Society | The Walrus

A photo of a protest, with police forming a line opposite the protestors.

Justice

Modern Policing Is an Invention of Slavery

February 16, 2021February 16, 2021 - by Rinaldo Walcott

As calls to defund the police grow, a look back at the origins of contemporary law enforcement

A photo of a sunrise or a sunset with a slightly darkened sky and shells spelling out the words land back.

Justice / March/April 2021

Standoff at 1492 Land Back Lane

February 8, 2021February 11, 2021 - by Luke Ottenhof

How twenty-five acres of Ontario farmland have become a new front in the battle for Indigenous self-governance

Illustration of a person filled with fiery colours, sweating, with eyes darting to the side. Behind them are green leaves and branches.

Environment / March/April 2021

Therapy for the End of the World

February 3, 2021February 10, 2021 - by Britt Wray

Anxiety over the climate crisis is spreading like wildfire. Psychologists are just starting to figure out how to help

A close-up of a woman's eye and nose bridge, styled in black and white and lightly pixellated.

Justice

Workplace Harassment Goes Virtual

January 28, 2021January 29, 2021 - by Samantha McCabe

Far from pausing the problem, the pandemic has intensified it across online platforms

Illustration of a masked employee in the foreground, closing their eyes in resignation. Behind them, a crowd of customers stands silhouetted at a café counter, shaking their fists. The counter holds several coffee cups and a case for baked goods.

Society

The Emotional Tax of Essential Work

January 26, 2021January 28, 2021 - by Gabrielle Drolet

Customer experience is routinely privileged over employee well-being. As COVID-19 case numbers surge, we’re seeing the consequences

A photograph taken from the interior of a fridge, from behind a row of green beer bottles. The door is open and a man's hand is reaching towards the bottles.

Health

We’re Drinking More in the Pandemic—and It’s a Problem

January 25, 2021February 11, 2021 - by James Wilt

The alcohol industry is enjoying the profits, but public health is paying the price

A photo hangs on the wall of a man with a cowboy hat and boots, holding a whip. On the wall also hangs an American flag, and what appears to be a military jacket.

March/April 2021 / Society

Quitting America

January 18, 2021February 19, 2021 - by M.E. Rogan

I came to Canada to escape a childhood—and a nation—consumed with lies

Illustration of an army tank against a bright orange background. Instead of a firearm, the tank is shooting flowers.

Society

The Military’s Uphill Battle for Inclusivity

January 13, 2021January 14, 2021 - by Benjamin Hertwig

“Progressive” has never been a label associated with Canada’s armed forces. But one of its Twitter accounts is trying very hard

A photograph of skydivers waiting at the edge of an open helicopter door before making the jump.

Society

What’s More Dangerous than Leaping Out of a Plane?

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021 - by Timothy Caulfield

Most things, it turns out. But science rarely shapes our decision making the way fear does

Society

Has the Pandemic Made Online Dating Better?

January 5, 2021January 8, 2021 - by Taylor Lambert

“It’s hard to meet people these days” has never been truer. But COVID-19 might be making courtship more considerate