All We Do is Boast in Our Posts

 

                  (McCoy, Aisling. The BigFoot Digital app and discussing the online presence.)

            When it comes to my online footprint, it is larger than I would like it to be. Yet, without an online footprint, in today’s world, one almost seems nonexistent. The more apps that are created, the more accounts one must make and individualize. For instance, in my generation it is considered “weird” if one is not found on Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter. I’m guilty of having an account on each of these apps, but I do not necessarily enjoy them. Snapchat has lost a bit of its momentum over the years, but no one seems to have deleted it off of their home page, including me. Thanks to FOMO, the “Fear Of Missing Out,” those in today’s generation are terrified to be ostracized. In fact, Justin White, addresses in his article “Research finds links between social media and the ‘fear of missing out’,” that “Psychologists say fears about missing out may be a type of cognitive distortion, causing irrational thoughts – such as believing that friends hate you if you didn’t get an invite to last week’s party – associated with depression.” As much as I like to believe that social media does not hinder my mental health at times, it does.

                                         (Krales, Amelia Holowaty. Screen Time. 17 Sept. 2018.)

            At the beginning of quarantine, due to the Coronavirus, I had way too much time on my hands. During most of this time I found myself on social media, which then lowered my levels of happiness. It felt like I was the only one in quarantine, and everyone else’s lives were completely normal. I have never considered myself a jealous person, but at that time I was. Recognizing this change in myself, I turned off my notifications for Instagram and Snapchat. I didn’t need to be in constant contact with my friends, nor did I need to know what everyone was doing at each moment of the day. All I have to do now is take a look at my screen time per day to know that I was, and still am, wasting four hours and twenty minutes of my day caring about what others think of me. Sarah Motter points out in her article, “Teens may be increasing social media use during COVID-19,” that “A report done by a Chicago children’s hospital is showing that 63% of parents have seen their teen’s social media use increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Now I may not be a teen, but my actions mirror those who are. Without the ability to physically see others, social media was my immediate back up plan.

   (Becker, Brent. Job Profile. 26 Jan. 2018. Pro Resources Staffing Services, www.proresources.com/2018/01/26/social-media-profile-negative-effect-job-search-auburn-in/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2020.)

            Since social media and video chatting is how most humans are adapting to COVID-19 restrictions, our accounts and the information we provide are the only ways others can get to know us. For example, companies, especially in today’s climate, depend on the social media accounts that their employees and potential hires have. Social media accounts are now considered a pre-interview before the actual interview. Since most jobs are hiring through applications online, instead of in person today, each individual must be aware of what they are posting on their social media. Personally, I attempt to keep my profiles clean and positive. I want to make sure the company I am applying to work at knows that I can be trusted to provide a good image. Saige Driver emphasizes the idea in her article “Keep It Clean: Social Media Screenings Gain in Popularity,” that “While they might not be searching for anything negative, more than half of the employers who were surveyed (57%) said they found something during their social screenings that led them to not hire someone.” All it takes is one mistake with alcohol, drugs, or profanity, for your potential boss to immediately discard your application. Social media is meant to be personal, but some things do not need to end up online, especially for your own sake.

            Overall, I may not be extremely proud of the size of my online footprint, but at times it is necessary to be online. As a family member, friend, and potential employee, I must keep myself available on various applications. Yet, I know when to take a break, which is a healthy thing to do. While it is important to be social, it is also important to remember that one can always log out.

Works Cited

Becker, Brent. Job Profile. 26 Jan. 2018. Pro Resources Staffing Services, www.proresources.com/2018/01/26/social-media-profile-negative-effect-job-search-auburn-in/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2020.

Driver, Saige. "Keep It Clean: Social Media Screenings Gain in Popularity." Business News Daily, 23 Mar. 2020, www.businessnewsdaily.com/2377-social-media-hiring.html. Accessed 4 Dec. 2020.

Krales, Amelia Holowaty. Screen Time. 17 Sept. 2018.

McCoy, Aisling. The BigFoot Digital app and discussing the online presence.

Motter, Sarah. "Teens may be increasing social media use during COVID-19." 13WIBW, 27 Nov. 2020, www.wibw.com/2020/11/28/teens-may-be-increasing-social-media-use-during-covid-19/. Accessed 4 Dec. 2020.

White, Justin. "Research finds link between social media and the 'fear of missing out.'" The Washington Post, 8 July 2013, www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/research-finds-link-between-social-media-and-the-fear-of-missing-out/2013/07/08/b2cc7ddc-e287-11e2-a11e-c2ea876a8f30_story.html. Accessed 4 Dec. 2020.

