As individuals in today’s society I firmly believe it is prevalent to be knowledgeable about the barriers and obstacles citizens face in the world we live in. In the article “Fukushima activist fights fear and discrimination based on radiation” by Mizuho Aoki for Japan Times, Aoiki discusses the tribulations that the residents of Fukushima face. These obstacles stem from the discrimination and dangers surrounding radiation exposure due to the centrally located power plant. Radiation exposure is severely misunderstood amongst most cultures today; an example being the common myth of radiation exposure having contagious qualities. This ignorance results in several forms of discrimination varying from scarring mental and physical effects. With the numbers of students in Fukushima drastically reducing over the past two years, it is evident that the intolerance for the people of this city is still a dilemma. Citizens consistently are denied common courtesy from neighboring cities and viewed as something similar to a virus. Locals have been fleeing their homes to resist the isolation, stigma, and negative self image that is apart of living in the urban city. With the hopes of reducing this perception, Fukushima government has made great strides in supplementing the education of their students with curriculum based around the education of radiation exposure. Aoki references activist Sachiko Banba proving the importance of radiation education, “By gaining correct knowledge, I hope children in Fukushima will be able to talk about radiation exposure when they are asked about it.” Through their education, these students will have the ability to teach others about the real consequences of radiation and address the discriminating myths.

After having read this, I recognized the significance of empathy for other cultures and what those citizens have to live with everyday. We can achieve this through becoming educated, aware, and understanding of the barriers countries encounter today. When we have a background in these troubles, we have the ability to aid in whatever way we can. The knowledge we gain allows for far more integral and conducive communities. We hear very often that knowledge is key, but I hadn’t a full understanding of it until very recently once I situationally applied it to my life. Knowledge is not only apart of all social interaction, but the grounds for willpower and brain development. I urge people to become aware and to pay attention. I see more and more ignorance everyday and it is hard to swallow, but consistently having knowledge to gain is something we all should grasp and cherish.