I am extremely passionate about a number of environmental causes, such as global climate change, deforestation, and technology. Thus, I consider myself be a fairly-well rounded person who has ideals that do not necessarily fit into the realities of global capitalism and environmental degradation, at the expense of biodiversity, and our aesthetic experiences. That is, I am concerned that we will lose our precious planet, and even our species, due to a number of significant issues, including nuclear warfare.
I have signed a number of online petitions that call for better political decision-making regarding issues such as health care for all Americans, better Social Security, and a variety of environmental concerns, such as carbon emissions from industrial sources. Whereas I have never written a letter for change, I have posted memes about “controversial” issues on Facebook, posts that can be seen only by my friends. I do not post often about political and/or environmental issues because it often results in on-line debates which boil over into all-out arguments. In such cases, I try to moderate, and tone down the anger that a post may cause. Thus, I am not as interested in “stirring the pot” with my particular stances on issues.
I believe that the media’s (especially the internet) influence on activism has been a positive change. Social media sites have engaged people from diverse backgrounds all over the world, and has helped expand the knowledge base of all people who have concerns about certain issues. Sometimes, people who were not part of the “cause” may generate enthusiasm for a social protest movement, once they recognize how it personally affects their lives.
I think that an important issue that needs to be addressed more by our politicians is the issue of the influx of Syrian refugees, as well as other middle-eastern refugees. Moreover, I believe that the Canadian Parliament, as well as the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, should imitate the US less with respect to its foreign affairs. For example, I do not believe that Canada should have deployed troops to Afghanistan in 2001. Moreover, I sincerely believe that Canada should be less “pro-Israel”, and trade less with this country. In my opinion, Israel is in itself a rogue nation that contributes highly to an unstable environment in the Mideast. Due to their relentless attacks on Palestine, and their anti-Arab stance, I believe that Israel should incur economic repercussions for their troublesome, violent behavior. I do not believe that the world, including Canada, should quietly stand by while many powerful and well-funded Israelis sponsor wars, and refuse to recognize Palestine’s sovereignty.
References
Bennett, W.L. (2003). New media power: the internet and global activism. Chapter in
Contesting Media Power, Edited by Couldry, N. & Curran, J. Rowman and Littlefield,
2003. Retrieved on 28 Mar, 2016 from
https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdepts.washington.edu%2Fgcp%2
Fpdf%2Fbennettnmpower.pdf