Give All of the Props to Propaganda

(Shutterstock. Public interest reporting is often equated with watchdog or investigative reporting. But it can include other factual stories that serve the public interest. 14 June 2017.)

            When one thinks of propaganda, it is easy for the mind to immediately relate the term with past wars. Yet, propaganda, just like anything else, has evolved over time. In today’s society, where the media both heavily influences the individual and misleads citizens daily, propaganda has taken multiple forms. Nowadays, journalists don’t care about being right; they care about being first. Working at such a fast and competitive pace allows for mistakes to happen in a careless fashion. At times, mistakes are made in order to further a writer’s opinion or idea. Most stories, written today, are twisted or tainted by bias. Society can no longer read or hear the news and trust it blindly; they must turn into the journalist themselves.

            For instance, politics today relies immensely on the power propaganda holds. Whether the politician is a democrat or a republican, there will always be manipulative motives within each party. Yet, it is made clear in Sean Illing’s article, “How Propaganda works in the digital age,” that “it’s about manipulating you, but it’s also about establishing the truthfulness of the political ideals behind it.” For instance, during the 2020 election, commercials are used by both parties to harm the image of the other. Although they may be biased and a bit overexaggerated, the commercials are linked directly to the party’s goal, which is to prove that their morals are of a higher value. However, commercials, like all other types of media, are the ways the society now receives their news. In fact, “Propaganda arises even if no one intends it. And that’s because it’s a corporate media” (Illing). Society has proven to itself that it is dependent on technology for most actions in life now, and knowing this, the government will never stop using media to influence its citizens.

                                        (Swirko, Cindy. Election Text Messages. 9 Nov. 2018.)

            Even more so, during the 2020 elections, text messages were sent in an attempt to tear down the reputation of many politicians. I personally received over ten text messages within the past few months that were sent, in hopes of changing my political beliefs. David Gilbert informed the public in his article “Election Propaganda Texts Are Completely Out of Control,” that “it was the 2016 Trump campaign that first spotted the power of the messages sent directly to voter’s phones, using them to great effect, particularly in swing states.” With the large amount of information being pushed in society’s way, it is easy for individuals to be confused and misled, especially when propaganda is the majority of what they view.

            Social media is a huge platform in which the public is misled by their peers and even those in positions of power above them. For example, a picture, which shows a Philadelphia police officer holding a young black boy in her arms, was deleted off of the internet, once it was proven to be taken out of context. The picture was posted in hopes of seeming as if the police officer was soothing the young boy, but the police force was actually the root cause of the boy’s tears ("Police took a Black toddler from his family's SUV. Then, the union used his photo as 'propaganda,' attorneys say."). Katie Shepherd depicted the image in her article, “Police took a Black toddler from his family’s SUV. Then, the union used his photo as ‘propaganda,’ attorneys say,” that, “[the] police yanked the boy form the back seat of an SUV after busting all of the windows and violently arresting and injuring his mother, who was later released without charges.” Nowadays, the truth of the news is not what is important, but rather what the creator can make the individual think the truth is. Citizens can never simply trust journalists, politicians, armed forces, or even their neighbors anymore. The truth has to be unraveled by the individual, which makes life one large trust issue.

Works Cited

Gilbert, David. "Election Propaganda Texts Are Completely Out of Control." Vice, 29 Oct. 2020, www.vice.com/en/article/jgqqxx/election-propaganda-texts-are-completely-out-of-control. Accessed 3 Nov. 2020.

Illing, Sean. "How propaganda works in the digital age." Vox, 20 Oct. 2019, www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/10/18/20898584/fox-news-trump-propaganda-jason-stanley. Accessed 3 Nov. 2020.

Shepherd, Katie. "Police took a Black toddler from his family's SUV. Then, the union used his photo as 'propaganda,' attorneys say." The Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2020, www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/10/30/philadelphia-fop-posts-toddler/. Accessed 8 Nov. 2020.

Shutterstock. Public interest reporting is often equated with watchdog or investigative reporting. But it can include other factual stories that serve the public interest. 14 June 2017.

Swirko, Cindy. Election Text Messages. 9 Nov. 2018.

