Essays

Is Birth Control Under Attack?

Moves to Limit Contraception—From IUDs to the Pill—Are Following the Anti-Abortion Playbook

Zócalo celebrated its 20th birthday recently! As part of the festivities, we’re publishing reflections and responses that revisit and reimagine some of our most impactful stories and public programs. Social scientist Megan Kavanaugh revisits Jacqueline Coulette’s 2012 essay “How I Had Sex in 1950.” Since that time, birth control has become nearly universal in American society, but access to contraception still faces threats.

There are few things in America as universal as contraception. More than 99% of reproductive age women—and by extension, their partners—have used …

by Megan Kavanaugh |

Read More

More In: Essays

‘Navigate’ Is an Overused Metaphor

And Other Observations From a Native English Speaker Who Relocated From India to the U.S.

by Ashwini Gangal |

In the 15th century, Italian merchant Amerigo Vespucci undertook many a voyage—navigating rough seas for months, sometimes years, between Europe and the New World.

There’s nothing I would change about that …

Small and big dogs playing at a beach while a 'No Dogs Allowed' sign is visible on the left.

I’m Autistic and Scared of Your Dog

Some of My Favorite Summer Places Feel Perilous When People Flout Leash Laws

by Jason Jacoby Lee |

It’s a beautiful summer day in Venice, California, and everyone seems to be out enjoying the beach—except for me.

I am profoundly autistic. As a result, I may jump up and …

Trust Me on the Sunscreen

From Soothing Burns With Crushed Strawberries to Base Tans to SPF 50, Our Move Toward a Sun-Safe Future

by Charlotte Mathieson |

It’s April 2000. I’m 14 years old, lying on a beach in the Bahamas, a bottle of SPF 20 at my side. I periodically check to see how my suntan …

Does ‘Slacktivism’ Deserve Its Bad Rap?

Lazy Forms of Protest—From Social Media Posts to Bumper Stickers—Can Also Help Effect Change

by Lisa Mueller |

This essay was published in tandem with the event “When Does Protest Make a Difference?” on August 22. View the recorded discussions here.

Earlier this …

What It’s Like to Experience the U.S. Election From Prison

We Can’t Vote on Politicians’ Promises or Policies—Even Though They Will Shape Nearly Every Aspect of Our Realities

by Phillip Vance Smith, II |

In a small conference room nestled inside a secure red-brick building, I met with 11 fellow staff members of the Nash News, a prison newspaper in North Carolina. It was …


By continuing to use our website, you agree to our privacy and cookie policy.

✕

Get More Zócalo

No paywall. No ads. No partisan hacks. Ideas journalism with a head and a heart.

You may opt out or contact us anytime.

×