Catherine Prigov, 2/22/21, Period 8, Day C

Catherine Prigov 

Period 8

2/22/2021

Day C

Modern Mythology 2021

1. What are your thoughts and feelings about issues of inequity, oppression, and/or power?

1. Throughout the past couple of months, we have witnessed an extraordinary amount of political and social turmoil. Over three months ago, I wrote my first blog, highlighting the upcoming election and the controversy surrounding it. We all wondered, “What would happen if Biden wins?” “Will there be accusations of fraud?” To no one’s surprise, after the vote was decided Saturday morning, November 7th, social media and news outlets were flooded with outrage. Former President Trump’s loyal following took to the internet to defend their president, claiming the real vote will be decided mid-December, then January 6th, then January 20th. Now, on February 22nd, a month into Biden’s presidency, we still see constant denouncement of his legitimacy as the Commander in Chief. 

What I think is important to highlight is the huge social polarization that has only increased since 2016. Throughout his four years, Trump paved the way for white supremacists being more confident in spewing their rhetoric, cowering behind the vague umbrella of “free speech.” Inequity, oppression, and abuse of power have only grown amongst privileged groups, and with Trump not being in charge anymore, countless people are refusing to step down from the privileged mindset the former president gave them. However, while there are still faults in the administration we have now, I think it’s helpful to remain hopeful in the next four years, looking towards a better future than the one that was established previously. 

2. How do you reflect critically on your own beliefs, assumptions, values, and experiences, and how these can influence your perception of self and others?

1. As someone who is incredibly politically active, constantly staying up to date with current events and political incidents, I know how incredibly important it is to remain open-minded. Growing up in a household full of a variety of perspectives, I’ve always been having conversations concerning recent events and learning about how different ideologies react to them. When the conflict started in Russia and Ukraine, I learned through my Russian mother and Ukrainina father about the value of honoring both opinions. With the 2016 election, my Republican father and Democrat brother constantly shared their views, sparking a deep passion for ideological diversity in me. Thus, I think the most important quality one could have is the ability to accept other opinions, grow from past experiences, and develop new ideas towards an ever-evolving reality