You Should Care How Much You Share

            When it comes to privacy nowadays, if there is any, it is vital that each individual does all that they can do to protect it. From Alexa, to Siri, to each signed “terms of agreement,” society seems to be freely giving away the ability to stay individualistic. With every new account we make, we allow creators to know the ins and outs of who we are, and sometimes that is both a good and bad thing. Every like, dislike, follow, or subscription lets the creators of each site decide which products and pages they will throw at you next. In earlier generations, this would have stopped once one shut off their computer, but in today’s day and age, smartphones have taken the individual’s privacy and completely revoked it.

 (Khilko, Aleksey. You can schedule a text message on your iPhone with a third-party app. 11 Sept. 2019.)

               For instance, if we think about the way students walk around on campus, it becomes apparent that rarely anyone is seen without a smartphone in their hands. One simple purchase has led each student to freely giveaway their whereabouts at any given time. In their hands is their own personal tracking device. Yet, most students on campus have iPhones, which is a good thing in this case. In fact, Christopher Soghoian presented the fact in “How to Avoid Surveillance… With Your Phone,” that “If you use an iPhone to send a text message to other people who have an iPhone, those text messages can not easily be wire tapped, and in fact, according to Apple, ‘They’re not able to even see the text messages themselves.’” Since a student’s life can seem fast-paced, most text messages and calls happen just as quickly, but with the privacy Apple allows, a student does not have to over think each word that is spoken or typed. In a world where students are being forced to share more about themselves online than ever, it is important to have an app that is solely for themselves and those they wish to communicate with on it.

                                    (Krales, Amelia Holowaty. Location iPhone. 2 Aug. 2018.)

               Privacy, while important for conversation, is vital for safety. As a woman, walking anywhere is not just “walking;” It is being aware of my surroundings at all times. Yet, how am I supposed to know about a potential threat, if it is due to the lack of privacy on my own phone. I understand that the idea of tapping into smartphones can protect the community at times, but this could harm the community as well, if the wrong people have the ability to tap into another individual’s phone. Soghoian argues that, “the alternative would mean to live in a world where anyone’s calls or anyone’s text messages could be surveilled by criminals [and] by stalkers” ("How to Avoid Surveillance... With Your Phone| Christopher Soghoian | TED Talks"). The world is already a scary place, and the privacy of society is already becoming nonexistent. In order to slow the loss of privacy down, individuals must take into account what they sign up for. Tap in to what is important of yours now, because others might be doing it at this very moment.

Works Cited

"How to Avoid Surveillance... With Your Phone| Christopher Soghoian | TED Talks." YouTube, uploaded by TED, 14 Sept. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni4FV5zL6lM. Accessed 29 Oct. 2020.

Khilko, Aleksey. You can schedule a text message on your iPhone with a third-party app. 11 Sept. 2019.

Krales, Amelia Holowaty. Location iPhone. 2 Aug. 2018.

Nature Called, and It Said It's Time for Change.

 

        (Shutterstock/Vlad61. Studies show that certain chemicals in sunscreen are killing coral reefs.)

            Over time society has proven itself to welcome certain ideals and push away others. When it comes to the environmental movement, like all movements, the rise of support was steady, but there will always be those that value the benefits of consumption over the power of conservation. The pioneer of the movement was the Environmental Protection Agency, once the group created the “Federal Water Pollution Control Act,” which we know better as the “Clean Water Act.” On June 30^th, 1948, society began to see that a strong concern could turn into a strong action. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act wasn’t a perfect first try; it took three different revisions to make the act what it is today. Before 1948, people weren’t concerned nor informed about the harmful pollutants that flowed throughout each type of body of water (“The Modern Environmental Movement”). Without the pioneer group, citizens would not be as environmentally conscious as they attempt to be today.

                                        (Population Connection. Silent Spring - Rachel Carson.)

            Towards the middle of the environmental movement, Rachel Carson changed the world upon publishing her book “Silent Spring.” The threat of DDT to the environment was now under society’s microscope. In fact, Eliza Griswold informed society in her article “How ‘Silent Spring’ Ignited the Environmental Movement,” that “Once these pesticides entered the biosphere, Carson argued, they not only killed bugs but also made their way up the food chain to threaten bird and fish populations and could eventually sicken children.” Once children became a primary concern, adults began to wake up and educate themselves on the toxins spread so easily within the environment. Pesticides are known for killing anything in its path, or harming most bodies at least. If it weren’t for the heightened awareness of Rachel Carson and her endless amounts of research, the quality of the earth’s air and water would be drastically different, but in deadliest ways possible.

