(Stepping up on my soap box)
1. Capitalism: The issue I have with Capitalism is that in order for it to operate effectively, poverty must exist. There has to be a class of people will do anything to survive, i.e. the men and women around the world who work 12-14 hr shifts in sweatshops that pay less than $2 an hour just to provide for their families. There has got to be a better way. What are these people seeking to gain anyway. Studies have proven over and over again, a significant increase in wealth does not equal a significant increase in happiness. So what's it really all about? Why do millions have to starve so that thousands can be extremely wealthy. My guess is that those millions starving are still probably more satisfied with their overall quality of life than these elite groups of wealthy people who are still walking around quoting Machiavelli. And then there's the middle class, who just shut up and color. Were not starving physically, but were too damn distracted to even consider there might be more to this life than working a 9-5 Monday through Friday, and spending more time trying to be entertained then engaging with our own families. The sad thing with Capitalism is that nobody really wins. The rich will always want more, the poor will continue to suffer, and the middle class will always find ways to distract themselves from these harsh realities.
2. Food: Why must I experience severe anxiety every time I take a trip to the grocery store? How come every time I research the topic, there's another unknown chemical being put in our food, and not just the processed foods, but out fruits and vegetables too? I'll tell you why...Capitalism. They alter our foods so that they can have longer shelf lives, be produced more rapidly, and cost less to produce. Why? Because it's all about making a profit. Nobody cares that were out here successfully inventing new physical illnesses each year. We spend tons of money on research to cure all these diseases, but I bet if we started with the food and drug industry we wouldn't have to spend another dime. Not only are these foods killing us, but they're also making us stupid. Don't believe me, do the research.
3. The Exploitation of Women: Today I saw three posts on social media advertising the new Grand Theft Auto game. What I didn't understand, is what a blonde girl in a bikini had anything to do with a car racing game. Although I am grateful for those women who fought for us to have the same rights as men, I cant help but think it was all in vain. Women today, especially of my generation, appear to be completely content with being objectified. Matter a fact, we do it to ourselves. In school I am told over and over again, embrace change, embrace technology, don't fall behind. So I have a twitter, a facebook, and an instagram page. But all I see is the same thing over and over and over again; Women posting pictures of themselves, with excessive amounts of makeup, and revealing clothing, and men posting often derogatory comments in response. Some women don't even put on clothes to post these pictures. They are perfectly comfortable putting nude pictures on social media. I completely understand what it feels like to want to get dressed up and be pretty and feel sexy. But when women continue to post half naked and completely naked pictures for the entertainment and approval of men, we are sending a message to the world. Women are for entertainment. They are to be seen not heard. They don't respect themselves so we shouldn't respect them either. We already have playboy, porn, and Hollywood to portray us as uneducated, simple minded, man chasing, attention seeking, and catty. By hopping on the bandwagon we are setting ourselves waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy back.
(off my soap box)
