V Spehar is another name I was not familiar with before listening to the McCourtney Institute’s Democracy Works podcast. However, I found her background to be insightful and her journey into political discussion and civic leadership to be impactful. Even though she had not intentionally pursued a career in politics, I thought her segue from the culinary world to lobbying for better food policy was a fascinating turn of events. And, then, with her story to how she transitioned to TikTok and where she is now, indirectly as a result of January 6, was also interesting to see how her career changed once again.

As the conversation moves along, I found it interesting when Spehar describes their audience on their TikToks and who is watching them speak. I think it is easy to deduce that mainly young people use TikTok, but, from my own experience, I can say that older adults watch TikTok a little too much (e.g. my dad). They admit that 30% of their audience are Gen X, Boomers, and older and that the number one employer of their audience is the United States Army. As Spehar put it best, they have a nice mix of people viewing their content, which is telling of the type of appeal their videos have to a greater audience.

With that in mind, I really enjoyed how Spehar went on to dicuss the community they created on their platform and how it is a community and an individual has to earn their right to stay in that community. While they don’t shun people for their comments, Spehar gives them a chance to hear them out on their opinions in the comments before deciding if the person isn’t acting in good faith. I think this is extremely important as it is very easy to disregard someone because their viewpoints do not align with our. Hearing someone out, though, can lead to a healthier forum and discussion rather than responding with such defense.

Toward the end of the discussion, Spinelle and Spehar talk about traditiional news outlets turning toward shorts and TikTok-like formats. Spinelle points out that this transition seems somewhat inauthentic, feeling unnatural from a big news conglomerate. I enjoyed Spehar’s take on the topic and why this feeling arises when a media outlet wants to transition to “appeal” to younger audiences. They point out that these news outlets believe this form of content is a fad and something that isn’t sustainable.

However, Spehar points out that the format works for creators like themself because it is entertainment that is not coming from a the usual sources of information. What Spehar does well is storytelling and combining their sources for the general audience to consume easily. I also have found this to be a trend and something that media outlets seem to fail at. Overall, I found this discussion to be very insightful and something worthwhile as a young individual figuring out the sources of media and news I find reliable.

After listening to the Cassidy Hutchinson McCourtney Institute event, I found her story to be incredibly vulnerable and something to learn from. To preface, I had known very little about Cassidy Hutchinson’s story prior to listening to the recording on the Democracy Works podcast. I had known she had some sort of affiliation with the Trump administration and January 6th insurrection, but I had not understood her significance surrounding the situation. Regardless, listening to her speak made me realize how much humility she has and her confidence to stand for her country rather than that of the few powerful players who are ultimately disrupting democracy.

As I am coming into my own political beliefs, hearing her journey through discovering her own was very inspiring and something that seemed natural and authentic. Despite not coming from a politically engaged family, her spark into politics came about through her education with her own curiosity leading her to understand where her political values align. I also found her journey into civic service to be interesting as she submitted her résumé to all 100 senate offices for an internship. While she noted she applied to every Republican house office before doing this, I think it speaks of her character to be open-minded in a politically-charged America to set her political beliefs aside in order to get her foot in the door.

An important aspect to this conversation was the discussion of political tribalism and how divided the United States has become in recent years. A specific point in time that Hutchinson points out is the comparison between the Republican party of Mitt Romney to what the Republican party has transformed into under Donald Trump’s leadership and influence. She points out that this form of tribalism speaks to our innate human nature and something that is a natural instinct. I found that what she is urging the audience to understand is that tribalism is not the only way to a better America. She even pointed out that if everyone thought like her, that would not lead to a better America. What I got out of this is that the joy of democracy is the interchanging of ideas and understanding others’ perspectives.

Another theme I found throughout the whole conversation was that of a person’s character and how one portrays such within politics. Hutchinson admits that Washington D.C. is a very ego-driven place, filled with the leading minds of the country thinking they can create real world change. But, she understands that at the end of the day these leaders are people, and it is important to humanize them away from their egos. I believe this is a very powerful statement and something that gets lost in translation, often, as many people regard such leaders with a distinct superiority. At the end of the day, I believe that the assessment of one’s character and seeing their true humanity is imperative for maintaining our democratic nation and the values it strives to uphold.

Title – Prohibiting Sex Discrimination: Recognizing the E.R.A. as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Introduction:

On June 21st, 1788, the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified and then put into effect less than a year later. This leading example of democracy has been operating for approximately 235 years, becoming the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights. Since its operation, the document has been amended 27 times as is allowed under Article V of the Constitution. Most recently, the 27th Amendment was effective on May 5, 1992, nearly 34 years ago. Despite the number of times this living document has been altered, there is no instance on the prohibition of sex discrimination. Yes, the individual rights of American citizens are guaranteed under the Bill of Rights (the first 10 Amendments). But, evidently, the framers of the most important document in American government forgot to consider another variable to the equation. 