            It’s legislation as small as the “Federal Water Pollution Control Act” and revelations as big as “Silent Spring,” that have help lead the majority of citizens become aware of the environment that they live in. Nowadays, most people are conscious about ways to keep the air they breathe and the ground they walk on as healthy as possible. It is apparent that in today’s generation most individuals are consumer-based. More items in their life equates to more happiness, especially if the items are received at such a fast pace. “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle,” is a helpful concept, but it is impossible to do these actions at the rate most people consume. Luckily, society does have the ability to educate themselves to a new extent in today’s time. It is important for each individual to understand the calls of nature, and how it is crying out for help.

Works Cited

Griswold, Eliza. "How 'Silent Spring' Ignited the Environmental Movement." The New York Times Magazine, 21 Sept. 2012, www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/magazine/how-silent-spring-ignited-the-environmental-movement.html. Accessed 22 Oct. 2020.

"The Modern Environmental Movement." American Experience, PBS, www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/earth-days-modern-environmental-movement/. Accessed 22 Oct. 2020.

Population Connection. Silent Spring - Rachel Carson. 1 May 2018. Genetic Literary Project, geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/05/01/how-does-the-science-of-rachel-carsons-silent-spring-stand-up-more-the-50-years-later/. Accessed 22 Oct. 2020.

Shutterstock/Vlad61. Studies show that certain chemicals in sunscreen are killing coral reefs. 3 May 2018. Business Insider, www.businessinsider.com/hawaii-banning-sunscreen-with-chemicals-that-are-killing-sea-life-coral-reefs-2018-5. Accessed 22 Oct. 2020.

Yes, I'm still watching.

 

(Netflix. Netflix. 18 Aug. 2020.)

When it comes to technology, today’s generation is all too familiar with its advances. Yet, one component of change seems to have grasped the attention of all age groups in a massive way. Netflix, founded in 1997, is a streaming application that is in use by most individuals around the world. Anyone who has a smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet, or smart television, can access their Netflix account in seconds wherever they are. Since we live in a time in which society is overstimulated, we have grown uncomfortable being alone or sitting in silence with ourselves. Netflix thrives off of this anxious feeling, and offers different types of media to fill the void one is craving so hard to. With just the click of a button, one can be watching a movie, tv series, or documentary. Soon enough our interests become a part of who we are. The characters and plots of our favorite entertainment source allow us to escape our own lives.

 (Fox. Fox video still. 11 Apr. 2018.)

            For instance, my favorite show at the moment is New Girl. Whenever I have free time, I find myself leaning on Netflix as a source for this entertainment. Then comes the binge watching. New Girl has seven seasons made up of twenty-three-minute episodes. It is easy for me to get caught up into the plot, and say to myself, “I have time for just one more episode.” Yet, this isn’t always the case. At times I find myself prioritizing the next episode over other deadlines I have, due to the fact that it is so readily accessible. I don’t have to wait for the next episode to come out in a week, in order to figure out what happens, I have the next few seasons right in the palm of my hand.

            Everything in life has its positive and negatives. Netflix, on one hand, entertains the public and even brings people together through their favorite shows or movies. On the other hand, old time video stores that we once grew up with, like “Blockbuster,” now find themselves out of business. Companies like Blockbuster didn’t have a chance to survive, once the use of DVD’s and VHS’ came to a halt. The world of streaming and immediate happiness is upon us, and society will only continue to feed off of it.

 

Sources:

Fox. Fox video still. 11 Apr. 2018.

Netflix. Netflix. 18 Aug. 2020.

Ruffin, Brooke. "Worth the Risk: Netflix Changes Generations." High Point University, 13 Oct. 2020, High Point. Speech.

The Hype Surrounding Type

               Typewriters are a thing of the past, or so we thought. The aesthetic that is "everything vintage" is making one of the largest comebacks of our generation’s time. A part of this could be that social media and the rapid creations of new technology tend to overstimulate the minds of society. It’s pleasant and calming to be able to return to items that have one purpose and one purpose only. For example, poetry books and small excerpt writings have grabbed the attention of today’s youth. Reading what one feels, but cannot say out loud, is comforting. Yet, many writers nowadays have chosen to use the typewriter in order to perfect their craft. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes from hitting the last letter on a typewriter that a simple pen and paper, or computer keyboard, could never create. (Roth)

(Gades, Samantha. Black Typewriter.)

