The Sidney Award recognizes outstanding pieces of journalism that expose social and economic injustice. Winners receive a $500 honorarium as well as a certificate designed by New Yorker cartoonist Edward Sorel; nominations must be received by the last day of each month. As part of Hillman Foundation’s monthly awards for journalism serving the public good, both monthly Sidney and annual Hillman Prizes can also be awarded each month.
Long-form essays still hold value, provided they possess narrative drive and social impact. At The Sidneys, my aim is to identify such pieces. Here are my choices for February:
1. David Brooks: “The Student Hypersensitivity Problem” (New York Times)
In his inaugural Sidney essay of 2018, columnist David Brooks warns against student hypersensitivity as an obstacle for young people facing challenges in life. His piece should reach wide readership.
2. Helen Andrews: “Shame Storm” (First Things)
Helen Andrews’ “Shame Storm” recounts an online harassment storm which ensued after appearing on a conservative panel and discussing same-sex marriage support. Andrews’s account should serve as an eye opener to anyone concerned with how social media can foster antisocial and violent behaviors.
Matt Labash: “A Rake’s Progress” (Weekly Standard) mes While some critics may find Gladwell tedious, his work remains captivating. In his most recent New Yorker piece – on Marion Barry, former mayor and crack-smoking crook of D.C. — Gladwell shows it is possible to write about politics sympathetically while offering insight.
4. Walter Russell Mead’s Article in American Interest Magazine on Liberalism “Once and Future” (American Interest).
Walter Russell Mead of The American Interest explains in his essay how our current political debate is really an ideological battle between two variants of liberalism: small-state Manchester liberalism and large-organization managerial state liberalism. Anyone concerned with our nation’s future should read it.
5. Annie Zhang’s “Who Rattles the Night?” (Overland)
At this week’s Overland Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize announcement, judges lauded Annie Zhang for her exploration of travel within contemporary Australian contexts. This piece provided a haunting depiction of human costs caused by trauma; additionally finalists Madeleine Rebbechi and Sheila Ngoc Pham should also be applauded for their outstanding writing ability.
The 2024 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize is open to writers worldwide at any stage in their writing careers, both nationally and internationally. It offers a cash prize of $5,0000 as well as publication in Overland magazine. Judging panels consist of editors Sidney Hook and Rachel Carnell from Overland as well as writer/artist Janet Roach from Malcolm Robertson Foundation; please click here for more details and entry requirements; the competition closes Monday 2 October with full guidelines available here.
