

by Michel Martin

NPR's Michel Martin offers a commentary about recent police shootings and how they relate to the idea of "discipline theater," of going against your better judgment to impress others.

Week In Politics: Trump's Cabinet Picks, Election Hacking Review

6:33pm December 09, 2016

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to regular political commentators David Brooks of The New York Times, and E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and Brookings Institution about Donald Trump's picks for his incoming cabinet, as well as the news that President Obama has ordered a full review of hacking efforts during the election.

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Don't Stop Arguing, Complaining And Fighting For 'Identity Politics'

3:33pm December 08, 2016

by Tasneem Raja

No one seems to have a satisfying definition of "identity politics," but clearly we've been paying too much attention to race, gender and sexual orientation, right? Not so fast.

Week In Politics: Trump Begins 'Thank You' Tour In Indiana

4:12pm December 02, 2016

NPR's Audie Cornish speaks with political commentators David Brooks of The New York Times and Jamelle Bouie, chief political correspondent for Slate, about the beginning of President-elect Donald Trump's "thank you" tour, new controversy over Trump's tweets about voter fraud and his latest cabinet appointments.

Tanker trucks drive past an ExxonMobil oil refinery on March 8, 2005, in Joliet, Ill.

Environment

ExxonMobil Vs. The World

10:30am November 30, 2016

by Marcelo Gleiser

Oil companies once led in climate science; if they put a fraction of their profits into the search for alternative renewable fuels, they could ensure our collective well-being, says Marcelo Gleiser.

A woman walks next to a poster about Cuban former president Fidel Castro, on August 13, 2016, in Havana.

National

Simon: Easy To See Why Some Loved Fidel Castro's Cuba, Many More Fled

9:28am November 26, 2016

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon reflects on his time in Castro's Cuba and how its people struggled to persevere while under the rule of its dictator.

Week In Politics: Trump Makes First Cabinet Appointments

4:32pm November 25, 2016

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with our regular political commentators, E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and Brookings Institution and David Brooks of The New York Times. They discuss what a Trump presidency could look like based on his cabinet appointments thus far, and whether Democrats have a geography problem, given that Hillary Clinton now has a lead of around 2 million votes over Donald Trump.

Commentary: Native American Writer On Support Of Standing Rock

6:27pm November 24, 2016

Native American writer Tanaya Winder has been thinking about the Thanksgiving story of Pilgrims and Indians, especially as the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in North Dakota continue.

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Family tensions can bubble to the surface during the holidays, especially after a divisive election.

This Thanksgiving, Looking Forward To A Respite From The Hydrant Of Terribleness

8:57am November 24, 2016

by Gene Demby

Here's hoping that the holiday provides the rare oasis from a year full of rancor and racial strife in our politics.

A "beware racism" placard seen in New York's Grand Central Station. Is that racist?

Is It Racist To Call Someone 'Racist'?

7:52pm November 23, 2016

by Gene Demby

Casting racism as a moral failure has had the bizarre consequence of confounding the issue for many Americans. Can anything be called racist without controversy?