#based on a Gallup survey

[nerdygaymormon]

[bidotorg]

“It used to be that pollsters peeked in on LGBT issues every so many years — and usually just to ask straight people their opinions on the matter. Since the early 2010s, however, polls have regularly surveyed LGBT folks, giving us a chance not only to see the LGBT landscape from a 30,000-foot view, but also to see how it’s evolving and growing. This is especially exciting for bi people, since bisexuality is the largest group within the LGBT umbrella. And based on the data we have, there’s good reason to suspect that there’s a whole lot more bi folks out there than most think.

“Gallup’s latest LGBT poll, released earlier this year, shows that the percentage of Americans who are openly LGBT rose to 7.6%, up from 7.2% the year prior. They found that bi people make up nearly 60% of all LGBT folks, 4.5% of all US adults, and an impressive 15.3% of all Gen Z! A survey from the Public Religion Research Institute released just prior found the same thing: 15% of Gen Z is openly bi, along with 7% of Millennials. To put that in perspective, back in 2011, UCLA found that just 1.8% of adults said they were bi. So many people are finally spreading their bisexual wings, in fact, that there are more out bi folks today than there were openly LGBT people in total in 2016! But the truth is, we’ve actually known that humans are pretty bisexual for a long time. We’re only just now seeing it out in the open.” | The Bi State of the Union by Jamie Paul 

[fang-toothed]

I feel like we need to talk about how increasingly poor reading literacy (in America, ofc) is causing subtle negative effects that affect daily lives and make it extremely difficult to understand arguments, analysis, data, and other content, and it is undoubtedly affecting the political sphere.

Over half of Americans 16-74 have a reading comprehension lower than 6th-grade level (source linked below). This is honestly a crisis, yet we already have so many other critical emergencies going on that it’s put on the back-burner. Many people are looking at headlines referencing studies and assuming that whatever’s put in the headline is the truth (they’re often directly against findings or based on deeply flawed studies/surveys). Many don’t understand speeches and debates from politicians (and definitely not the implications they house). In this confusing, heavily biased and illicitly-funded era of endless headlines and content, many don’t even have a 6th-grade level of reading comprehension - how the hell are they going to understand even the basics that are already from unreliable sources?

I can’t help but to think that this may be part of the reason extremist ideologies (MAGA, anti-vaxxers, cultists, TRAs) are becoming increasingly popular. Now, people need to be told what an article or survey or study means - usually by the same people who are trying to get them on their side. Every single TRA I’ve encountered has had massive misunderstandings in the very basics of radfem ideology: they believe we want to kill all gender-nonconforming people, that we think trans-identified people should kill themselves, that we are all conservatives, that JKR has outright advocated for the murder of trans-identified people.

What scares me is that we have one side with all of the anti-vaxxers, MAGA-enthusiasts, and creepy religious cults, and on the other we have the TRA movement absolutely screaming we need for trans people to be catered for in every possible public setting or we’ll “have blood on our hands.” I think anti-vaxxers and the Bible-enthusiasts are more dangerous than TRAs, but at least they are recognised as dangerous. Both sides are controlled by at least one extremist ideology. What the hell are we to do in the 2024 election?

PLEASE take a college reading comprehension course if possible. Many community colleges offer courses cheap, and if it still isn’t feasible, there are plenty of sources online to help improve your reading comprehension.

[feminismisstillahatemovement]

Half of Americans in a recent survey indicated they believe national news organizations intend to mislead, misinform or persuade the public to adopt a particular point of view through their reporting.

The survey, released Wednesday by Gallup and the Knight Foundation, goes beyond others that have shown a low level of trust in the media to the startling point where many believe there is an intent to deceive.

Asked whether they agreed with the statement that national news organizations do not intend to mislead, 50% said they disagreed. Only 25% agreed, the study found.

Similarly, 52% disagreed with a statement that disseminators of national news “care about the best interests of their readers, viewers and listeners,” the study found. It said 23% of respondents believed the journalists were acting in the public’s best interests.

“That was pretty striking for us,” said Sarah Fioroni, a consultant for Gallup. The findings showed a depth of distrust and bad feeling that go beyond the foundations and processes of journalism, she said.

In one small consolation, in both cases Americans had more trust in local news.

Like with many other studies, Knight and Gallup found Democrats trust news more than Republicans. Over the past five years, the level of distrust has particularly spiked among independents. Overall, 55% of respondents said there was a great deal of political bias in coverage, compared to 45% in 2017.

The results are based on a Gallup study of 5,593 Americans aged 18 and older conducted between May 31 and July 21, 2022.

[magz]

"4-day workweeks may be around the corner. A third of America's companies are exploring them"

Article Date: April 12, 2024.

Excerpt:

Burnout is such a problem for workers that some bosses are considering shrinking the length of the workweek.

Nearly one-third (30%) of large US companies are exploring new work schedule shifts such as four-day or four-and-a-half-day workweeks, according to a KPMG survey of CEOs released this week.

[...]

A full 77% of US workers said a four-day, 40-hour workweek would have a positive impact on their wellbeing, according to a Gallup poll released in November. That includes 46% who said it would have an "extremely positive" effect.

The good news for workers is that some studies of four-day workweeks in the United States and Europe have found positive results for well-being and productivity among workers.

[...]

In the United Kingdom, a large majority of companies that took part in the world's biggest trial of a four-day workweek were still letting employees work a shorter week a year later. More than half had even made the change permanent.

[...]

Just 34% of the US CEOs polled by KPMG said they envision corporate employees who were traditionally based in the office to be back in the physical workplace five days a week in the next three years. That's down from 62% just a year ago.

Instead, 46% of CEOs see these roles being hybrid (up from 34% in 2023), and 3% expect them to be fully remote, KPMG said.

"The views of employees haven't changed. They want more flexibility. Now there is more recognition from CEOs that hybrid is here to stay," Knopp said.

