Kelly Huang, Period 7, 3/3/23

Kelly Huang

Period 7

3/3/23

Modern Mythology 2023

Socio-Political Consciousness 

For generations, minorities and foreign people have suffered from oppression and inequality in the U.S. Perhaps because of our history with each other and how it shaped the relationship amongst people of different nationalities. Even though people strive to make a change in our society, how much actually does change? The gap between the rich and poor people in the U.S. has become much more pronounced. A major cause of such inequality within modern economics are the wages. Many African Americans don’t have equal opportunities to land a well paid job because of the oppression they faced for years in the past even when colored people fought for and gained equal rights. The consequences of our actions in the past have left many prominent scars that would fade but not fully disappear. And those scars on African Americans were passed down for decades. In addition, immigrants who came to the U.S. to look for a better life and higher paying job got what they dreamed of if they knew English or got put into labor jobs with low wages if they didn't know English. My mother was an immigrant who didn’t know English, but came to the U.S. when the economy was stagnant back in China. She hoped to be able to land a decent job that pays well, but because she didn’t know any English, she landed in a low paying job. For years, she was paid the minimum wage and received no raise despite having years of experience in her field as a jewelry maker. A perfect world where everyone is equal doesn’t exist, but that doesn’t mean equity can’t. Exact resources can be allocated to individuals with difficult circumstances and help them reach an equal outcome as those who were already well off. 

There are many problems such as the ones addressed in my reflection across the world. Many influential figures are making efforts to support communities with less fortunate circumstances. I know this based on the contents they create and post on social media. Even if they’re doing it for the views and popularity, at least they’re taking action. This topic relates to me on a personal level in regards to money. I still remember it vividly even though it’s been years. On January 23rd, 2019, me and my family nearly became homeless when a warranty was placed on our house. The warranty was there in the first place because the landowner increased the rent to extreme levels where my single mother raising 2 kids just can’t possibly afford such a high rent. Police were called, but even they couldn’t help. We had no choice but to rely on our relatives and live at their place for a month until things are sorted out. Remembering how my mother must have felt made my blood boil. The landowner knew my mom makes minimum wage, but still increased the rent and expected us to pay. The world won’t change when greedy people still exist. Greed isn’t particularly a bad thing, such as greed for knowledge or greed to strive for success. However, if someone’s greed causes harm and suffering for other people, then it’s no longer acceptable.