               Now, let’s slow things down a bit and cover the basics of the typewriter’s history. The first typewriter ever invented was all thanks to Christopher Latham Sholes. Of course, like any invention of the early times, the idea was taken from the British and different tweaks and models had to be made, in order for a final product to enter the workforces and homes of the American society. In fact, The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica explain in their article “Typewriter,” explain that Sholes “signed a contract with E. Remington and Sons, gunsmiths, of Ilion, New York, for manufacture,” and soon named the typewriter “Remington.” When it came to writing with the typewriter, the writing MAY HAVE LOOKED LIKE THIS, since one could only type in capital letters. This was until the double keyboard became a popular choice, due to the fact that it “contained twice the number of keys–one for every character, whether capital or small letter” (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica). Soon after came the type wheels, which most are familiar with, because of its large and pronounced presence on the typewriter. The type wheel was a highly influential part of the machine, because it directed the writer exactly where they should begin typing. Within the evolution of the typewriter there have been the makings of silent, electric, and portable typewriters. Each creation led to a more convenient lifestyle for the writer and worker. (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica)

(Rebuilt typewriters. Women in the employ of the Typewriter Emporium, reconditioning machines for the secondary market. 1918.)

               A group of writers, or workers, that depended on the typewriter were women. Back in the 1900’s women weren’t meant to be in the workplace; they were meant to be at home with their children. Yet, when the typewriter came into play, so did women! Though the jobs that women were available for weren’t any of substantial power, it was still a monumental movement for women’s rights. This gave women the chance to choose work over the lifestyle that was forced upon them for so many years. Nathalie O’Neill depicts the image in her article “Working Women, Thank the Typewriter,” that due to this shift within the social hierarchy “men were actually pretty miffed about this change, since they saw these women as a new source of competition.” Even though men still had the ultimate power in the office, this didn't stop men from hating the idea of giving any sort of recognition to anyone but themselves, especially women. Over time, not too much has changed. Yes, women have the ability to have jobs of higher power now, but women are also still the face of the jobs they were first given over one hundred years ago. (O’Neill)

               As the years have passed, society has seen the changes and need for typewriters. Whether it is for the woman’s ability to work, the desire for a precise typing mechanism, or a sense of nostalgia, the typewriter has made its mark on the people’s hearts. The sound of each letter being punched onto the paper, will forever leave a mark in history. Typewriters are a thing of the past, or so we thought. In actuality, typewriters are a thing of the past, present, and future.

 

Works Cited

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. "Typewriter." Britannica, www.britannica.com/technology/typewriter. Accessed 29 Sept. 2020.

Gades, Samantha. Black Typewriter.

O'Neill, Nathalie. "Working Women, Thank the Typewriter." Bustle, 26 July 2013, www.bustle.com/articles/2641-how-the-typewriter-brought-women-into-the-office.

Rebuilt typewriters. Women in the employ of the Typewriter Emporium, reconditioning machines for the secondary market. 1918.

Roth, Katherine. "Clickety Clack: Are typewriters making a comeback?" The Seattle Times, 18 July 2019, www.seattletimes.com/explore/shop-northwest/clickety-clack-are-typewriters-making-a-comeback/. Accessed 1 Oct. 2020.

Your Voice is Your Choice

                                 (Sohm, Joe, et al. Checks and Balances. 17 Nov. 2017.)

Expression is vital as a human being, but I believe it is our ability to educate one other and limit one’s power that is a crucial component of today’s society. We are all taught from a young age that those who are in leadership positions within the government have our best interests at heart. Yet, as we grow and learn, we know this is not always the truth. Even more so, each individual has different belief systems upon which they believe the human race should base itself upon. There will always be leaders within the government that each person agrees or disagrees with. We are a democracy, and because of this, we must have the ability to check the power of those in positions above the general public.

For instance, the upcoming election is the perfect time in which citizens can exercise their right to check governmental authorities. In Dino Christenson and Douglas Kriner’s article, “Public outrage derailed Trump’s plans to slow the mail. That’s what keeps presidents in check,” it is blatantly obvious that in regards to a president’s popularity “if their public erodes, that’s politically costly; it reduces their political capital and threatens their ability to wring concessions from Congress on other parts of their agenda.” Yes, being president comes with power, but so does being part of the public’s voice. The individuals of society make up the number of people that the president is a representative for. If the decisions being made by the president do not coincide with the moral values of the majority of the people, the president will immediately begin to lose support while in office.

                (IStock, and Smartboy10. Hands of Society. 5 Dec. 2019.)

