Weekend Reads: Exploring Life, Love, and Lessons
Top of the weekend to you all! As we navigate through a rather grim atmosphere, even the excitement of State of Origin seems to be struggling to hit its usual high notes. To help you tune out the noise, here’s a curated selection of thought-provoking articles that delve into various aspects of life, love, and societal issues.
1. The Evangelical Men Who Saved Sex for Marriage – and Regretted It
The "true love waits" movement of the 1990s left a significant mark on many young Christians, particularly men. This phenomenon, which received substantial funding from political figures like Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, promoted abstinence-only sex education despite evidence suggesting it did not effectively reduce teen sexual activity.
One man, Matt (not his real name), grew up in a fundamentalist Christian household and faced immense pressure to adhere to these ideals. By his 40th birthday, he had never had a romantic relationship, leading him to express his frustrations online. This prompted him to join the Purity Culture Dropout Program, a community for those disillusioned by the strictures of abstinence culture.
Interestingly, despite the push for abstinence, 17 U.S. states still endorse abstinence-only education, often resulting in higher-than-average teen pregnancy rates.
Reading Time: 10 minutes
2. Online Dating and the ‘6ft Fixation’
In the world of online dating, height has become a significant factor, particularly for men. Research indicates that many men tend to inflate their height by an average of two inches on dating profiles. Tinder is even trialing a height filter, causing a stir among shorter men who feel marginalized by this trend.
Leah Harper investigates whether this height preference is a form of discrimination or simply a reflection of an evolutionary drive for women to seek taller partners. Interestingly, data from the dating app Badoo reveals that the most common keyword in male profiles is “6ft,” while women often use “love.”
Reading Time: 5 minutes
3. ‘The Lesson of 1933 Is – You Get Out’
Marci Shore, a U.S. history professor, made headlines recently when she and her family relocated from Yale to the University of Toronto. This move, while seemingly ordinary, was driven by her concerns about the political climate in the U.S., which she fears may be heading toward civil unrest.
In a conversation with journalist Jonathan Freedland, Shore discusses the troubling nature of contemporary politics, particularly under Donald Trump, who she believes has brought political ugliness to the forefront. Yet, amidst her concerns, she offers a glimmer of optimism, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between truth and lies as a foundation for morality.
Reading Time: 5 minutes
4. Do We Ever Really Know What Our Pets Are Thinking?
The bond between humans and their pets is often profound, yet understanding what our furry friends are truly thinking remains a challenge. Studies suggest that both cats and dogs can read human emotions, but our interpretations of their behaviors can be misleading.
Sam Pyrah, a devoted dog owner, seeks expert insights into how we can better understand our pets. For instance, many people mistakenly attribute guilt to a dog’s behavior after it has misbehaved, when it may simply be reacting to its owner’s emotions.
Reading Time: 10 minutes
5. Miranda July on the Reaction to All Fours
Miranda July’s latest novel, All Fours, explores complex themes of identity and relationships through the lens of its protagonist, who undergoes a significant life transformation after a chance encounter. July herself experienced a personal upheaval prior to the book’s release, having separated from her husband.
In an interview with Zoe Williams, July reflects on the blurred lines between her fictional narrative and her reality. The book has sparked varied reactions, with some readers feeling a sense of liberation and permission to explore their own vulnerabilities.
Reading Time: 7 minutes
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