The Conversation - How to change minds: A little respect

What Shakespeare can teach us about racism

David Sterling Brown, Trinity College

Considered the greatest writer in English literature, William Shakespeare illustrates views on race and whiteness throughout all of his dramatic works.

What students protesting Israel’s Gaza siege want — and how their demands on divestment fit into the BDS movement

Mira Sucharov, Carleton University

There’s been a concerted effort in Israel and the US to block this movement’s tactics and goals.

Many immigrants to the US are fleeing violence and persecution − here’s how the federal government can help cities absorb them

Karen Jacobsen, Tufts University

People who enter the US as refugees or with asylum generally adapt quickly and become productive members of society. But cities need help getting them settled and employed.

Supporting ‘democracy’ is hard for many who feel government and the economy are failing them

Matthew Wilson, University of South Carolina

One-third of Americans think that “rule by a strong leader or the military would be a good way of governing their country.” Are they losing faith in democracy?

On its 125th anniversary, W.E.B. Du Bois’ ‘The Philadelphia Negro’ offers lasting lessons on gentrification in Philly’s historically Black neighborhoods

Zawadi Rucks-Ahidiana, University at Albany, State University of New York; Freeden Blume Oeur, Tufts University

Du Bois’ study, published in 1899, detailed the social conditions of poor Black residents of the Seventh Ward. The area is now home to some of Philadelphia’s ritziest neighborhoods.

A look inside the cyberwar between Israel and Hamas reveals the civilian toll

Ryan Shandler, Georgia Institute of Technology; Daphna Canetti, University of Haifa; Tal Mimran, Zefat Academic College

The consequences of cyber conflict are primarily felt by civilians, who call for retaliation, fueling cycles of violence.

Animal behavior research is getting better at keeping observer bias from sneaking in – but there’s still room to improve

Todd M. Freeberg, University of Tennessee

Like all people, the way scientists see the world is shaped by biases and expectations, which can affect how they record and report. Rigorous research methods can minimize this effect.

What’s in a VIN? How to decode the vehicle identification number, your car’s unique fingerprint

Jordan Frith, Clemson University

VINs can tell a story if you know what to look for.

What the Supreme Court is doing right in considering Trump’s immunity case

The biblical character who goes ‘down the rabbit hole’ into an alternate reality − just like Alice in Wonderland

Sourdough under the microscope reveals microbes cultivated over generations

Here's the first question of this week's edition:

University president Minouche Shafik called in the police on April 30 to quell student protests at what New York City school?

1. A. NYU
2. B. Columbia
3. C. Yeshiva
4. D. Juilliard

Test your knowledge