In the Soviet Union, unhappiness could have been considered dissent, as the state declared suffering “obsolete” after it empowered its people. So, when writing letters to state officials, people living under Soviet rule were careful to word their plights in a “politically acceptable” manner. In one letter, a woman made sure to convey that her troubles were not due to inaction. She expressed that she was willing to improve herself and her situation despite the bad luck that had befallen her, including her measle-afflicted child and cheating husband. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