Human life revolves around value, whether it is the value of life itself or the values that each life carries out. Society today is largely focusing on the “Black Lives Matter” movement, in which the public has used their power to create reform within the police force. For instance, Haley Byrd and Devan Cole depict the image in “Movement for Black Lives unveils sweeping police reform proposal” that the voices of protestors aided in the “House Democrats pass[ing] legislation that included provisions to overhaul ‘qualified immunity’ for law enforcement, prohibitions on racial profiling by law enforcement and a ban on no-knock warrants on federal drug cases.” Without large masses of movements such as “Black Lives Matter,” changes would not be encouraged or made. Hot topics like this thrive off of the loudness they create, because it gets the attention of those who sit in power. Those running the government want their country to appear as if they are the best. Knowing this, citizens take the opportunity to make noise and create unrest until leaders make the changes they have asked for. Once again, the power is placed into the hands of the people, because their support is what governmental leaders depend on.

Sources:

Byrd, Hayley, and Devan Cole. "Movement for Black Lives unveils sweeping police reform proposal." CNN Politics, 7 July 2020, www.cnn.com/2020/07/07/politics/movement-for-black-lives-police-reform-proposal/index.html. Accessed 22 Sept. 2020.

Christenson, Dino, and Douglas Kriner. "Public outrage derailed Trump's plans to slow the mail. That's what keeps presidents in check." The Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2020, www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/08/25/public-outrage-derailed-trumps-plans-slow-mail-thats-what-keeps-presidents-check/. Accessed 22 Sept. 2020.

IStock, and Smartboy10. Hands of Society. 5 Dec. 2019.

Sohm, Joe, et al. Checks and Balances. 17 Nov. 2017.

The Two W's: War and Wages

(Bettmann Archive. Anti-Vietnam War protesters march on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C., Novermber 27, 1965. 4 Dec. 1965.)

Though Twitter might not be the best source of news, the app does allow for the voices of the masses to be heard. Social media sites allow society to speak on topics that the news stations simply refuse to focus on. For example, anti-war beliefs are rarely ever plastered within the news. It's not a shocker; war makes money. This concept is a bit odd, considering war also places our country into large amounts of debt. Yet, the companies that provide all the components that make up a war thrive during this time. Now, if the large news corporations started promoting anti-war ideals, other large industries would then cause an uproar. The last thing any affluent businessman wants is money leaving his company.

(Lennihan, Mark, and Associated Press. A business man walks his son to school as they pass the New York Stock Exchange, in New York. In the neighborhood surrounding the New York Stock Exchange, many finance industry employees say they are worried about keeping their jobs. 21 Feb. 2009.)

            Not only do large companies lack the desire to encourage anti-war beliefs, so do those in high political positions. It was shocking to read in Doug Bandow’s article, “Trump Challenges Pro-War Foreign Policy Elite,” that “The president’s desire to withdraw American forces from Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq set off collective hysteria in Washington.” I grew up believing that our government has our best interest at hand, but at my age now, I have realized that the desire for the money and power will almost always defeat the desire for peace. Even when the president himself is against the war, both sides of the democracy fail to cover this news. Both liberals and conservatives are connected to companies and businesses that depend on war for income, and in turn are able to keep their own level of power and income stable.

            Although the ideas revolving anti-war are valid, bigger platforms are needed for the message to become prominent in today's day and age. Society is in need of leaders and companies that are for the people and not themselves. For now, at least, it is important that the obscure websites that do cover anti-war topics keep the belief alive. It takes time to make a difference, and it seems as if the creators of these websites are patient enough to do so.

Sources:

Bandow, Doug. "Trump Challenges Pro-War Foreign Policy Elite." The American Conservative, 17 Sept. 2020, www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/trump-challenges-pro-war-foreign-policy-elite/. Accessed 18 Sept. 2020.

Bettmann Archive. Anti-Vietnam War protesters march on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C., Novermber 27, 1965. 4 Dec. 1965.

Lennihan, Mark, and Associated Press. A business man walks his son to school as they pass the New York Stock Exchange, in New York. In the neighborhood surrounding the New York Stock Exchange, many finance industry employees say they are worried about keeping their jobs. 21 Feb. 2009.

Your Rights Are Your Fight

 (Hunley, Alexis. Protesters at a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Los Angeles on June 10. 10 June 2020.)

