Top 5: War needs art.
+ The pandemic exposes the good and the bad.
Because higher education is now being scrutinized in the media and in conversations across the US. This interview predicts huge changes for the sector and for current and future students. This article from The Atlantic on community colleges and their preparedness level for increased enrollment is also worth the read.
“Strategists Have Forgotten the Power of Stories” (Foreign Policy Magazine)
Because as the lede states, “The arts are invaluable to national security policymakers facing an ever-changing future.”
“The American Dream is Alive and Well” (NYT)
Because this economist, Michael R. Stain (based out of AEI), argues that “This pandemic crisis will inflict tremendous economic suffering on millions, and its lingering effects will be with us for years. But history suggests that over the long term, the upward march of economic progress for workers and households will continue. Capitalism isn’t broken. The game isn’t rigged. Hard work does pay off. Workers do enjoy the fruits of their labor.”
“Inequality has been laid bare by the outbreak” (NYT Magazine)
Because this essay makes for a good paring with the essay above. While this piece doesn’t dive deep into structural inequalities, the writer presents an interesting interpretation of what are most likely common feelings (I like to call them “little rages”) among certain parts of the population, possibly the middle class.
“‘You See the Best of Us Now’” (Washington Post Magazine)
Because this series of vignettes from people across the country tries to capture the positive or optimistic thinking that some are trying to glean from the pandemic.
Image is of Yasmine Protho wearing a photo of herself on her protective mask while graduating with 9 other classmates at a time at Chattahoochee County High School in Cusseta, Georgia. Image credit: Brynn Anderson/AP.