For the past few weeks, there has been a lot of backlash and uncertainty over Brexit. If you don't know what Brexit is, you could look here for a more detailed explanation. Basically, the United Kingdom held a referendum to decide whether they should remain a member of the European Union or if they should exit (hence "Brexit"). To the surprise of many, the majority voted to leave, which subsequently caused a global financial panic, as well as a drop in the value of the pound to its lowest level since 1985. David Cameron, the former Prime Minister of the UK who held the vote to fulfill a campaign promise but wanted to remain in the EU, announced his resignation shortly thereafter. The new Prime Minister, Theresa May, was appointed this week.
The aftermath of the departure of the UK from the EU has many of its citizens wary of the uncertainty their future now holds, as there is no precedent for the UK's government to base their actions off of. The situation the UK currently finds itself in makes me think of the political turmoil in the U.S. The violence that has permeated several media platforms, especially topics like mass shootings and civilians killed by police officers, has enraged the public, who are now voicing their grievances to authorities. There is no simple answer that can solve these social problems, but that does not mean we are helpless. Seeing and hearing violence in the news day in and day out can leave us feeling so saddened and pessimistic about the future that we simply shut down, resigned to believe that society will always be this way.
However, this is the time we should be acting. I saw the photo featured above a few weeks ago, and the veracity of the quote practically slapped me in the face. If we do nothing, who are we helping? It's certainly not those who are oppressed, I'll tell you that much for sure. I also wish I could tell you that I'm without hypocrisy here, that I have not chosen the side of the oppressor because I'm doing everything in my power to help right the multitude of wrongs in our society, but unfortunately that is not the case. There were plenty of chances I have had to speak out or join in on the protesting of injustice but I chose not to, either because I was afraid or because I felt my efforts would make no difference. But there's still time. There's strength in numbers. And there are reasons not to give up. But we need each other to make the changes we wish to see in the world. Again, I realize it's much easier said than done, but just take it one day at a time. Find a place to begin, and go from there.