[holonetwork]

For the 25 year anniversary of this film, here is audience polling data from the original release. The above infographic is based upon data collected by the prestigious polling agency Gallup -- since 1935, Gallup has collected polling information on the attitudes of Americans on a range of social issues. For the blockbuster release of The Phantom Menace in 1999, Gallup turned their attention to the film, and over the course of four weekends in summer 1999, surveyed thousands of everyday Americans on their attitudes towards the film. Sources from Gallup: 1, 2, 3

[darkmaga-returns]

By Michael Snyder

The Economic Collapse

January 3, 2025

What kind of year is 2025 going to be?  If you ask 1,000 different people that question, you will probably get 1,000 different answers.  There are some that are very optimistic about the year ahead, but there are others that are very pessimistic about the year ahead.  In fact, Gallup just conducted a survey that discovered that most Americans believe that 2025 will be a year of “political conflict, economic difficulty, international discord, increasing power for China and Russia, and a rising federal budget deficit”…

Financial news subscriptions

Americans foresee a somewhat challenging year ahead for the country, based on their predictions for various aspects of U.S. affairs and daily life. Majorities of U.S. adults think 2025 will be a year of political conflict, economic difficulty, international discord, increasing power for China and Russia, and a rising federal budget deficit.

I agree with all of that.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Christopher Wiggins at The Advocate:

Despite significant spending by former President Donald Trump’s campaign and Republicans on anti-transgender ads, new research released Thursday by Ground Media shows that the ads are failing to influence voter preferences. However, these ads are succeeding in a different, more harmful way: They are eroding public support for transgender Americans and their rights. Ground Media CEO David Rochkind told The Advocate in an interview that while the ads did not boost voter enthusiasm or mobilization for Trump, they did decrease public comfort with transgender people. “We found that there is a decrease of 3.1 percent among those folks who say they would be comfortable accepting a close friend or family member who is transgender,” Rochkind said. He also noted a 3.7 percent decline in support for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. “I find that incredibly damaging,” he added.

The ad in question portrays Vice President Kamala Harris as supporting taxpayer-funded gender-affirming surgeries for undocumented immigrants and prisoners, a point designed to inflame anti-transgender sentiment. It concludes with the divisive tagline “Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you, and features prominent images of transgender figures within the Biden-Harris administration, including Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine.

The ad follows similar tactics seen in right-wing rhetoric, focusing on Harris’s support for gender-affirming care as evidence of her “extremism.” However, advocates and experts have pointed out that this framing is not based on a factual understanding of transgender rights or the legal obligations to provide health care in prisons. Rochkind explained that the ad leverages fear and misunderstanding by focusing on issues that most people have no personal connection to, like prisoners and gender-affirming health care. 

[...]

Perhaps the most troubling finding from Ground Media’s study, which was released Thursday, was that the anti-trans ads reduced acceptance even among individuals who already knew a transgender person. “We think if you just knew somebody, you would get it, you would accept, you would get over everything — these ads push back on that," Rochkind said. This backlash among potential allies highlights how powerful and harmful the narratives in these ads can be, especially when targeting groups already leaning toward acceptance of transgender individuals. “After the election, trans Americans will have to deal with the dangerous fallout from the shameful lies and misinformation that far too many political candidates are intentionally spreading,” Ellis said. Despite the harmful social impact, the ads have yet to succeed politically. Ground Media’s randomized controlled trial, which involved nearly 2,000 people, revealed no significant increase in support for Trump. “They’re not persuading people to vote for Trump,” Rochkind said, pointing out that the ads did not move the needle on voter choice, mobilization, or enthusiasm. Transgender rights rank relatively low on the list of priorities for voters. According to a September Gallup survey, only 18 percent of registered voters consider candidates’ positions on transgender rights “extremely important” when deciding their vote for president. By comparison, 52 percent of voters rank the economy as “extremely important,” followed closely by democracy in the U.S. at 49 percent. According to a separate survey conducted by Data for Progress, 54 percent of likely voters believe that political attack ads targeting the transgender community have become “mean-spirited and out of hand.” Voters, the survey suggests, are more concerned about core issues such as inflation and the economy than the divisive cultural battles around transgender rights.

While the anti-trans ads by Donald Trump and various Republicans have had hardly any effect on the Presidential race, it has had a real impact on acceptance for trans people, per a report from Ground Media.

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

Highlights:

Most Black Americans want to maintain or increase police patrols.

Most Black Americans want to maintain or increase police spending.

Even if crime declines, most Black Americans want police patrols and spending.

Even absent new reforms, most Black Americans want police patrols and spending.

Black Americans’ policing preferences may be firmer than those of other groups.

Abstract:

Recent polls reveal a complex picture of policing attitudes in Black America. Although most Black Americans are afraid of the police, most also prefer to maintain (or increase) local police presence and spending. Are these paradoxical policy preferences artifacts of the questions used in Gallup and Pew polls—questions that fail to disentangle assumptions about trends in crime and police reform? We tested this experimentally using a nationwide survey (N = 1,100) with comparable numbers of Black (N = 511) and non-Black (N = 589) respondents. We found that Black Americans’ policing preferences were robust—if anything, they were more robust than those of non-Black Americans. Most Black Americans said that even if crime was declining and new police reforms were not enacted, they would still prefer to maintain (or increase) police patrols and spending. Both fear of police and perceived procedural justice predicted policy preferences, regardless of respondents’ race.

[..]

8. Conclusion

Recent polls have revealed a complex picture of public opinion toward the police in the United States (Coleman, 2020). Black Americans express very high fear of the police, both in absolute terms and when compared to other racial/ethnic groups (Graham et al., 2020; Pickett et al., 2022). Yet, paradoxically, Black Americans also say they prefer to maintain (or even increase) local police presence and spending (Parker & Hurst, 2021; Ramirez, 2015; Saad, 2020). One possible explanation for this paradox is that the single-item questions commonly used in polls by Gallup and Pew Research may fail to capture important racial differences in background assumptions about crime and policing reforms—that is, Black Americans may be more likely than other Americans to assume that crime is on the rise and that accountability-based policing reforms are being passed, which may lead them to want to retain police presence and spending.

The current study tested this possibility experimentally. We employed a more comprehensive approach to measuring respondents' attitudes toward the police by providing contexts that randomized information about alternative trends in crime rates and accountability-based policing reforms. This allowed our study, compared to others that use nonexperimental methods, to examine the robustness of respondents’ attitudes and to discern levels of support under different hypothetical conditions, which is not possible to execute in society at large. Using the question context experiment, we were able to investigate whether Black Americans’ policing preferences are conditional on descriptions of the broader social and/or policy context. In addition, we measured numerous theoretical sources of policing attitudes (e.g., fear of the police, fear of crime, procedural justice, experienced police mistreatment, and perceived policing changes), which allowed us to examine whether similar factors influence Black and non-Black Americans’ policy preferences.