    I will say that I am proud to be in the generation I am in. Yes, we have flaws, but we also have a voice. It seems that nowadays, especially in the year 2020, the bad news continually gets worse as each month passes. Right now, the "Black Lives Matter" movement has made itself a prominent source of protesting and activism. Not only are there protests, but there are many petitions surrounding different aspects of the movement as well, that are going around. Our people are tired, but they are not weak. We must fight for our rights. For instance, our freedom to petition allows our society to speak out against groups including the police force and the government, whom we feel as if are infringing upon our rights. Popular petitions now, are in honor of the victims of injustice: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake, and sadly many more. It is victims like these that lost their lives, and through their tragic loss have taught the members of society to emphasize the importance of our First Amendment rights.

(Gauthier, Robert. Black Lives Matter Protest. 2 June 2020.)

     Going a step further than signing petitions comes the freedom of assembly. Joining together as a society for one cause forces government leaders to address the issue. Yet, we have to recognize that condoning assembly means condoning peaceful assembly. The First Amendment does not provide protections against laws of general applicability, meaning that the looting and rioting that is taking place during certain protests do not get a “pass” under the freedom of assembly. While researching the topic of “Black Lives Matter,” I came across an article written by John Eligon for the New York Times titled, “Black Lives Matter Grows as Movement While Facing New Challenges,” in which he argues, “Black Lives Matter protests – or even the possibility of them – have changed the way that people in power respond.” This is exactly the change and push our young activists desire! Checks and balances are nothing without the individuals of society. Citizens check who is in power, and whether that said power is positive or corrupt, and then we demand a balance, or in this case justice within the leadership of our country.

            Fighting for our rights is not an easy battle, but the alternative is living in silence and fear. Without the freedom of assembly and freedom to petition, the “Black Lives Matter” movement would not have the platform and support that it does today. Creating a better world includes changing our present world, and we are lucky to have the rights to do so!

Source:

Eligon, John. "Black Lives Matter Grows as Movement While Facing New Challenges." The New York Times, 28 Aug. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/08/28/us/black-lives-matter-protest.html. Accessed 10 Sept. 2020.

Gauthier, Robert. Black Lives Matter Protest. 2 June 2020.

Hunley, Alexis. Protesters at a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Los Angeles on June 10. 10 June 2020.

The Dream Team: The Supreme Court

    

(Semansky, Patrick. Supreme Court Building. 26 Feb. 2020.)

    The inner workings of the Supreme Court, though technical and of high importance, are somewhat a mystery to the public. This could be both an advantage and disadvantage for the Supreme Court. Working secretly and diligently gives the Supreme Court Justices the privacy each of them deserve. Yet, when their decisions become published, there is always a chance that matters will be taken out of context. Since 1776 there have been cases that have helped define and handle the ever-persisting issues that drive the political and social agendas of society today (Com3390 Supreme Court, Pt. 1.). Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg highlighted the fact that originally “We the People was composed of a very small part of the people” (Com3390 Supreme Court, Pt. 1.). Nowadays the issues the Supreme Court deals with are both made of the same mold as the issues dating back to the Declaration of Independence and the issues of today that are now gaining momentum in rising generations.

            When it comes to a typical day of being a Supreme Court Justice, help is needed through various co-workers and thorough steps. With the large amount of cases that are sent to the Supreme Court over time, it would be impossible to handle every aspect of the process all by themselves. Yet, when it comes to the case itself, the Supreme Court Justice handles it personally. Before the Supreme Court handles a certain case, it goes through a “trial court,” in which lawful inquiries are handled. (Com3390 Supreme Court, Pt. 1.)

(Monsivais, Pablo Martinez. Nearly all of the Supreme Court's justices are millionaires. 20 June 2014.)

            Once the Supreme Court Justices decide upon which cases to tackle, then comes the tension and atmosphere of the trial itself. The first question from a Justice is the moment where time feels like it stops, but once the answer is given, the ice is broken and the trial becomes less rigid in its aura. Now, a huge misconception about a Supreme Court case is that it is one big question and answer pool between the Justices and the attorney. Rather, a Supreme Court Case is a silent inner monologue between the Justices who depend on each other to ask questions to the attorney that inadvertently make themselves ask and answer the same question in their minds. (Comm 3390 Supreme Court, Pt. 2.)

            Being a part of the Supreme Court is not a job for the easily burdened. The cases dealt with are of high importance to the individuals they concern and the society they shape. Supreme Court Justices for many years have sustained the law, and added to it the predicaments of our time.

 

Works Cited

"Com3390 Supreme Court, Pt. 1." YouTube, uploaded by Davis Stephens, 11 Sept. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWRoXYRsaeo&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 6 Sept. 2020.

