#5SmartReads - June 30, 2022

LaToya on gun laws in the Philippines, not learning to code, and the harmful side of cancel culture

Lale Cox's main role is being a new mommy to 6-month-old Ethan. When he sleeps, she works as a Social Media Manager & Content Creator through her company "up close & epic" Media. Right now she's focused on perfecting her tiktok skills and learning which solid purees are the best (and easiest). Follow her here!

In Defense Of Garlic In A Jar: How Food Snobs Almost Ruined My Love For Cooking (The Walrus)

I’ll admit I used to be a fresh ingredient only, buys a block of cheese to grate by hand, only ever buys fresh garlic kind of cook. And I cook 99% of my meals every single day, (i live in the suburbs where takeout/delivery is limited) but then i had a baby and i am exhausted! 

I’ve been grabbing shredded cheese at the store, fresh squeezed juices for recipes and even pre marinated meats! Still no jarred garlic but as this article states who cares? If you enjoy cooking do what’s best for you and as my favorite saying goes “do not yuck anyone else’s yum”

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One Surprising Theory Why The Philippines Has Very Few Mass Shootings - Despite Easy Access To Lots Of Guns (TIME)

After Ulvade I think we've reached a breaking point on gun violence (and it looks like we're on the precipice of actually doing something about it) I've read numerous accounts about other developed countries without access to guns having low gun deaths but never a story about a country with access like ours being able to deter mass shootings via cultural differences.

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Actually, Maybe Don’t Learn To Code (Vox)

Almost everyone I've spoken to about a career pivot advises going into tech. This was a really smart read about the realities of the industry along with how even the smartest among us can become vulnerable to less than upfront business practices.

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White Parents Rallied To Chase A Black Educator Out Of Town. Then, They Followed Her To The Next One. (Propublica)

Propublica is doing some of the best journalism out there, IMO. The stories feel local but have huge ramifications and are very interesting. Reading about white parents forming a mob to chase a Black person out of their town was chilling, but a very necessary read.

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Teen Justice: A List Of Boys “To Look Out For” Appeared On A High-School Bathroom Wall Last Fall. The Story Of One Of Them. (the Cut)

Whew. Don't scroll this story before work. Read it when you really have time to digest it and breathe after, because it is gut wrenching and an excellent reminder that things are never black and white.