Our key finding was that Black Americans preferred to maintain (or increase) police patrol and spending, and that this preference was not conditional on the described crime rates or policing reforms. Most Black Americans reported that even if crime rates fell and even if there were no new policing reforms, they still wanted to maintain or increase police patrol and spending. Therefore, Black Americans policing preferences appear to be relatively robust to information about the features of the social context (i.e., crime and police policy) that we manipulated. In fact, if anything, Black Americans’ policing preferences appear to be less contingent on contextual information than those of non-Black Americans. For example, the negative effect of crime declines on non-Black Americans’ police spending preferences differed significantly from the null effects observed among Black Americans.

Why are Black Americans’ preferences not more influenced by described changes in crime rates or policing reform? One possible explanation is that Black Americans policing preferences may be tethered especially strongly to their distinct lived experiences, including those that occurred early in life (Hagan et al., 2005), and to their cultural understandings of crime and justice (Bobo & Thompson, 2006; Pickett et al., 2022; Ramirez, 2015). Indeed, it seems likely that Black Americans’ policy preferences may be rooted in their shared cultural memories, not just of policing, but also of crime (McCarthy, Hagan and Herda, 2020; Weitzer & Tuch, 2006). Black Americans have long had the highest rate of homicide victimization (Ghandnoosh & Barry, 2023), and have collectively experienced over 1.6 million excess deaths due to gun violence in the past two decades (Caraballo et al., 2023). Lanfear et al. (2023) found that Black Americans were the racial/ethnic group that was most likely to witness gun violence and to have a shooting occur near their residence. Accordingly, it may be that Black Americans’ cumulative lived and cultural experience with criminal victimization and policing desensitizes their policy preferences to short-term changes in crime rates and policing reforms. That is, Black Americans may prefer to maintain police patrol and spending even when crime declines, and even absent significant policing reform, because they may assume that there will come a day when criminal offending rates go back up, especially if policing is rolled back. Indeed, evidence exists that Black Americans view policing as a cost-effective way to control crime (Metcalfe & Pickett, 2018).

In addition to our experimental manipulations, we also examined the associations between various factors (e.g., fear of police, perceived police procedural justice) and policing preferences among both Black and non-Black respondents. Two key findings here bear mention. First, among both Black and non-Black Americans, fear of the police is associated with preferring less police patrol. Second, perceived police procedural justice is associated, in both groups of respondents, with preferring more police patrol and more police spending. The key implication is that policies that reduce Americans’ fear of the police and improve police-civilian relations would likely bolster civilians’ support for local policing. Some particularly promising policies for achieving this end include police racial and gender diversification, procedural justice training, body-worn cameras, and knock-and-talks (Ba, Knox, Mummolo, & Rivera, 2021; Lum et al., 2020; Peyton, Sierra-Arévalo, & Rand, 2019; Pickett et al., 2024; Weisburd et al., 2022). Increasing (or at least maintaining) civilians’ support for local police patrol and spending is important because existing evidence indicates that it does reduce crime (Chalfin et al., 2022).

Although our study provides important insights about the robustness of Black Americans’ policing preferences, and about the individual-level correlates of those preferences, it is not without limitations. These limitations provide avenues for future research to build on our experiments. First, we focused on a limited number of policing preferences—those relating specifically to local police patrol and spending. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of Black Americans' views, future studies should include a broader array of policy preferences, including those pertaining to other aspects of policing (e.g., transparency and community engagement). Second, we manipulated descriptions of crime trends and policing reforms. We did not (and could not) randomize conditions in the real world. Accordingly, future research should use time series analysis to examine how Black Americans’ policing preferences change over time in response to changes in crime rates and policing reforms.

Third, while there is considerable support for YouGov’s online samples (Ansolabehere & Schaffner, 2014; Simmons & Bobo, 2015) and their use in criminal justice research is common and growing (Butler, Cullen, & Burton, 2023; Pickett, Graham, & Cullen, 2022, Pickett, Graham, Nix, & Cullen, 2024; Silver, Goff, & Iceland, 2022), they are not full probability samples. YouGov uses sample matching with a large online opt-in panel. Though a vast majority of American adults (95 %) report using the Internet, certain demographic groups (e.g., elderly, low-income populations) remain excluded from online survey participation (see Pew Research Center, 2024). The reliance on YouGov and similar online samples assumes that the weighting and matching procedures render online selection independent of outcomes (Graham et al., 2021). In the experimental context, where random assignment to conditions is used, the assumption is that online selection does not meaningfully moderate treatment effects, which is an assumption that normally holds (Mize & Manago, 2022). Nevertheless, future research should attempt to replicate our experiment with samples obtained through different sampling methods (e.g., phone or mail surveys) to mitigate this limitation.

To conclude, most Americans, irrespective of their race, prefer to maintain, or even increase, local police presence and spending. Among Black Americans, this preference for maintaining or increasing police presence and spending is robust; it is not significantly affected by information about crime trends or policing reforms. It is, however, associated with police-related emotions (i.e., fear of police) and with perceived procedural justice. The implication is that Black Americans, just like non-Black Americans, are supportive of policing—they want police departments to be well-funded and officers to be out on patrol. Their support seems likely to increase further if police organizations take steps (e.g., workforce diversification, procedural justice training) to reduce Black Americans’ fears of being mistreated by officers and to improve their perceptions of the fairness of local policing.

[nathandiary]

Research: Happiness and Fundamental Needs.

This morning I have been reading studies on how researchers are trying to measure levels of happiness on a global scale.

In 2012, the UN started their yearly World Happiness Report, using ‘global survey data to report how people evaluate their own lives in more than 150 countries worldwide’. The UN also declared that in order for a country to improve happiness of future generations, sustainable development goals need to be considered. Sustainable development and happiness go hand in hand.

