Leah Livin, Period 8, 5/11/22

Modern Mythology 2022

Leah Livin, May 11, 2022

One of the largest powers in the US is the media. Most of us don’t notice the effect the media casts on us. However, the media often shapes some of our thoughts and actions. A recent example of this is the media coverage of the Russian Ukrainian war currently going on. Throughout February and early March, as tensions rose and the war began, the main topic of most news sources, including CNN, New York Times, Fox and Washington post, focused almost solely on the war. And so, the main topic of conversation for a majority of people was the war.  On social media sites - videos of the war were trending along with videos of people sharing about their Ukrainian heritage. Protests were held across the world in support of Ukraine. However, as the war went on for several weeks, fewer and fewer articles focused on the war, and so the discussions of the war vanished. Infact, I’ve heard some people admit to not realizing the war was still going on. Through this example alone it is evident that the media has a great influence over our lives, directing our conversations and worries. Although it is essential for the media to jump from topics and cover various prominent issues in our society, it is also important for us to be more aware of the things we claim we stand for. It is critical for us to remember the causes we stand up for and fight for them until a solution arrives.

Although I am writing about this issue, I too am guilty of dropping issues too quickly. Throughout March I was very actively speaking out against the war and participated in several fundraisers in support of Ukraine. However, as Apil came I became less and less engaged in fighting for the cause. I realize that I myself need to stay more aware of my actions. I need to look back and stick to my beliefs and carry a cause I am passionate about through to the end. I believe that as a society we should all become more aware of what we stand for, and work as a group to persistently fight for justice till it is received rather than just putting up a short fight and dropping the subject. I don’t blame anyone for the situation at hand since the media has become such a large part of American culture.