20 of 36

Write now Article Tools

I think now is a good time to challenge a belief long held by many US citizens: the idea that a ubiquitous "they" exists and that this "they" renders "us" powerless. The demographics and definition of "they" shifts depending on where one is located in society. Middle class citizens hold "them" responsible for eliminating jobs and worker benefits, wealthy Americans think "they" are sapping resources and exploiting the system. Working poor charge that "they" care only about profit at the expense of the little people. The US government, who stars in many leading "they" roles among the disillusioned and frustrated, warns that "they" hate freedom, hate democracy and will pose an immediate threat to the values that define who "we" are.

So, who are we? In short, we are a diverse population with myriad socio-historical backgrounds, various socio-economic locations and often conflicting perspectives. One thing many people seem to agree on is that if it weren't for "them", life would be a lot better. I will concede that there are various parties who indirectly and directly effect the lives of others. I'll also grant that power and privilege play a large role in informing the choices people are able to make and whether or not those decisions are ever validated. I can't however, allow that people in this country are a) powerless or b) not accountable for the world they're living in. We, with our enormous potential to unite, with our democracy and protected speech, are failing to exercise our agency. In the midst of war, racial tensions, environmental catastrophe and perpetual domestic unrest, we cannot be prodded into standing up to this "they" that we all agree is at fault. Why? Could it be that "they" are merely a scapegoat, a distraction from the ways in which we've let one another down?
To reference the afore-mentioned categories, I am disillusioned and frustrated. I'm also disappointed and depressed. I'm also, however, determined. I strongly believe that we, all of us, they included, are responsible for the choices we make on a daily basis. This is a society where most consumers are so detached from the products they consume that ignorance is easy; knowledge is hard to pursue and harder to find. We're paying dearly for this lack of information, for our lack of persistence in demanding answers and better options. We're paying a great deal for the externalities not considered by corporations, by HMO's or the current administration. What we save

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about America, the land of the free: Are we really free??
We want to hear your view. Write now!