Moreover, in the 2023 World Happiness Report published by the UN, there was a chapter on 'Relationships between Altruism and Well-being for Altruists, Beneficiaries, and Observers’. The study shows that when somebody is being altruistic, not only does it benefit the person receiving help, but it also improves the well-being of the helper. The study also shows that people who receive help are more likely to help others, ‘creating a virtuous spiral’.

In conclusion, measuring human happiness transcends mere economic indicators, emphasizing the importance of quality of life and fulfilment of basic needs. The UN's World Happiness Report underscores the significance of sustainable development in fostering happiness globally. Additionally, altruism emerges as a pivotal factor, fostering a virtuous cycle of well-being and societal harmony.

[plethoraworldatlas]

Palestinian youth and descendants of Holocaust survivors were among those who protested a record-breaking fundraiser for President Joe Biden's reelection campaign at New York City's Radio City Music Hall late Thursday, repeatedly interrupting the glitzy event with shouts of opposition to Israel's U.S.-backed war on Gaza.

"You are all complicit in genocide!" one activist yelled as security escorted her from the venue. As Biden spoke, another demonstrator shouted: "Palestinians are dying because of your actions... Blood is on your hands!"

The president said during his remarks that there have been "too many innocent victims, Israeli and Palestinian."

"It's understandable Israel has such a profound anger and Hamas is still there," Biden said. "But we must, in fact, stop the effort that is resulting in significant deaths of innocent civilians, particularly children."

The disruption was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), the Palestinian Youth Movement, and other advocacy groups. JVP said some ticketholders were denied entry to the fundraiser. In recent weeks, the Biden campaign has worked to shield the president from Gaza-related protests by holding smaller rallies and carefully vetting attendees.

"We refused to be silenced," Jay Saper of JVP said Thursday. "We will continue to raise our voices of dissent until Palestinians are free."

In a statement late Thursday, the Biden campaign didn't acknowledge the protests, calling the gathering of celebrities and high-profile Democratic figures—including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama—"the most successful political fundraising event in the history of American politics."

The event raised a staggering $26 million for the incumbent president's reelection bid against presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump, Biden's campaign said. Ticket prices ranged from $225 to $500,000.

"More money got donors more intimate time with the presidents," according toThe Associated Press. "A photo with all three was $100,000. A donation of $250,000 earned donors access to one reception, and $500,000 got them into an even more exclusive gathering."

Outside the venue, Palestinian rights advocates marched in the streets to condemn Biden's unwavering support for Israel's military as it massacres and starves Gazans.

"Joe Biden has been enabling the genocide," Jacob Sierra, a 27-year-old protest attendee, toldThe New York Times. Sierra said he is a registered Democrat and voted for Biden in 2020.

A Gallup poll released earlier this week showed that an overwhelming majority of Democratic voters, including young people and other key elements of the Democratic base, oppose Israel's military assault on the Gaza Strip. The survey found that just 18% of Democratic voters currently approve of Israel's war, down from 36% in November.

Widespread outrage over Biden's diplomatic and military support for Israel's assault has sparked mounting concerns among some Democratic donors and activists.

Last week, more than 100 of them signed a letter warning that "because of the disillusionment of a critical portion of the Democratic coalition, the Gaza war is increasing the chances of a Trump victory."

"We are asking the Biden administration immediately to change course," the party donors and activists wrote. "Conditions need to be placed and monitored on any further military, financial, or diplomatic aid. All indiscriminate bombing and demolition must stop."

[beardedmrbean]

A greater share of young adults say they believe in a higher power or God.

About one-third of 18-to-25-year-olds say they believe—more than doubt—the existence of a higher power, up from about one-quarter in 2021, according to a recent survey of young adults. The findings, based on December polling, are part of an annual report on the state of religion and youth from the Springtide Research Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit.

Young adults, theologians and church leaders attribute the increase in part to the need for people to believe in something beyond themselves after three years of loss. 

For many young people, the pandemic was the first crisis they faced. It affected everyone to some degree, from the loss of family and friends to uncertainty about jobs and daily life. In many ways, it aged young Americans and they are now turning to the same comfort previous generations have turned to during tragedies for healing and comfort. 

Believing in God “gives you a reason for living and some hope,” says Becca Bell, an 18-year-old college student from Peosta, Iowa.

Ms. Bell, like many in her age group, doesn’t attend Mass regularly as she did as a child because of studies and work. But she explores her faith by following certain people on social media, including one young woman who talks openly about her own life and belief, which Ms. Bell, who was raised Catholic, says she finds more meaningful and relevant. 

The Springtide survey uses the term “higher power,” which can include God but isn’t limited to a Christian concept or specific religion, to capture the spectrum of believers. Many young adults say they don’t necessarily believe in a God depicted in images they remember from childhood or described in biblical passages, but do believe there is a higher benevolent deity. 

Other polls, including Gallup, ask specifically about believing in God and show a decline in young adults who believe in God.

The Rev. Darryl Roberts, pastor of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., says the pandemic, racial unrest, fears of job loss and other economic worries, stripped away the protective layers that many young people felt surrounded them. No longer feeling invincible, he says, some are turning to God for protection.

“We are seeing an openness to transcendence among young people that we haven’t seen for some time,” says Abigail Visco Rusert, associate dean at Princeton Theological Seminary and an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church.

At the same time many young adults say they feel disconnected from organized religion over issues like racial justice, gender equity and immigration rights. And belief in God or a higher power doesn’t necessarily translate into church attendance or religious affiliation. 

A Wall Street Journal-NORC poll published last month found that 31% of younger Americans, ages 18 to 29, said religion was very important to them, which was the lowest percentage of all adult age groups. A Pew Research Center study also released last month found that 20% of 18-to-29-year-olds attend religious services monthly or more, down from 24% in 2019.

Desmond Adel, 27, describes himself as an “agnostic theist,” which is someone who believes in one or more deities but doesn’t know for sure if they exist. He attended church every Sunday as a child, but doesn’t recall “which subset of Christianity” it represented, and quit going as a teen. He says he’s not 100% convinced there is a higher power, but “leans towards” the existence of one that isn’t tied to one denomination.

“I don’t think it’s like any Gods described by major religions,” says Mr. Adel, of Carmel, Ind.

Nicole Guzik, a rabbi at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles, says she’s observed more young adults coming to Friday night services at the synagogue as well as monthly events that might include hikes and yoga in the park.

