Why we fear uncertainty — and why we shouldn’t

If you live in a so-called “liberal” city, you’ve probably heard about your local government cutting budgets for important programs like libraries or schools — and then blaming it on the influx on thousands of migrants. Loads of news outlets want to talk about the migrant crisis, yet few are interested in deeply explaining why tensions seem to be so bad in recent years (and I promise you, it’s not just Trumpism).

As the daughter of an immigrant, I would usually chalk up the animosity toward migrants simply as entrenched misunderstandings. But ask anyone in New York City about the recent increase in migrants affecting city resources, and you’ll hear a cascade of different complaints ranging from unbased to surprising, no matter what political party a person identifies with. 

I thought senior correspondent Eric Levitz’s explainer on how NIMBYs — aka the folks who really, really hate new construction and development in their neighborhoods — are helping the public turn against immigrants was insightful. Turns out, the root of the public frustration isn’t actually about the migrants — it’s about the rising cost of housing. 

Eric’s piece does something that’s very classically Vox: reveal something hidden in plain sight. He put to words something I had experienced in my day-to-day life and in conversations with people at the grocery store or at the park in such a demystifying way.

Keeping up with that theme, I’ve curated other articles, podcasts, and videos from my colleagues that illuminated something hidden, yet surprising:

—Izzie Ramirez, deputy editor of Future Perfect

🎧 How racism ages Black people

Last year, news editor Sean Collins and I co-wrote a feature about how discrimination steals time from Black people. The Weeds’ Jonquilyn Hill takes it up a notch and explains how the stress of racism takes years off a life. A must-listen!

🎧 What dies with Alexei Navalny? and Where does the fight for a free Russia go now?

Saturday is the two-year anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine. I thought the combo of the Today, Explained podcast plus Ellen’s insight on Navalny’s widow made for a great catch-up. It’s hard to keep up with every development in the war, but I now feel equipped to understand the current stakes.

Why we fear uncertainty — and why we shouldn’t 

I am an extremely anxious person!!! I love stability and certainty, but that’s not how life works. Give this Gray Area episode a listen if you want to chill out a bit (despite everything going on).

Your brain needs a really good lawyer

Okay, back to being unchill. Neurotech is on the rise, and with that comes the ability for companies to quite literally read your mind via brain chip. While some of this tech isn’t available to the general public, there are versions on the market that are not invasive. Future Perfect’s Sigal Samuel explains the concept of “neural rights” and how states are trying to protect your mental privacy. 

📹 Can AI help us predict extreme weather?

Usually, I’m in the “AI is bad for humans for the most part” camp. But if AI can prevent me from getting rained on during a night out on the town, well … I’m happy to change my tune. The Vox video team did an excellent job of highlighting a use case for AI that should have been number one on everyone’s list.

How to look at art — and really see it 

Picture this: You’re at a museum. You’re wondering why that lady over there is spending several minutes looking at a painting and you’re thinking maybe you’re missing out. Don’t worry! Courtney Tenz broke down how to look at art in a non-pretentious, enriching way. Wish I'd had this before my museum-heavy vacation earlier this month!

Dakota Johnson’s aloof appeal, explained 

Real ones will see Madame Web this weekend. Yes, it’s a bad movie. But it also has icon Dakota Johnson in it. Alex’s piece sold me (and also had me cackling).

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