Tyler Sljukic, 3/13/2023, Period 2

Socio-Political Consciousness

Politics are a sensitive subject for many. Matters pertaining to oppression and inequity are even more controversial in nature. In today's age of social media and the internet, information spreads faster than ever. Incidents are publicized without a second thought, hypocrisy and inequality are ousted for the world to see, and media is accessible to anyone with an internet connection. The United States has seen several massive political and social movements since 2020, with topics ranging from massive financial inequality, lack of social service, and racism.

Movements advocating for financial equality and social services have gained traction since 2020 due to rising taxes, gas prices, health insurance prices, and other basic commodities skyrocketing in their value. As frustrating as it is to watch the top earners of the country coast on by the majority budget and work to keep the lights on, the effects of the pandemic are not easily mitigated. If we want to reduce the prices on most goods in the United States, the pipeline would have to re-open in order to lower gas prices substantially. Lower gas prices result in cheaper shipping and by extension cheaper products. This opens up discussion for issues on environmental health, which I will not discuss in this blog. Social services can only be improved with increased funding, which inevitably will come from a raise in taxes, causing a cycle of rising taxes in order to fund cheaper services and commodities. While universal healthcare would be a blessing for many, 41% of Americans currently have unpaid medical bills. While more accessible healthcare leads to a healthier community, these unpaid bills must be paid, whether by the indebted or other patients. Simply put, inequality and unfairness are inevitable in the course of life. We should strive to improve our public services, yet life and society are inherently unequal, and would not function if this statement was not true.

My stance on more sensitive social issues such as the growing media campaigns addressing racism and police brutality is simple: we need to stop dramatizing and exacerbating the media which we consume, and put more of an emphasis on the actual act that has been committed. Hate crimes and situations deemed to be racially motivated should certainly be reported as such, yet many media outlets will lead with headlines which highlight the races of the individuals involved in an altercation. These articles tend to contain loaded language and hold some sort of bias(this is typical, bias cannot be completely removed). This sort of journalism breeds resentment between groups of people and fosters stereotypes which are harmful to society as a whole. Many outlets may think they are being progressive with articles such as these, and they may think they are promoting awareness. Sadly, all they are doing is driving a wedge deeper into the issue, exacerbating it further with each article.

This blog is completely subjective. Nothing said in this blog should be taken as gospel, as the whole-hearted truth of the workings of society. This blog simply reflects my takes on current socio political issues, which I have no doubt every person has. Some of you may agree with me, and some of you may not. Not only is this okay, this is encouraged. It is my firm belief that the greatest way to learn is to truly listen to something you disagree with. Why do you disagree with this statement? What points can you refute? What can you relate to in reference to your own opinion? You will learn more by digesting what you disagree with than any other method when it comes to matters such as these. You will either learn something new, or become more resolute in your position. This is the process in which society progresses, and I believe we all need to understand this concept today more than ever before.