Nicholas Paronich, Period 2, 12/16/22

Socio-political Consciousness

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

Inequity, oppression, and power struggles are ongoing issues in today's society. Currently in the United States government, there is a major issue of corruption. Individuals working in influential federal positions for nearly all of their lives accomplishing little to nothing. On a more personal level, people of color are targeted by law enforcement and subject to stricter treatment because of stereotypes. Or in 2020 when those of asian descent were harassed and blamed for the coronavirus. It seems we are moving backwards towards a world of hate and revenge. The excuse is always, I can do it because they do it. Instead of working collectively towards a world of love, people lean on the double standard as a reason to hate and bully others. The society the world is building for the younger generations is a wasteland that leaves a heavy burden on our shoulders. We have to teach ourselves lessons that should be obvious and already present in the world. With how intelligent we have become and how far we have advanced, oppression and power struggles should be remnants of the past. Instead we continue to watch as people battle for a title and don’t accomplish the work that goes along with it.

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

I try to take a neutral stance on every topic until I grasp the cause, effects, and implications of a situation. Every side must be taken into consideration otherwise facts may be missing which could lead to a temporary solution instead of a permanent fix. This mindset has led me to treat every person as if I didn’t know what was going on in their life. What I see of them is a fraction of their story and experiences. Everyone has something special to offer and should be treated as such. I struggled in my past with my identity and even though I haven’t completely figured it out, I have a strong base. I’ve developed these core values that I will stick to and continue to grow off of them. Looking through the lens of others and accepting constructive criticism will fine tune my character and allow me to give back to the people who helped shape me. Through this process it will be a train of people helping each other up to a higher standard. This utopia is possible through love and understanding of each other.