2025-09-04 00:00:26.167

The author, on her first day of graduate school, felt self-conscious about her gray hair, a stark contrast to her younger classmates. She had stopped dyeing her hair during the Covid lockdown and hadn't anticipated the societal reaction to her natural color. She observed that gray hair is often perceived as a sign of aging and unattractiveness, a perception reinforced by decades of advertising. This perception is further complicated by ageism in the workplace, where older workers often face discrimination. The author experienced this firsthand, noting how her gray hair seemed to render her invisible to some classmates, even resulting in one stepping over her without acknowledgment. However, over time, her classmates and professors came to accept her, and she formed genuine friendships. The author reflects on the internalized self-consciousness she felt about her gray hair, questioning whether it stemmed from vanity or societal pressures. She conducted a poll among classmates, revealing that a significant percentage dye their hair and would continue to do so even if it turned gray. The article concludes with the author's reconciliation with the classmate who had initially ignored her, highlighting the unexpected connections and personal growth she experienced throughout her graduate school journey.

2025-07-20 00:00:31.383

A group of young adults, part of the organization Generation Life, embarked on a mission trip to the Jersey Shore, a place known for its hedonistic atmosphere, to promote chastity among their peers. Their efforts faced significant challenges, as many beachgoers were initially confused or uninterested. However, the activists found common ground by discussing the negative impacts of social media on relationships and self-esteem. While they didn't explicitly promote abstinence in every conversation, their focus shifted to the importance of healthy relationships and avoiding the pitfalls of superficial connections. The article explores the complexities of their message in a modern context, noting the rise of the "sex recession" among Gen Z and the challenges of promoting abstinence in a society increasingly accepting of diverse sexual orientations and lifestyles. The piece also delves into the group's broader mission, which includes opposing abortion, and their belief that promoting chastity can lead to a reduction in abortion rates. The author contrasts the group's values with the prevalent culture on the Jersey Shore, highlighting the generational and cultural differences in attitudes towards sex and relationships. The article concludes with a reflection on the complexities of love, heartbreak, and the potential both for pain and growth in relationships, questioning whether avoiding sex is a viable way to avoid vulnerability.

2025-06-26 12:00:38.363

The threat of nuclear war, genocide, AI reducing human cognitive ability, and record heatwaves—disasters strike with increasing frequency. Many cope by ignoring the news, but the r/collapse subreddit confronts the unraveling of civilization head-on. With half a million members, many joined after the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump's presidency, viewing history as a freefall. Discussions range from the Iran-Israel conflict to the deadly effects of extreme heat and declining phytoplankton levels in the North Atlantic. Moderated by experts in various fields, the subreddit maintains a relatively objective tone, focusing on evidence-based analysis rather than speculation or activism. The moderators grapple with existential questions: What constitutes collapse? Is it already happening? Why isn't there a stronger reaction? They also address practical issues like where to live and what jobs will be most useful during a collapse. The subreddit's weekly newsletter, "Last Week in Collapse," summarizes global crises, presenting a bleak but informative overview. While offering mental health resources, the moderators acknowledge the toll of constantly processing such distressing information. They debate the morality of having children and the impact of technological progress, challenging the prevailing faith in continuous advancement. The overall message is one of sobering realism, acknowledging the potential for a long-term decline rather than a sudden catastrophic event. While some find the community helpful, others find it too overwhelming. The author of the newsletter predicts a future marked by climate emergencies, famines, wars, and scarcity, emphasizing the importance of focusing on practical actions rather than dwelling on the impending doom.