A common topic in one of my classes on American culture that has come up recently is that many believe that as a generation, we’re out of touch. Whatever’s on our fruit-stamped technological device attracts us much more than the outside world.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m guilty. There’s no denying that Facebook is one or two (okay, three or four) spaces above any national news website on my ‘Most Visited’ pages on Safari.
There’s something to be said about this. As students at BC, we’re most definitely getting the education, the grades, and the experience needed to be productive, beneficial members of the working society. But are we so wrapped up in our perfectly nestled “BC Bubble” that we’re forgetting to take a look around before we’re shoved into the real world? Second to being students, we are all citizens of somewhere and are we really serving that somewhere well by not understanding what’s going on?
There’s a lot that can be said about this, and a lot that can be done. Interested in taking a teeny, tiny step towards understanding? Here’s something we had to do on the first day of my American Government class that has made a huge difference for me:
Download a news app. Depending on your preference, there are plenty to choose from. (For me, I downloaded 3 differently partisan apps and play a mental game of Survivor every time one sends me an update before the others.) Then turn on their notifications.
This little bit of information a few times a day will make a world of difference. Soon enough, a headline will spark your attention and you’ll find yourself reading articles on the Comm Ave bus. Or even better, impressing your professor before class asking his opinion about the looming elections. Try it! Seriously– this isn’t just the Political Science/Undecided major in me talking…
Photo Sources:
http://melissajoykong.tumblr.com/post/44422761215/life-is-what-happens-t…