Recommended Writing
All longform pieces recommended on The Slow Scroll
Lawrence Freedman explores the legacy of resource exploitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation rich in minerals yet plagued by instability and poverty. He draws connections from colonial times to present-day conflicts, fueled by both greed and foreign interference. ...
Mina Tavakoli reviews “The Name of This Band is R.E.M,” a book by Peter Ames Carlin that serves as the bands biography. She brings her take on R.E.M.’s legacy though, arguing that their shift to mainstream led to a decline in their cultural relevance.
Taiwanese literature is finding a footing Central and Eastern Europe, as seen in the growing interest at events like Book World Prague. James Baron explores how politics in the region are fostering cultural exchanges that highlight Taiwan’s unique identity. Literature serves as a...
Hannah Barnes explores the difficult and often conflicting responsibilities of doctors when it comes to prescribing valproate, a drug used to treat epilepsy. It is known to be extremely risky for pregnant women, but they weren’t properly informed, which turned into a scandal. Thi...
Brett Huson explores the significance of the spirit bear (‘maas ol’) to the Gitxsan and Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nations. Indigenous oral histories suggest that the spirit bear's white fur is an adaptation to the environment during the last glacial maximum. Huson highlights the imp...
Darren Loucaides writes about Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, and the events that led to his arrest. It contrast Durov's public image versus his actions, and how Telegram’s relationship with governments and its approach to content moderation shifted significantly over time.
Controversy surrounding a new title about a Black samurai in feudal Japan points to a growing split between players and developers.
When a rare meteorite falls, it springs amateur sky-watchers, scientists, and professional meteorite hunters into a treasure hunt. This piece by Helen Gordon adapted from her book focuses on the excitement surrounding the Winchcombe meteorite, and the scientists that employe meth...
A Mediterranean Diet, for most of us, is associated with healthy eating. That may not be entirely true, however. At least in its current form, which has been shaped by marketing and politics, it’s quite far from the original research that coined the term. Today, it’s still being ...
A The Guardian investigation reveals extensive and previously undisclosed involvement by high-level executives from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, professional sports teams, in managing the public relations fallout of the Catholic clergy abuse scandal.