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), written by Alice Paul and Crystal Eastman in 1923, states the following in Section 1: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” Gaining traction in the 1970s, this proposed amendment was a critical stepping stone towards equality between men and women. With bipartisan support, the ERA was sent to state legislatures for ratification in 1972 and has been declared dead since the last deadline extension in 1982. 

The ERA poses a basic human right that should be bestowed upon the citizens of the United States of America, a country built upon its democratic values. In the modern era, Congress should extend the deadline of the ERA even further as three-fourths of states have ratified it into law. The ratification of the ERA to the Constitution will further the discussion of the inequality and issues faced by U.S. citizens throughout the nation, upholding human dignity in democracy. While America’s forefathers may have not given much thought to matters outlined in the ERA, now more than ever presents the opportunity to refine the law of the land for forward progress.  

“Need” 2 paragraphs

• Heading 1 – Lack of Prohibition 
  • Discuss current legislation that is aiming to prohibit sex discrimination. Gender equality under the law should be a constitutional right in the modern era. Explain opposition on ratifying this into the constitution

“Plan” 2 paragraphs

• Heading 2 – Extending the Deadline
  • Explaining why the E.R.A. is as prevalent as ever in the 21st century. An expansion of the time limit will allow for Congress to think critically about the importance of such legislation.

“Advantages” 4 paragraphs

• Heading 3 – Equal Protection Under the Law
  • There is a lot of contest about the Equal Protection Clause under the 14th Amendment regarding this topic. E.R.A. would provide soundproof protection.
• Heading 4 – Empower Government to Better Lives of Citizens
  • E.R.A. has the potential to address topics such as, violence, pay discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, etc. Reinforce legislative efforts to protect women’s rights while promoting gender equity.

Conclusion

Potential infographics could include charts on citizens’ support of the E.R.A., comparing the past and present today, map of state ratification, etc.

Title – Prohibiting Sex Discrimination: Recognizing the E.R.A. as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

On June 21st, 1788, the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified and then put into effect less than a year later. This leading example of democracy has been operating for approximately 235 years, becoming the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights. Since its operation, the document has been amended 27 times as is allowed under Article V of the Constitution. Most recently, the 27th Amendment was effective on May 5, 1992, nearly 34 years ago, regarding the salary of Congress members. Despite the number of times this living document has been altered, there is no instance on the prohibition of sex discrimination. Yes, the individual rights of American citizens are guaranteed under the Bill of Rights (the first 10 Amendments). But, evidently, the framers of the most important document in American government forgot to consider another variable to the equation. 

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), written by Alice Paul and Crystal Eastman in 1923, states the following in Section 1: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” Gaining traction in the 1970s, this proposed amendment was a critical stepping stone towards equality between men and women. With bipartisan support, the ERA was sent to state legislatures for ratification in 1972 and has been declared dead since the last deadline extension in 1982.

The ERA poses a basic human right that should be bestowed upon the citizens of the United States of America, a country built upon its democratic values. In the modern era, Congress should extend the deadline of the ERA even further as three-fourths of states have ratified it into law. The ratification of the ERA to the Constitution will further the discussion and address the inequality and issues faced by women and other marginalized people throughout the nation. While America’s forefathers may have not given much thought to matters outlined in the ERA, now more than ever presents the opportunity to refine the law of the land for forward progress.

At first, drafting my “This I Believe” speech was difficult as my first draft seemed too abstract and not getting to the point fast enough. I revised it two more times and came up with a draft that is very different than the first one and something I am satisfied with. Recording was pretty easy for the most part, and I enjoyed that process overall. Having the fluctuate my voice at different points and incorporate sound effects was a challenge and a bit more technical than my expertise. Nevertheless, I managed to figure everything out and enjoyed the experience of making a podcast.

For my “Personal is Political” (PP) blog, I have decided to focus on a free-ranging organization style and delve into different stories that are meaningful to me. I definitely want to focus on how my experiences being in the LGBTQ+ community has shaped the person I am to do, going along the lines with the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation. Another avenue is education, as I think there is an overwhelming pressure to go to school and be successful. I see comparisons to my grandfather who did not go to college, but still made a career out of his own construction company. This could definitely go along the lines of affordability of higher education and how push for free college education, like in Europe, could be applicable in the US. My last idea so far is analyzing religion and its role in the United States, and how, in some cases, it has been overreaching. Growing up Catholic, I can definitely see ties of religious roots to issues like abortion and questions of morality.

