archive
In Rush To Punish, Are We Missing Something?
April 25, 2012 The recent documentary Bully and a series of tragic stories have brought national attention to the issue. NPR's Michel Martin asks whether there's something important missing from the conversation: the question "why?"
Trayvon Martin Was Afraid, Too
March 21, 2012 The shooting death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, has sparked national protests and debate. Host Michel Martin reflects on the case in her Can I Just Tell You essay.
Two Young Men, Two Very Different Directions
March 14, 2012 One is a contender for a prestigious science prize, and the other is headed to prison for his involvement in a shooting. Michel Martin asks what communities can do to help struggling young people make good choices.
When Caregivers Are Left With Nothing More To Give
March 7, 2012 Caring for elderly parents can be a financial and emotional challenge for many families. In her Can I Just Tell You essay, host Michel Martin explores what's at stake when adult children become caregivers in their parents' final years.
The Power Of Memoirs, Biographies
February 29, 2012 In her weekly essay, host Michel Martin closes the book on Black History Month and looks ahead to Women's History Month. Tell Me More will bring a series of conversations with the authors of biographies about remarkable women.
What Enslaves Us That We Won't Give Up?
February 22, 2012 Host Michel Martin reflects on what the moral questions of history tell us about our own ethical blind spots. Her commentary comes as the National Museum of African American History and Culture breaks ground Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
Your Problem, Not Mine — Until It Is
January 30, 2012 In her weekly commentary, Michel Martin says the challenges of the minority — including marriage, relationship and education issues — are often a prelude to what will happen to the many. But the many often don't think so until it's too late.
From Martin Luther King Jr., A Burden And Gift
January 16, 2012 In her commentary for MLK Jr. Day, Michel Martin recalls speaking with two women — one black, one white — of roughly the same age who witnessed the same lynching. Martin will never forget a particular comment from the black woman, and asks the broader question of what Americans should keep and leave behind on this day.
Sparking A Better Political Discourse
January 9, 2012 In her weekly commentary, host Michel Martin wonders what it would take to make debate more civil and relevant to the issues that should inform presidential campaigns.
In Michel Martin's House: Spirit Of Revolt
January 2, 2012 In her weekly commentary, host Michel Martin shares that to her chagrin, her stepdaughters proposed to skip the china and use plastic plates for their holiday feast. The episode made Martin empathize with the deficit-cutters in Congress, and consider how tough it is to change the status quo until good-willed people choose to do so.
The Continuing Lessons Of A Bad Break
December 19, 2011 In her weekly commentary, Michele Martin revisits the lessons and life experiences of a broken arm.
With End To Iraq War, Thousands Are Left Wounded
December 19, 2011 Host Michel Martin reflects on the struggle to get by with physical injury. As the Iraq war recedes from the headlines, she says, it's even more important not to let the needs of those who have sacrificed disappear from our consciousness.
Wanted: Advice For Recent Grad In Tough Economy
December 5, 2011 A recent male college graduate sought Michel Martin's advice about navigating through economic troubles that have disproportionately affected his generation. In her weekly commentary, Martin discusses his letter and asks listeners what advice they would give.
Lessons From Michel Martin's Bad Break
November 28, 2011 After a recent injury, the Tell Me More host discusses the courage of people who have endured physical and emotional pain without help or acknowledgment.
Spotting Crime, Being More Than Bystanders
November 7, 2011 In her weekly commentary, host Michel Martin looks at the murder of a Lululemon employee in the Washington, D.C., area and the alleged child molestation case at Penn State. In both cases, it seems people knew a potential crime was happening but did nothing about it.