"Comm 3390 Supreme Court, Pt. 2." YouTube, uploaded by Davis Stephens, 13 Sept. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca8qSuWxcG8&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 6 Sept. 2020.

Monsivais, Pablo Martinez. Nearly all of the Supreme Court's justices are millionaires. 20 June 2014.

Semansky, Patrick. Supreme Court Building. 26 Feb. 2020.

The Course to the Right Source!

(Shutterstock. Research flourishes when it is properly funded , structured and appraised. 29 Apr. 2019.)

When it comes to staying informed in today's day and age, I usually depend on the New York Times. I feel as if the New York times is one of the broadest newspapers, since I could go from reading an article about the arts to an article focused on real estate in a second. The New York Times also provides live videos, pre-recorded videos, and raw photographs. The New York Times wants something to catch the reader's eye, and it is not always going to be pleasing, but it will be real. Now, some may frown against opinion pieces, but sometimes I find them interesting. After depending on the New York Times' hired journalists for the news updates, I enjoy reading the public's responses. I believe that though opinion pieces can't always be trusted, they can broaden the perspective on one's views and knowledge. All in all, I rely on The New York Times for various types of informative readings.

1. https://www.nytimes.com/

Next, I educate myself while reading the San Diego Union Tribune. The San Diego Union Tribune represents home to me, because I lived in the San Diego County for nineteen years. I find myself wanting to stay updated about the cities I know so well, especially since both my friends and some of my family still live there. Since we are living in a time where COVID-19 has affected most people around the world, I find it vital to stay up to date about the conditions of my home. California, being a hot spot for the virus, is constantly changing its' rules and regulations. The schools, beaches, restaurants, and small businesses have gone through major restrictions. Using the San Diego Union Tribune as one of my sources for news, makes it easier to both become aware of current events and have a piece of home with me even if I am over two-thousand miles away from it.

 2. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/ 

Another source that I find myself gravitating to often is the Chicago Tribune, due to its variety in subjects. Similar to the New York Times, there is a high range of topics that the Chicago Tribune covers. One aspect of their work that I appreciate is the “BREAKING NEWS” section. This allows me to rely on the Chicago Tribune for what seems like minute to minute news. Knowing that I can find articles that have been published on the Chicago Tribune by hired journalists, also urges me to avoid the use of Twitter news. My generation, being highly influenced by social media, also depends on certain apps for their intake of daily news. Yet, when I find sources such as the Chicago Tribune, it gives me a chance to take in more information and, what seems to be, trustworthy information.

3. https://www.chicagotribune.com/

(Skerry, Brian. A California sea lion hunts for fish on a kelp paddy at Cortes Bank, a seamount off the coast of San Diego. It's a trove of marine life that deserves protection, conservationists say. (See 50 dramatic photos from Earth). 22 Apr. 2019.)

One of my favorite sources to use is National Geographic. I think in today’s climate informing oneself of how humans impact the environment is an extremely valuable lesson. I’ve always been interested in protecting species and their ecosystems. The National Geographic gives me the opportunity to learn about how the earth is changing and whether the changes are positive or negative. Yet, the National Geographic doesn’t limit its writings on the environment either. Many articles focus on COVID-19 and hot topics within society. The site’s pictures and videos are some of the best representations of art I have ever seen, which only adds depth to the articles. Personally, I believe that we could all become a bit more aware, in all areas of life, and the National Geographic gives us a neutral platform to do so.

4. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/

Lastly, I use the Washington Post as a resource for news, due to the fact that it’s once again similar to the style of both the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune. When keeping updated about the world, I find it vital to have a wide span of sources. I want to read about as many sides to a story as possible, so I can have a well-rounded and researched view on that said topic. The Washington Post, though seemingly one-sided at times, does give another perspective on issues. I find myself using the Washington Post as a ‘safety net’ or ‘last resort,’ if I m not finding articles that necessarily aid in a well-rounded education. Although the Washington Post isn’t my “go to” paper, it still is in my list of sources that can provide information around the clock.

 5. https://www.washingtonpost.com/

Photo Sources:

Shutterstock. Research flourishes when it is properly funded , structured and appraised. 29 Apr. 2019.

Skerry, Brian. A California sea lion hunts for fish on a kelp paddy at Cortes Bank, a seamount off the coast of San Diego. It's a trove of marine life that deserves protection, conservationists say. (See 50 dramatic photos from Earth). 22 Apr. 2019.