 “I think this demographic has a need to connect socially and spiritually,” she says. 

Christian Camacho, 24, was raised in a conservative Catholic household and says he has had doubts about God when his parents were going through a divorce and when he was dealing with depression. “How could God allow something like this to happen?” he would ask.  

Over the years, his image and perception of God has changed, from a judgmental punitive God of his childhood to a more accepting one. He thinks this belief is common among his generation, who don’t associate God with a specific organized religion.  

“A lot of people are turned off by the institutions,” says Mr. Camacho, who lives in Minneapolis and is studying to join a religious order. 

Courtney Farthing, 26, who works as a customer-service representative for a call center, attended Baptist and Pentecostal churches growing up and identifies as Christian. Ms. Farthing, who lives in Richmond, Ky., believes in God but says she questioned that belief as a teen.

Now, she says, she chooses to believe. 

“If I ever started to doubt, or believe there wasn’t a God, it would send me into a spiral of ‘What ifs,’ things that I would rather not get into.” 

Alora Nevers, a 29-year-old stay at home mom of four in Sidney, Mont., has always believed in God. She no longer goes to her Catholic church, where, she says, they talked too much about making donations. 

“I would rather praise God the way I do with my family. We pray every night.” 

[lgbtqiamuslimpedia]

LGBTQI+ Rights in Burkina Faso 🇧🇫

Burkino LGBTQI+ community face legal & social challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ+ citizens.Consensual same-sex sexual activity between adults are legal in Burkina Faso.

Burkinabe LGBTQI+ pride flag

Legality of Homosexuality

Consensual,private same-sex sexual activity has always been legal in Burkina Faso.Since 1996 the age of consent is equal and set at 18, regardless of gender.

Openly LGBTQI+ Burkinabes can be prosecuted under legislation on indecent assault or the violation of public morality, facing penalties of up to five years in prison.

Recognition of Same-sex marriage

The Constitution of Burkina Faso does not authorize same-sex marriage since 1991. Article 23 of the country's constitution of 1991 states: "Marriage is founded on the free consent of the man and of the woman.All discrimination founded on race, colour, religion, ethnicity, caste, social origin, or fortune is forbidden in the matter of marriage.

Constitutional Rights

Burkinabe LGBTQI+ persons may enjoy these constitutional rights:

Article 1:All Burkinabes are born free and equal in rights.All have an equal vocation to enjoy all the rights and all the freedoms guaranteed by this constitution.

Article 2:Discrimination of all sorts, notably those founded on race,ethnicity,color,sex, language,religion,caste,political opinion, wealth & birth, are prohibited.

Article 3:The protection of life,security & physical integrity are guaranteed.Slavery, slavery-like practices,inhuman and cruel, degrading and humiliating treatments, physical or moral torture, services and mistreatments inflicted on children & all forms of the degradation of man are forbidden and punished by the law.

Article 4:All Burkinabe and all persons living in Burkina Faso benefit from an equal protection of the law.

Article 6: The residence, the domicile, private & family life,[and] the secrecy of correspondence of every person, are inviolable.

Article 7:The freedom of belief, of non-belief, of conscience, of philosophy, of exercise of belief,of assembly, freedom of the free practice of custom, freedom of procession and of demonstration, are guaranteed by the constitution.

Article 8:The freedoms of opinion,of the press and the right to information are guaranteed.Every person has the right to express and to disseminate their opinions within the order of laws and regulation in force.

Article 9:The free circulation of persons and of assets, the free choice of residence and the right of asylum, are guaranteed within the order of the laws and regulations in force.

Article 10:Every Burkinabe citizen has the duty to participate in the defense and in the maintenance of territorial integrity.

Public Opinion

The US Department of State's 2011 Human Rights Report found that, ''Societal discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity remained a problem. Religious & traditional beliefs of most Burkinabe people do not accept homosexuality[...]''

In 2008, Burkina Faso was one of the african & muslim country that rejected the inclusive LGBT resolution of UN.2013's Gallup survey shows that 94% Burkinabe people think that the city or area where they live in not a good place for homosexuals.

According to Afrobarometer 2014-2016 survey shows that 5% of the Burkino population has no problem if their neighbor is homosexual. Another Afrobarometer 2016–2018 survey shows 8% of Burkino population has no problem with homosexual neighbor.

Discrimination,Violence

Burkina faso has no anti-discriminatory law on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

LGBTQ+ people were reportedly victims of homophobia,physical assault,bullying,rape, sexual harassment,etc.There were no reports that the govt. responded to such societal violence and discrimination against such persons.

Gender Identity & Variances

The state does not allow to change one's gender legally at birth certificate,ID,other important documents.The state do not authorize a non-binary gender option.

Trans people are more vulnerable group in Burkina Faso.They are often incarcerated by police, because of the personal details on their ID cards do not match with their physical appearance.

LGBTQI+ Associations, Campaigns

There are some LGBTQ+ rights advocacy groups in Burkina Faso.QAYN is the first queer feminist-led group in Burkina Faso.QAYN activism focusses on the whole west african LGBTQ+ communities.

Association Vision Plurielle is a local LGBT rights group that works for equal rights of Burkinabe LGBTQI+ community.

HIV/AIDS:

In Burkina Faso, there are no laws that restrict the discussion,promotion of sexual & reproductive health topics and freedom of assembly by NGOs,CSOs.So prevalence of HIV/AIDS is comparatively lower than other African nations.

However, HIV remains a threat to the approximately 94,000 people infected as an estimated 65% of adult citizens living with HIV, have access to anti-retroviral drugs. Furthermore, only 28% of children aged 0���14 have access to antiretroviral drugs, a number that trails many African nations. Despite this, antiretroviral coverage has significantly improved in the country,as the estimated coverage for all ages was 32% in 2010.

Summary:

Same-sex sexual activity - ✔️

Equal age of consent - ✔️

Anti-discrimination laws in hate speech and violence - ✔️ [Ambiguous, article 3 may guarantee protection and security for LGBTQ+ people]

Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services - ❌

Same-sex marriage -❌

Recognition of same-sex unions - ❌

Right to change legal gender -❌

Legal recognition of non-binary or third gender -❌

LGBTQ+ people allowed to serve openly in the military - ✔️ [ambiguous, there's no clear mention of trans & queer person in article 10]

MSMs allowed to donate blood - ❌/✔️ [not sure]

[madewithonerib]

Why Gen Z is Getting Sloshed Less

s Dry January begins, there's one generation that has already begun cutting back on alcohol: Gen Z.

