The Tagarela

  • The Rise and Fall of Black Power in Ancient Egypt: A Reflection on History, Race, and Slavery

    Introduction: A Dominant Race in Early Egypt Before we begin, let me clarify my personal stance: I am not a religious person. I do not believe in the Bible as a literal account of history, nor do I subscribe to the miracles and narratives it presents. However, I respect those who have faith in the…

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  • Let’s Make Black Americans Relevant Again

    Intro Paragraph (Hook):There was a time when Black Americans shaped global culture and inspired millions—myself included. Growing up as a Black child in the 1970s in a poor neighborhood of São Paulo, Brazil, I found hope and identity through their example. But today, that influence seems to have faded. What happened? The Power of InfluenceIn…

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  • The Changing Weight of the “N” Word

    As a Black person, I no longer feel affected by the use of the “N” word. Over time, it has been used so frequently and in so many different contexts—especially in hip hop, rap, and casual conversations between Black individuals, as well as by some people with racist views—that its sting and relevance have faded…

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  • Forged by History: Unpacking the Ukraine-Russia Conflict

    The current Ukraine-Russia war is a tragic chapter in the history of two fiercely resilient nations. The Slavic peoples, particularly Ukrainians and Russians, with their intertwined histories, deserve recognition for their enduring contributions and remarkable place in world history. They are, without question, great warriors. Many empires, such as those of Alexander the Great, Rome,…

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  • The Misguided Notion of Black Genetic Superiority

    Around 2004/2005, while attending university in London, I met a Spanish woman who was writing her thesis for her PhD in physics. I met her through another friend with whom I often went for coffee or tea after spending the evening at various salsa clubs. That specific evening, the friend who introduced us was not…

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  • Black Identity and Progress: Reflections from a Global Citizen

    There comes a time in life when sharing our thoughts with a broader audience becomes essential. By doing so, we can spark conversations that delve into topics often overlooked but urgently needing discussion. I am a Black person who grew up in Brazil and was adopted by the United States 25 years ago. Through hard…

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  • The Case for National Nuclear Deterrence: Lessons from Ukraine and Global Security Realities

    I am neither a Republican nor a Conservative. I take pride in being an independent thinker and am not registered with any political party. Some people claim that independents secretly favor one party, and perhaps that’s true for me, considering the last Democratic candidate I supported was Bill Clinton. While his presidency had its controversial…

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  • “Europe’s Wake-Up Call: Taking Charge of NATO’s Defense Without Overreliance on the U.S.”

    The Trump victory in the 2024 U.S. election does not necessarily spell defeat for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Instead, it should serve as a wake-up call for European countries to step up their military contributions within NATO. While Europeans pride themselves on a balanced lifestyle, featuring regular vacation time, generous childcare support, free…

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  • “The Resilience of Donald Trump: A Story of Determination Amid Controversy”

    Some people may not like Donald Trump. However, as someone who immigrated legally to the United States 25 years ago, I see in him something I’ve admired about Americans since my teenage years: resilience. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall; what matters is that you get back up and keep moving forward. Trump…

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  • The Impact of Industrialization on Women in the Workforce

    The idea that feminists or the feminist movement are solely responsible for some of the behaviors that certain men find undesirable in “modern women” is, in my view, overstated and perhaps unfair. One commonly cited concern among some men is that many women today “choose” not to stay at home as full-time mothers or wives.…

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