It has been a crazy couple of months since my last blog. A drastic and rapid change in social dynamics then a later explosion of protests; against government rule, the policies of police, and racism. To top it all off, this is election year. Every election year topics highly debatable are at the forefront in news and social media revealing the ever-present divide that exist in America. I had planned on blogging something completely different, but I feel the need to just journal freely without organization or purpose.
Much of recent occurrences seem unstructured; from shutting down most of the American workforce in hopes of protecting hospital capacity, to protesting the unjust murders of African Americans to get those involved prosecuted. All originated with a common goal then later birth variations of agendas over the course of four months and counting. Within that time, we’ve seen a record number of protests (peaceful and destructive), deaths (medical and by the hands of man), and a rise in those infected with Covid-19 across the globe. It has been painful to witness the chaos.
I was the type of person who limited exposure to news and politics at all cost. Whatever happens, happens; whatever will be, will be. I was quite fine with this sentiment. But given more time at home with months of quarantine, I have watched and read more news than I have in the past decade. Much of my political standings and informed news were shaped by those kept close around me. I wouldn’t offer an opinion because such subjects were of little interest to me. It was my way of protecting peace of mind. However, once I forced the dislike aside and gained my own knowledge of matters, I found my opinions didn’t completely align to those with whom I thought I shared a like mind. Such realization was a shock, yet it encouraged me to continue at my own learning. What prompted this writing was my observation of social media comments and exchanges in dialogue where a commentator would disagree, voice an opinion, then be cursed for voicing it. I’ve had conversations as well, in which my views differed, and it was as if I couldn’t get a word in. The person who believed themselves right dominated the conversation and shut down or didn’t offer time to listen to my point of view. Today, it seems as though when you have a perspective that differs from what’s trending then you’re labeled wrong, misinformed, or evil and that shouldn’t be the case. No one should feel as though it’s best to keep their mouth shut because within the immediacy of it all, you might not be heard. Whether you’re far left or far right, we all have a right to an opinion. Responses should only center around the idea of, “I hear you, thank you for sharing, but I do disagree.” Along with that, fault should only be found when such opinions cause harmful actions.
Anyway, I’ve rambled enough. My thoughts have been all over the place with so much burdensome activity happening in the world. I am planning on writing blogs telling my viewpoints on the COVID-19 pandemic and the black lives matter movement once of a clear mind.
Until then, be safe and encouraged,
Alisia Latoi
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