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“Weebles wobble but they don’t fall down!” Do you remember this catchy bit of marketing for one of Hasbro’s most beloved toys? Weebles were egg-shaped figurines designed for toddlers and known for their refusal to stay prone. Every time you attempted to push them down, they’d pop right back up. Do you ever privately lament to yourself, “If only humans were designed to be more like Weebles!” No? Only me? Fine.
Why would I wish such a thing? Simply put, I often find that I am not as resilient as I think I am. It’s easy for me to be metaphorically knocked down, and not so easy for me to make like a Weeble and pop right back up.
It’s certainly ironic, but as much as the news can get me down, it can also lift me up. Yes, legislators are attempting to censor books that teach about racial (in)justice and human sexuality — Weeble down. But these lawmakers’ attempts to censor theories are only resulting in increased interest and open-mindedness among their constituents — Weeble up! Yes, the discrimination against former Miami Dolphins’ coach Brian Flores reveals how Black people in the U.S. are often prevented from climbing the “ladder to success” — Weeble down. But Aarik Danielsen’s reflection on climbing of ladders reminds me that not all ladders need to be climbed — Weeble up!
For a taste of the ups and downs that are part of the Weeble experience, err — human experience — check out the stories below.
1. The View from the Bottom Rung
With enough time and discipline, self-denial bends into nobler shapes. By Aarik Danielsen via Fathom Magazine.
2. Why My Church Isn’t Dropping Our Online Service
When many folks are separated from in-person worship, Zoom church helps us find the good news with the bodies we have. By Melissa Florer-Bixler via sojo.net.
3. Books on Race and Sexuality Are Disappearing From Texas Schools in Record Numbers
Facing pressure from parents and threats of criminal charges, some districts have ignored policies meant to prevent censorship. Librarians and students are pushing back. By Mike Hixenbaugh via nbcnews.com.
4. Christian Scholars Think We’re Spending Too Much on War
In a letter to Congress, 81 scholars wrote that the U.S. military budget should be reduced. By Mitchell Atencio via sojo.net.
5. Making Black History on the Supreme Court
When people become historic “firsts,” it changes what future generations of children see as possible. By Adam Russell Taylor via sojo.net.
6. Meet the People Getting Paid to Kill Our Planet
American agriculture is ravaging the air, soil, and water. But a powerful lobby has cleverly concealed its damage. By Krik Semple, Adam Westbrook, and Jonah M. Kessel via nytimes.com.
7. LGBTQ Doctrine Needs ‘Fundamental Revision,’ Catholic Cardinal Says
Luxembourg Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich told a German Catholic news agency that “the sociological-scientific foundation of this teaching is no longer true.” By Philip Pullella, Reuters, and Zuzanna Szymanska, Reuters, via sojo.net.
8. Inside Mississippi’s Only Class on Critical Race Theory
As Republican lawmakers push to ban critical race theory, here’s how the class changed the mind of one conservative Mississippian. By Molly Minta via mississippitoday.org.
9. He Spent 25 Years Infiltrating Nazi’s, the Klan, and Biker Gangs
Scott was a top undercover agent for the FBI, putting himself in harm's way dozens of times. Now, he’s telling his story for the first time to sound the alarm about the threat of far-right extremists in America. By Paul Solotaroff via rollingstone.com.
10. Christian Leaders Demand Amnesty for Hong Kong Activists
More than a dozen Christian groups and leaders called for the government to drop charges against those jailed under a new national security law. By James Pomfret, Reuters, via sojo.net.
Josiah R. Daniels is associate opinion editor at sojo.net. Follow him on X at @josiah_Rdaniels.
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