Data from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism indicates that alcohol consumption in the U.S. has risen overall. But research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that lifetime drinking, past month drinking, and past year drinking among young people began to decline around the year 2000. That means that such declines have especially impacted Generation Z, defined as anyone born from 1997 to 2012, and some Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996. A 2023 survey from Gallup found that the share of adults under age 35 who say they ever drink dropped ten percentage points in two decades, to 62% in 2021-2023 from 72% in 2001-2003.

“It is becoming clear that, for whatever reasons, today’s younger generations are just less interested in alcohol and are more likely than older generations to see it as risky for their health and to participate in periods of abstinence like Dry January,” said National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism George F. Koob in a statement.

There isn’t one clear reason for alcohol’s decline among Gen Z, but experts point to a variety of factors. 

One may be changing laws, including the 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act, which set the age to purchase or publicly possess alcoholic beverages to 21.

Prior to that, the minimum age to drink was 18.

Alcohol’s social reputation has also changed. “It makes sense that older drinkers are drinking more, given that Baby Boomers were steeped in a heavier drinking culture,” said Koob. 

Adds Sybil Marsh, a physician specializing in family medicine and addiction:“There was a time where drinking some alcohol was a badge of maturity and was sophisticated. But now, it's only one out of a whole range of ways ppl can relax or show sophistication and so on.”

Marijuana could be a part of that shift. The drug is legal in nearly half of all U.S. states for recreational use. Nearly 80% of Americans live in a county with at least one cannabis dispensary, according to the Pew Research Center, and cannabis has been put into drinks being marketed to youngerconsumers. Koob says it's unclear whether the decline in drinking among Gen Z Americans has to do with a preference for drugs. The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 36.5% of adults aged 18 to 25 consumed marijuana in the past year. And if you look at marijuana use across a lifetime, some 1 in 2 adults in the same age range have at least tried marijuana, according to the same study. Still, that study showed alcohol use in the past year exceeded marijuana use, with 68.1% of the same age group consuming alcohol.

Another contributing factor has to do with the changing socialization patterns of younger generations. “Alcohol tends to be a social drug, even for young people, so part of the decline in underage drinking could be related to less in-person socializing,” said Koob. On average, the amount of time people spent with friends in-person decreased from 30 hours a month in 2003 to 10 hours a month in 2020, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on the epidemic of loneliness. That decline was especially marked for people aged 15 to 24.

Marsh says that younger generations are much more interested in living healthy lifestyles than generations past, and evolving alcohol marketing tactics reflect those changing values. “If you look at alcohol marketing, they're sort of stopping short of saying it's healthy to have some drinks, but drinking can be part of a healthy lifestyle,” she says, “as opposed to the Gen X type of marketing, which was like, ‘party hard.’” 

There’s been a wave of sober bars opening across the U.S.—Hekate in New York City, Sans Bar in Austin, and The Sober Social in Atlanta, to name a few—to accommodate for changing attitudes about alcohol.

Emerson Haven, a 26-year-old stage director and student based in New York City, occasionally drinks in social settings, but often opts for a sober night out for health reasons. “There’s a history of alcoholism in my family, so I'm just careful about it. I never drink alcohol if I feel like I'm having a bad day, because I don't want to create that association,” he says. “And then sometimes I just don't enjoy the feeling of being drunk.”

[caseymorgan119]

How a Tally Counter Online Can Simplify Your Daily Tasks 

In a fast-paced world where efficiency and productivity are paramount, managing daily tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming. Enter the tally counter online: a simple yet powerful tool that brings ease and organization to your life. By enabling users to keep a meticulous count of various activities, tally counters have become an invaluable addition to both personal and professional settings. From tracking business metrics to managing personal goals, the versatility of online tally counters allows you to streamline tasks effectively. In this article, we will delve into how a tally counter online can simplify your daily tasks, providing insights and examples that highlight its advantages. 

Understanding Online Tally Counters 

An online tally counter is a digital tool that allows users to count items or events with ease. Unlike traditional counters, which can be prone to errors and require manual input, online tally counters offer the benefits of automation and convenience. These tools can often be found as mobile applications or web-based platforms, allowing easy access from various devices. According to a study by Statista, over 4.66 billion people globally use the internet, highlighting the potential reach and utility of online tools such as tally counters. The ability to count without physical limits can significantly enhance accuracy and efficiency in both personal and professional tasks. 

Enhancing Productivity and Focus 

One of the primary benefits of using a tally counter online is the enhancement of productivity. By providing a straightforward mechanism for counting, these tools allow users to focus more on the task at hand rather than on the counting process itself. For example, if you are a teacher tracking the number of students participating in a discussion, using a tally counter can free you to engage more deeply with your students rather than distract you with manual counting. This streamlined approach allows for a more focused and engaging environment, which is vital in any productivity-driven task. 

Track Habits and Goals Effectively 

Tracking personal habits and goals can sometimes become a tedious task, leading to disengagement and, ultimately, failure to achieve them. However, an online tally counter can make this process enjoyable and rewarding. For instance, if you aim to drink eight glasses of water daily, a tally counter serves as a visual representation of your progress. Research published in the journal "Health Psychology" suggests that visual cues can significantly boost motivation and adherence to health goals. By using an online tally counter, you can create a sense of achievement each time you update your count, making it a positive reinforcement tool in your daily routine. 

Facilitating Team Collaboration 

In work environments where collaboration and teamwork are essential, online tally counters can also play a vital role. They provide a transparent platform for tracking collective goals, such as sales targets or project milestones. Imagine a sales team utilizing a shared tally counter to monitor sales made within the week. This collective tracking encourages accountability and fosters a competitive spirit as team members can see their contributions in real-time. According to a survey by Gallup, organizations that promote teamwork and collaboration are 5 times more likely to be engaged in their work, highlighting how simple tools like tally counters can impact workplace culture positively. 