With my Civic Issues (CI) blog, I definitely want to focus on “Identities and Rights” and how that relates to sexual orientation, gender, etc. The treatment of same-sex individuals and couples has been a bumpy road throughout American history. I do think that progress has definitely been made, but more can be done in acknowledging every person’s human dignity. Another civic journey has been the expedition of women’s rights and the impact of second-wave feminism in the 1960s and 1970s. The individuality and treatment of women as second-class citizens has always interested me, making me want to understand why patriarchal standards have persisted. I hope to expand my knowledge on these civic issues as one’s identity, and their freedom of expression of it, affects the larger community at large, helping to showcase the humanity our rights are rooted in.

November 11, 2022: A Friday night home alone, and I feel lethargic with a sinus infection. It was the first weekend back from a senior year retreat, Kairos, infecting me with another contagion that made me “kai high.” From a weekend of no technology and bonding with high school peers, euphoria overfilled my overall being. This latter contagion truly put me in a high that whole week, feeling like I could start a new chapter in my adolescent journey. 

Two months earlier to that November night and it is September 28, 2022: A Thursday night, and I feel sick to my stomach with what I just heard. As almost every teenager does, I open up to my best friends about subject matters personal and close to my heart. Never in my wildest dreams would I expect one of them to share something I said to them in confidence. Nonetheless, these wild dreams weren’t quite as wild as I thought. It truly never crossed my mind that a confidant would tell the person I admired my adoration for them. I was left in a completely awkward situation, being deemed as the stereotypical, predatory gay kid. 

Figuring out one’s identity is a treacherous road, especially for me, growing up and attending Catholic school. Of course, people will have their opinions on who I present myself as to the world and how I live my most authentic life. I just never really felt a requirement to tell other people I was gay. Being gay was just another portion of individuality that made me as unique as the next person. I wasn’t embarrassed of it, rather, I viewed it as a snapshot of the bigger picture at hand. 

The significance of that November night dealt with an overwhelming feeling of betrayal. I didn’t think that my supposed best friend would take to the side of this “confidant” and grow to like her more than our friendship of four years. After a retreat of empathy and bonding with our peers, I needed to look past the mistakes of one person. I didn’t expect to look past the betrayal of another. In an instant, I lost a sense of others and their treatment towards me, while also looking at the treatment I was giving myself.  

I didn’t choose to distance myself from the people I trusted. However, I did find out that the distance silenced the noise blaring inside me for so long. The distance brought me internal peace, giving me the space to breathe when something so suffocating wasn’t allowing me to think. Within this distance, I understood what needed to be done to protect this internal peace and not let the foolish actions of others affect my well-being. In hindsight, I am forever grateful for the unexpected distance, for loose ties need to be cut sooner rather than later. 

This story has led me to believe in the importance of protecting one’s peace. I have found that protecting one’s peace isn’t a one size fits all journey. For me, finding my peace meant making lemonade out of the lemons I didn’t ask for. Toxic relationships aren’t healthy in any circumstance, and this lesson pushed me to seek out those who have my best interests at heart. Learning to love the person I had become meant learning to live my life set within my own boundaries and not through the boundaries those put around me. To protect my peace, I must focus on the growth of my individuality in mind, body, and soul. This I believe to be the mantra of new chapters ahead in my life, finding and protecting the peace within. 

My first idea for my “This I Believe” is the idea of protecting one’s peace and the strength and meaning behind that statement. Protecting one’s peace has become a new concept in my life, and I have found that in practice it has resulted in a healthier state of mind for me. My second idea for “This I Believe” is forgiveness and the healing effects forgiveness can have on the person doing the action and the other person receiving it. I also think that with the idea of forgiveness comes with a level of forgetting that reinforces the usage of forgiveness and its overall power.

For my “Personal is Political” (PP) blog, my stories are going to lean more to the free-ranging style of organization. I want to expound upon personal stories, such as being a part of the LGBTQ+ community and how the discussion of “Don’t Say Gay” laws have been a recurring political topic of discussion. Another story I would love to dive into would be my experience growing up as a Catholic and the role and protection of religion in American society, specifically in education.

When thinking of ideas for my Civic Issues blog, I immediately thought that the “Identities and Rights” category would be most intriguing for me. My first idea would be marriage equality in the United States and the treatment of same-sex couples. I also think this could relate to workplace discrimination and affirmative action in the workplace regarding certain minorities, whether on the basis of sexuality, religion, gender, etc. I have also always been interested in the role of the women in American society, specifically the impact of second-wave feminism from the 1960s and 1970s. As these two ideas relate to “Identities and Rights,” I could also see this blog going under the “Politics” category.

