Good morning , Loyal Subscribers! Last week’s issue was the most popular in the newsletter’s history. Several of you shared how the lead article affected you deeply. Today’s issue includes an article and a short film that will continue this conversation on immigration and deportation. I encourage yo
Good morning, Loyal Subscribers! Last week’s issue was the most popular in the newsletter’s history. Several of you shared how the lead article affected you deeply. Today’s issue includes an article and a short film that will continue this conversation on immigration and deportation. I encourage you to try them out!
On the Podcast this week, Anne interviewed John Corcoran, a champion of literacy who spent the first half of his life not knowing how to read. Please listen, subscribe, and let me know how you’ve been enjoying this month’s deep dive on reading.
Fear and Uncertainty in Coachella
Last weekend, Beyoncé performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (now renamed Beychella). Just outside the festival grounds lies Coachella Valley, home to towns like Thermal, whose population is nearly 100 percent Latino, most of whom are farmworkers, and many of whom are undocumented. This is a story of what happens when people live with the fear of deportation. People go hungry. They don’t go to the doctor. Their kids don’t go to school. And they don’t report domestic violence. (32 min)
What Happens When You’re Deported to a Country You Barely Know?
Dilan came to the United States when he was 5 and was deported to El Salvador when he was 18. This film by photojournalist Neil Brandvold follows Dilan as he interviews for a job at a call center while steering clear of MS-13. Meanwhile, Dilan is making plans to return to America to be with his mother and pregnant girlfriend. Thanks to loyal subscriber Erin for sending in this film. (25 min)
Why America’s Black Mothers and Babies Are In a Life-or-Death Crisis
Black infants are more than twice as likely to die as white infants. Black mothers are more than three times as likely to die as white mothers. These disparities are worse than they were in 1850, during slavery. Author Linda Villarosa (#96) extends Zoë Carpenter’s argument (#108, Podcast #9) that chronic stress and racist health care lead to appalling birth outcomes. (45 min)
Condiment Controversy: Heinz’ New Mayochup Sparks International Scorn
Heinz recently announced “mayochup,” a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup. Sound like a great idea? Not to many Puerto Ricans, who say they invented “mayoketchup.” Or Colombians and Venezuelans, who call their version “salsa rosada.” Or Utahns, who call theirs “fry sauce.” Will you buy it, or will you stay away? For more controversy, check out this piece on Q-tips (#27). (5 min)
Anne-otations: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Discovering America | The New Yorker Radio Hour
As Mark and I focus on reading on The Highlighter Podcast this month, I want to recommend a book. The characters in Americanah see America through fresh eyes, and so does the author. In this interview, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie breaks the rules, saying what I’m not used to hearing — like how Beyoncé is doing something wrong and how the Right is doing something right. (19 min)
Thank you for reading this week’s issue of The Highlighter! Let me know what you thought of today’s issue by using the thumbs below. Also, let’s welcome new subscribers Christopher, Linda, Brendan, and Jim! If you like this newsletter, share it with a friend via email, Facebook, or Twitter. I’ll see you back here next Thursday at 9:10 am. Have a great week!
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