Prologue Journal – Page 36138 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

As Blinken Heads to China, Suspicion Awaits Him

New York Times Even as Beijing prepares for a visit by the secretary of state, China’s leader has made clear his expectations of more hostile superpower competition. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/16/world/asia/blinken-china-us-xi.html

Making Art Out of Bombshells and Memories in Vietnam

New York Times Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s videos and sculptures uncover haunting artifacts and stories from the Vietnam War. They’re now on view at the New Museum. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/16/arts/design/tuan-andrew-nguyen-vietnam-new-museum-video.html

He Ran Sudan’s Iconic Acropole Hotel. Then He Had to Flee Khartoum.

New York Times Thanasis Pagoulatos led the family business, Khartoum’s oldest inn, through decades of tumult. Sudan’s latest breakdown proved too much. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/16/world/africa/sudan-war-khartoum-acropole-hotel.html

Tunisians Mourn a Hard-Fought Freedom Rapidly Slipping Away

New York Times When reflecting on their Arab Spring revolution, Tunisians often say that freedom of expression was the only concrete achievement. As the country slides back toward autocracy, that, too, is being quickly eroded. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/16/world/middleeast/tunisia-press-freedom.html

Leading activist slams Dems for dragging feet on reparations: Black vote ‘is an exchange, not a gift’

Fox News As New York and California advance measures to consider state-level reparations for slavery, leading activists accuse Democrats in Congress of letting down Black voters at the federal level with the help of “relic” social justice groups. The state legislature in New York passed a bill last week that would create a commission to…

What Has Happened in Minneapolis Since George Floyd Was Murdered

New York Times A 2022 state review found that racial discrimination was endemic in the Police Department. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/16/us/minneapolis-police-george-floyd.html

Rescued From a Flooded Island Behind Russian Lines in Ukraine

New York Times To many, the destruction of a dam on the Dnipro River in Ukraine brought devastation. To some stranded in Russian-occupied territory, it brought freedom. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/16/world/europe/ukraine-flood-rescue-dam-island.html

China’s grudging welcome to Blinken: It’s all about the economy

Washington Post Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is heading to Beijing. Expectations are low, but analysts say it’s good that China and the United States are talking again. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/06/16/blinken-china-visit-beijing-economy/

How queer went corporate: The 50-year evolution of LGBTQ+ marketing

Washington Post Inclusive ads from Miller Lite to Subaru to Bud Light have gone from trailblazing to commonplace to controversial again. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/06/16/lgbt-marketing-advertising-history-pride-month/

Seven Masterpieces to Celebrate Juneteenth

Wall Street Journal Artists have grappled with America’s past in a wide array of mediums. https://www.wsj.com/articles/seven-masterpieces-to-celebrate-juneteenth-airdigital-8847239