Although the term “xenophobia” is a compound of two Greek words, its origins — and the concept as a whole — has its roots in the French press. After decades of Western expansion and exploitation, the Boxer movement in China lashed out against all non-Chinese, resulting in the violent Boxer revolt. Seemingly chalking it up to an intense hatred of foreigners, rather than considering that they perhaps had legitimate grievances, Jean Martin de Saintours (under a pseudonym) coined the term “xenophobia” as the cause of the rebellion. 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
