In our modernizing world, transportation and access to different cultures and ideas is becoming easier than ever. There are many benefits to exploring contrasting ideologies. 
Backing other groups is necessary to protect the democracy and values the U.S. stands for.

Adhiti Chundur

In our modernizing world, transportation and access to different cultures and ideas is becoming easier than ever. There are many benefits to exploring contrasting ideologies. Backing other groups is necessary to protect the democracy and values the U.S. stands for.

‘Then they came for me’

In response to the rise of Nazi  Germany, German pastor Martin Niemoller once said:

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist.    

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.                                       

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
   

  This is a critique of the common people for not standing up against blatant injustice in their society. We can see a reflection of this bigotry in the  current political climate of the U.S., as minority groups such as immigrants and Muslims are being unfairly targeted by opportunistic politicians.
 

 Silence in the face of such bigotry is a risk to the democratic values of the United States. The U.S. is often referred to as the “melting pot”, a diverse and expanding country with a constant influx of new people and ideas. This is a country founded and shaped by immigrants from all over the world. The idea of two groups, Americans and “others” is outdated.
     

President Barack Obama said in his State of the Union address, “That’s why we need to reject any politics that targets people because of race or religion. This isn’t a matter of political correctness. It’s a matter of understanding what makes us strong.  The world respects us not just for our arsenal; it respects us for our diversity and our openness and the way we respect every faith.”

   The voices of people who shout the loudest seem to dominate the public space and this dangerous rhetoric can have lasting effects. When people hear discriminatory ideas go unchallenged in the public arena, they think that prejudiced opinions are acceptable, and even encouraged. This mindset can trickle down through society and polarize us.
 

 But what can we do as common citizens? As citizens in a democracy, the responsibility falls on us to speak out when such demagogues find a way to make themselves heard. We can start at the grassroots. We can live, study and work in more diverse environments expanding our horizons and perspectives.

   To walk in somebody else’s shoes is essential to understand their viewpoint and build a sensitivity to differences- no group is a monolith. We can speak out whenever possible through forums available to us. We must stand up on our soapboxes, particularly as young people getting ready to vote, and make our voices heard at the ballot box.

  The U.S. voter turnout is woefully low compared to other developed countries. But it is not too late to reverse this trend. Engaged youth can make a difference by examining the information presented by the media, research various sides of an issue, and vote based on educated and informed opinions.


  Ultimately, in a representative democracy, it is also our individual responsibility to hold those in the political arena accountable for their words and actions. There are no easy solutions but the endeavor to fight bigotry is surely a worthwhile one.

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