Terrence Zhang, Period 1, 1/20/22

Terrence Zhang

Period 1

1/20/22

Socio-Political Consciousness

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

The issues of inequity, oppression, and power transcend time itself. Ever since the first human civilization was established thousands of years ago, these issues could be seen plaguing humanity. Even now, they remain problems waiting to be solved as they continue to have a detrimental effect on society. However, as much as I despise them and want to wish for their complete disappearance, I know that they will never truly disappear. They are a part of human society and so as long as humanity continues to exist, they too will continue to exist. Believing that they will ever disappear is foolish and unreasonable. 

However, as cynical as I may be about them, I do not believe that it is foolish to attempt to resist them. Even if it may be futile and pointless, I believe that it is still better than simply bowing down and accepting them. Whether it may be something as small as simply working harder or something as large as organizing a movement, there are still actions one can take to oppose them. I myself am no exception. Having been born in a poor household, the issue of inequity is ever prevalent within my life. However, I refuse to let myself be hindered by it. While I could just complain about the many problems caused by my family’s wealth and give up, I instead am trying my best to fight against it by becoming successful. Even if I fail in the end, it is still better than not trying at all.  

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

Growing up, my mother has always shown blatant prejudice towards African Americans, with her impression of them being that of violent, unintelligent people who hurt others in society. This sentiment of hers was unfortunately caused by her encounters with those kinds of people and misattributing their qualities to their race. However, despite my mother’s beliefs, I try my best not to be affected by prejudice when I evaluate someone. Rather, I believe that race or gender aren’t indicative of anything and all that matters is a person’s actions. After all, no one can tell another person’s true nature just by looking at them, it is through what they do instead. In addition, just because one member of a race has bad qualities doesn’t mean that every other member of that race is similar. It would be ridiculous to believe that millions of people are similar to each other. 

I know that I am not perfect. Even now, despite my best efforts, I still harbor some biases that affect what I do subconsciously. However, I will remain persistent and constantly strive to improve in order to make myself a better person overall.