In the age of “fake news” and countless somber stories, it is a common assumption that it’s best to ignore the news altogether. It’s easy to become judgmental of the daily politics and events happening. “There’s too much going on.” “I don’t have enough time.” “The news is depressing.” Honestly, these are all lame excuses for not paying attention and fulfilling one’s role as an informed citizen. There are countless convenient ways to get the news, fact check and find upbeat stories amongst the gloom. We live in a country where knowledge is readily accessible, we get to vote in who our representatives are and allowed a voice to express our distaste or praises. So why wouldn’t one take advantage of these luxuries?
Every day, countless events occur. Someone is born, robbed, having the best day ever and killed daily and the media is there to catch it all. Whether it be from self-reporting on social media or the New York Times, someone is there to catch every bit of life that emerges in today’s world. Therefore, it is easy to arrive at the assumption that there is simply far too much to read about. However, there is a certain luxury that accompanies this. An individual has their picking as to what source they want their news from. Imagine there is only one source for information. If only CNN brought us politics on the TV or if the New York Times was the only paper reporting. The news being delivered would be momentously biased. Therefore, the variety of stories to read about, and organizations telling them is beneficial. We have options, some people do not share this luxury.
The United States is one of few countries where the government does not restrict full amounts of information from us. Granted there is plenty that goes unseen by the public eye, but we have journalists and others readily trying to bring forth the truth through forms of media. There’s information available; we just must be willing to seek it out. Those that pursue information are going to be the ones who spark change. Take for instance, the movements to enforce strict gun laws. The students leading this movement did not get anywhere by not staying informed. They seized their moment, educated themselves further and made a platform out of it. Actual living proof that being informed can make a difference.
Change ignites fear in those that prey on the uninformed. Politicians and people in charge don’t want us to be aware of what they’re doing. They want us to stay in the dark. If we all took the time to start caring about what our legislatures, local governments and even what those around us do, the corruption would begin to diminish. The system is about checks and balances. When we elect officials into positions that have no right to be there and do a horrendous job what does that say about us? That we did not take the time to investigate these individuals? That we were swayed by the popular opinion? We must learn to do research and pay attention to who we are electing. That starts by staying up to date on the issues that matter and how the people running for office react and feel about them. If you feel strongly about anything, start by staying up to date about the news impacting it.
Being informed is your duty as a civilian and community member. It’s how change can start and how we can end laws we don’t want, implement needed regulations and all around be more conscious of our surroundings. Late American novelist Edith Wharton once said, “there are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it”. If you are not igniting the way for change or helping it pass along, you are doing nothing. So, light a candle and pass it on, and hope we never run out of fuel.