What I’m Reading
October 11, 2022
What I’m Reading returns with three reads that range from diplomacy and foreign relations to climate change. A warm obituary remembers the diplomatic talents of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Guardian reports on dry European rivers and the curious but sad revelations from the past. And finally, a story on Afghanistan’s refugees shows the human aspect of the immigration debate and proves that social media can be an effective tool for journalism.
A Special Obituary for a Special Woman
Oliver Wiseman’s The Not-So-Secret Weapon in the Special Relationship is a unique obituary. At least, that’s how I read this politico article. The author looks back at the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II. through the lens of foreign affairs and the long-serving monarch’s role in American-British relations.
The subheading provides a curious but very warm description of her function: a mystical cord between the two nations.
It’s a manageable read as far as time commitments are concerned. You’ll be rewarded with anecdotes about the encounters between Presidents and the Queen. They show her diplomatic talents, her fondness for America, and how she bridged the past and the present.
You’ll also get a quick look at the diplomatic challenges ahead for the new King. And you’ll find a reminder that American-British relations are about more than the incumbent head of state.
Climate Change Reveals the Past
Hunger stones, wrecks and bones: Europe’s drought brings past to surface is a climate article that summarizes a curious side effect of the very dry 2022 summer.
The Guardian’s European correspondent Jon Henley reports on findings from across the continent — some are scientifically fascinating, some are grim, but all should be a warning for the years to come.
I highly recommend you take a look for yourself and ponder about the artifacts brought to light as much as the impact of the dry spell we’ve experienced this year.
You’ll see a grim warning inscribed on so-called hunger stones along rivers in Central Europe that were put in place during severe droughts and famines in the past. The correlating events date from the 15th century all the way to the 19th century.
In other parts of the continent, receding rivers have revealed ancient settlements or reminders of one of the darkest chapters of history: sunken Nazi warships.
I found it a curious read that’s interesting and worrying at the same time.
Afghanistan’s Refugees & Immigration in America
The Los Angeles Times published a powerful story that shows the challenges, struggles, and humanity embedded in immigration.
They escaped Afghanistan for California and beyond. But war’s struggles followed them, written by Sarah Parvini and photographed by Marcus Yam, is a story I hope you decide to read. It’s an important document of the immigration debate, showing the challenges people face when they leave everything behind, an aspect that is often overlooked.
The complete story includes depth, context, and details. But there’s a compendium (or alternative story form) to the 20-minute read. It depends on how deeply you want to involve yourself.
The photographer found an interesting way of using social media for journalistic purposes. In a Twitter thread, he tells an abbreviated version of the story with caption-like descriptions and a selection of pictures that communicates the heart and soul of the story.
I found this story through this thread, and it caused me to spend more time with the complete story. But besides driving people to the article, it’s also a tool to bring the story to people who don’t want to read a 20-minute newspaper story.
I’ll leave the details and anecdotes for the story, in whichever form you choose to read it. There’s also a link to a podcast episode where the journalists talk about their reporting experiences and other details of this story — interesting and insightful also.
That’s all for today’s reading updates. Later in the week, I’ll have another post from my series on all things journalism, photography, and writing. Until then, enjoy your readings.