The Covid-19 pandemic marked a global shift in how the world operates and what the role of the individual should be in their community. When referring to civic activities, some may view getting the vaccine as one, yet this depends on the particular person. Since the pandemic, other civic activities have emerged that encapsulate the resilience and commitment to community well-being from the effects of the pandemic. Civic engagement has been reshaped since the pandemic, showing that to be civically engaged there are many opportunities.

The pandemic restricted us from physical contact, making events often done in-person hard to do from the comfort of one’s home. Technology has been a major contributor to this accessibility, allowing for virtual engagement. I think virtual volunteering became a big civic activity throughout the pandemic and has prevailed ever since into post-pandemic life. What I mean by virtual volunteering, I am referring to digital fundraising and donation to those in need. The pandemic saw much of this in both community support and even social activism that took the world by storm during the pandemic. The majority of virtual volunteering offers a digital hub for civic engagement that transcends barriers.

This form of virtual volunteering also takes the form of support for students who may have struggled during the pandemic. In present day, online tutoring has emerged as a great avenue to serve those in need and providing said services. Many students did not have the necessary resources at the beginning of the pandemic due to a lack of knowledge regarding online resources, Since then, however, many tutoring and websites, like Khan Academy, have helped thousands of students across the nation in their education. Taking advantage of the resources at hand help young people to civically engage in order to become well-rounded adolescents.

Another form of civic engagement has been support for local businesses that had been struggling during the pandemic. Yes, technology had proven to be a fantastic resource for many, and online shopping even surged because of this. Due to this, local businesses suffered as many people would order from companies like Amazon since many could not leave their homes. Many initiatives have urged citizens to shop local and support the owners of these local businesses. These initiatives not only help the owners but the surrounding community at large as more economic flow is brought into the community.

The Covid-19 pandemic indicated a much needed shift that the world, unbeknownst to many, very much needed. The pandemic allowed people around the world to look inward and understand what may not be working in the world. The above activities embody the civic commonplaces of spreading and acknowledging new information while supporting and aiding one’s surrounding community. Engaging in civic activities is important to being an active citizen and being aware of one’s own individual role in their life and world.

Climate change has become a polarized topic over the past few decades, making for a heated debate on whether the topic is even real or not. The use of fracking and getting oil from below the Earth’s crust has contributed to the argument to protect the planet in anyway possible. Make My Money Matter is an organization campaigning in the United Kingdom, urging UK citizens to understand what there pension money is supporting: oil and gas companies. The organization successfully utilizes actress Olivia Colman to get their message across.

Olivia Colman plays power-hungry, oil executive “Oblivia Coalmine,” who thanks the viewers for contributing their funds to the fossil fuel industries. The advertisement immediately makes use of the Oblivia Coalmine character by dressing her in dark, leather clothing with slicked-back hair and dark eye makeup with a professional red lip. The character immediately exudes a certain portrayal of power and authority, providing evidence for the control gas and oil companies truly have. Even the name of the character refers to other words such as “oblivious” and “coal mine,” suggesting the fossil fuel industry’s neglect towards the effects of fracking on the Earth.

As the building of the character is effective, using a parody of Olivia Colman is very intentional due to Colman being a household name in the United Kingdom. Colman has recently had international success with her Academy Award-winning performance in The Favourite and Primetime Emmy award-winning performance in The Crown, making her a hallmark of British entertainment. Having a household name communicate the pressing issue of climate change allows the campaign to reach a wider audience. Olivia Colman becomes a courier that the audience trusts to deliver seemingly accurate information that needs to be addressed by all United Kingdom citizens now.

The advertisement successfully uses satire in its word choice and humor with “Coalmine” communicating the tone with the smallest amount of trouble. As “Coalmine” leans back and puts her feet on her desk, she goes onto admit that the cash from UK pensions has helped the planet be drilled and destroyed than ever before. She goes onto make a reference to Greta Thunberg and other climate activists by providing evidence that other initiatives are being done with the building of wind turbines. However, it is clearly a jab at the lack of proper action taken to stop the use of fracking and look to alternatives that help the planet.

The Make My Money Matter campaign effectively deploys these rhetorical choices to evoke some form of thought and intrigue into the pressing issue that is the climate crisis. “Oblivia Coalmine” ends her speech noting that as the Earth gets a degree or two warmer every year and that this is to make for a “sungglier” future, but for who? The campaign urges the public to make use of their pensions and not put anymore money into the pockets of oil executives. Efforts to promote the climate crisis are successfully communicated to the audience, creating a lasting impact.