Eliminating Errors in Counting 

Human error is a common challenge associated with manual counting, often leading to inaccuracies that can have significant implications. An online tally counter negates this issue by providing a robust digital counting mechanism that reduces the likelihood of mistakes. For example, using a tally counter can help keep an accurate count during inventory checks, ensuring that stock levels are precise. A report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology indicates that small inaccuracies in counting can cost businesses thousands of dollars annually, emphasizing the importance of utilizing tools that limit errors and streamline processes. 

Customizable Features for Specific Needs 

Another remarkable aspect of online tally counters is their customizable features, which allow users to tailor the tool according to specific needs. Whether you want to count unique items, track various activities simultaneously, or categorize counts, many online counters offer adaptable interfaces. For example, a fitness enthusiast may use a tally counter to monitor their daily workout routines while simultaneously tracking their calorie intake. This flexibility enables users to centralize various counting tasks, making it easier to manage diverse aspects of their lives. Customization enhances user experience, ensuring that the tool effectively meets individual needs. 

Accessibility and Convenience 

The digital nature of online tally counters offers unparalleled accessibility and convenience. Users can access these counters from any device with an internet connection, making it easy to track counts on the go. In our increasingly mobile society, this convenience can be a game-changer. Whether you’re at a coffee shop, in a meeting, or at home, your tally counter is always within reach. Moreover, many online tally counters retain your data, allowing you to review past counts and trends effortlessly. This access adds a level of organization that traditional counting methods simply cannot match. 

Data Visualization for Better Insights 

Many online tally counters come equipped with data visualization features, allowing users to convert their counts into informative graphs and charts. This capability can be particularly useful in identifying trends and patterns in your data over time. For instance, a business owner can analyze sales growth month-over-month by visualizing their weekly tallies in a user-friendly format. According to a report from the American Statistical Association, data visualization can enhance understanding and decision-making, reinforcing how tally counters can contribute not just to counting, but also to strategic planning and analysis. 

Environmental Impact and Sustainability 

Using an online tally counter can also align with sustainability efforts. By reducing the need for physical counting materials—such as paper and pencils—individuals and organizations can decrease their environmental footprint. A report from the Environmental Protection Agency highlights that reducing paper usage plays a crucial role in conserving trees and decreasing waste in landfills. By adopting digital tools like tally counters, users contribute to a greener planet while enhancing their productivity, making it a win-win situation. 

Conclusion: Elevate Your Daily Tasks with Tally Counters 

In conclusion, an online tally counter is a simple yet transformative tool that can significantly simplify daily tasks across various aspects of life. Whether you are tracking personal goals, facilitating team collaboration, or ensuring accuracy in counting, online tally counters provide a solution that is both efficient and effective. With customizable features, accessibility, and data visualization capabilities, these tools allow users to elevate their productivity while also promoting sustainability. As we continue to seek ways to streamline our lives, incorporating an online tally counter could be one of the best decisions you make. So why not give it a try and experience the difference it can make in your daily routine? 

[prachitparikh]

Why Remote Work is the Future of Productivity—and Why It's Here to Stay

The concept of working from home (WFH) has undeniably transformed the way we think about the workplace, especially in terms of productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall job fulfillment. Initially seen as a temporary measure during times of crisis, remote work has gained significant traction and emerged as a long-term, viable alternative to traditional office-based roles. This shift in work culture has been primarily driven by its numerous advantages, including increased productivity, enhanced work-life balance, and cost-saving opportunities. Despite these benefits, the question that remains to be answered is whether remote work truly outshines the conventional office environment or if there are critical aspects of in-person work that need to be addressed in the rush toward remote solutions. This article aims to delve into both the pros and cons of remote versus office work, shedding light on why working from home could be the future of productivity and why it is likely here to stay for the long haul.

The discussion will examine critical factors such as flexibility, productivity, work-life balance, and the expansion of talent pools, providing a comprehensive analysis of the remote work model. Additionally, it will consider the counterarguments presented by traditional office work, exploring its advantages in fostering collaboration, innovation, and company culture. Ultimately, this article will explore the evolving trends that point to remote and hybrid work models becoming the dominant work modes in the future.

The Benefits of Working from Home

Increased Productivity and Flexibility

Research and data consistently indicate that working from home can significantly improve employee productivity. A 2023 survey by Owl Labs revealed that 90% of remote workers felt they were just as productive, or even more productive, when working from home compared to the office. This increase in productivity can be attributed to several key factors, such as the ability to work during peak hours of focus, the reduction of office-related distractions, and the elimination of time-consuming commutes. Creating a personalized work environment also plays a pivotal role in boosting productivity, as remote workers can set up spaces conducive to their individual needs, whether working in a quiet corner or having access to specific tools and technology that enhance efficiency.

Supporting this claim, a landmark study conducted by Stanford University involving a Chinese travel agency with over 16,000 employees found that remote workers were 13% more productive than their in-office colleagues. Not only did they report fewer sick days, but they could also handle more calls per shift, showcasing the tangible benefits of remote work. As more businesses implement digital tools for project management, communication, and collaboration, the scope for sustaining or increasing productivity while working remotely continues to grow. These tools provide a seamless experience for teams to stay connected, ensuring remote work does not lead to disconnection or inefficiency.

Improved Work-Life Balance

One of the most celebrated advantages of remote work is the improvement in work-life balance, which has become a priority for many workers, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. According to a Gallup poll, nearly 60% of remote workers reported a higher sense of well-being and job satisfaction when working from home as opposed to in-office roles. The added flexibility of remote work allows employees to better manage their time between professional and personal responsibilities, creating a more harmonious balance in their lives. A 2023 report by Buffer's State of Remote Work found that 91% of respondents expressed their desire to continue working remotely, with a significant factor being the opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance.

Furthermore, reducing commuting time significantly contributes to this enhanced balance. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the average American spends 27 minutes commuting one way to work. Employees free up this time by working from home, allowing them to invest in more fulfilling personal activities, such as spending time with family, exercising, or engaging in hobbies. This shift improves the overall quality of life. It positively impacts mental and physical health, as employees can dedicate more time to self-care and less time to the stress associated with long commutes.

Cost Savings for Both Employers and Employees

Cost savings are another compelling reason for the continued adoption of remote work, benefiting both employers and employees. According to Global Workplace Analytics, an employer can save approximately $11,000 per year for each employee who works remotely for at least half the time. These savings stem from reduced overhead costs for office space, utilities, and on-site amenities. With less need for physical office space, companies can either downsize their offices or repurpose them for other uses, ultimately cutting down on real estate and operational expenses. Additionally, the savings on utilities and resources, such as electricity, heating, and office supplies, contribute further to these cost reductions.

For employees, the financial benefits of remote work are equally substantial. A report from FlexJobs revealed that remote workers save an average of $4,000 annually by avoiding commuting costs, dining out for lunch, and purchasing and maintaining a professional wardrobe. These savings provide employees additional financial flexibility, making remote work an even more attractive long-term option. With lower living expenses and fewer daily costs, many workers view remote work as a highly advantageous and sustainable way to earn a living.

Talent Pool Expansion

Remote work allows organizations to tap into a much broader and diverse talent pool. Rather than being limited to hiring individuals within commuting distance of an office, companies can recruit talent from around the globe. Research from LinkedIn indicates that job postings offering remote work options received 2.6 times more views than those requiring employees to work from an office. This increased interest in remote roles widens the talent pool and helps organizations attract candidates with various perspectives, experiences, and skills. As companies strive to improve diversity and inclusion within their workforce, remote work allows them to reach individuals from different geographic regions, cultural backgrounds, and socio-economic statuses, ultimately enhancing the diversity of their teams.

Moreover, the ability to hire from a larger geographical area means companies can also access top-tier talent that might have been unavailable with a traditional office model. Whether it's a specialist in a niche field or a highly experienced candidate in a different part of the world, remote work ensures that geographical barriers no longer limit recruitment efforts.

Positive Environmental Impact

The environmental benefits of remote work are also worth noting, as they align with the growing emphasis on sustainability across industries. A study by Global Workplace Analytics suggests that if individuals with remote-capable jobs worked from home half of the time, it could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 54 million tons annually. This reduction is equivalent to removing nearly 10 million cars from the road. Decreased commuting-related emissions and fewer office-related energy demands help reduce a company's overall carbon footprint. For organizations committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact, adopting a remote or hybrid work model is an effective strategy that aligns with their corporate social responsibility goals.

The Case for the Office

Despite the many benefits of remote work, there are still valid reasons why some companies and employees prefer the office environment. While remote work offers flexibility, collaboration and innovation often flourish in physical spaces, particularly in industries that rely on spontaneous brainstorming and face-to-face interaction. According to a report by Harvard Business Review, employees who work nearby are more likely to generate new ideas and collaborate effectively. This is particularly true in creative fields such as design, media, and technology, where the office environment can foster serendipitous conversations that lead to innovative breakthroughs. For organizations that prioritize these spontaneous collaborations, the office may continue to play an essential role in their operations.

In addition, the office provides a clear boundary between work and personal life, which is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Remote work, while flexible, can blur these lines, as employees may find it difficult to "switch off" at the end of the day. A survey from the American Psychological Association found that 44% of remote workers reported working longer hours than in an office, leading to concerns about overwork and burnout. Without the physical separation between the workplace and home, remote employees may struggle to disconnect, affecting their mental and physical health in the long run.

The office is also an ideal environment for nurturing company culture and facilitating social connections, vital for employee engagement and retention. A 2023 report by Buffer revealed that 20% of remote workers felt isolated, which highlights the importance of face-to-face interaction in building strong professional relationships. In-office environments offer opportunities for team-building, mentorship, and informal networking, all essential for fostering a positive work culture and ensuring career growth.

Why the Trend Will Continue: WFH as a Preferred Choice

The WFH trend is unlikely to reverse for several compelling reasons. One of the main drivers of this shift is the rapid evolution of technology and digital tools. Tools such as Zoom, Slack, and project management platforms have made it easier than ever for teams to collaborate effectively, regardless of their physical location. A report from Gartner found that 82% of business leaders plan to allow remote work at least part-time, driven by the accessibility and effectiveness of these digital tools. As technology improves, remote work will become even more efficient and practical for various industries and roles.

Moreover, the rise of hybrid work models, which combine the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative benefits of in-office presence, has gained significant momentum. A 2023 report by McKinsey found that 70% of companies planned to continue using hybrid work models after the pandemic, reflecting a shift toward greater flexibility in how work is conducted. Hybrid models allow companies to maintain in-person collaboration when needed while offering employees the freedom to work remotely when they prefer, providing a balanced approach to work.

The demand for remote work from employees is also a decisive factor in its continued growth. A survey by Prudential found that 42% of workers would consider leaving their current jobs if their employer stopped offering remote work options. In today's competitive labor market, companies that embrace remote or hybrid work models are better positioned to attract top talent and retain valuable employees. The preference for flexibility and work-life balance has become a defining factor for job seekers, making remote work a key component of employee satisfaction and retention.

A New Era of Work

In conclusion, the work-from-home model has proven to be more than just a temporary response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With numerous advantages such as increased productivity, improved work-life balance, cost savings, and a positive environmental impact, remote work has emerged as a sustainable and effective way to work. While the office environment continues to offer unique benefits in terms of collaboration, social interaction, and company culture, it is clear that remote work is here to stay. As technology evolves and employee expectations shift, remote and hybrid work models will only grow in popularity, allowing organizations to build more adaptable, flexible, and resilient workforces. Ultimately, the future of work will be defined by the ability to balance the best of both worlds—remote and in-office—creating a new era of work that aligns with the needs of businesses and their employees alike.

References

1. Owl Labs. (2023). State of Remote Work Report. Retrieved from https://www.owllabs.com

2. Stanford University. (2021). Does Working from Home Work? Evidence from a Chinese Experiment. Retrieved from https://www.gsb.stanford.edu

3. Gallup. (2022). State of the Global Workplace Report. Retrieved from https://www.gallup.com

4. Buffer. (2023). State of Remote Work. Retrieved from https://buffer.com

5. U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). Average One-Way Commute Time by State and National. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov

6. Global Workplace Analytics. (2023). Benefits of Telecommuting. Retrieved from https://globalworkplaceanalytics.com

7. FlexJobs. (2023). Remote Work Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.flexjobs.com

8. LinkedIn. (2022). 2022 Global Talent Trends. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com