1.5 - Using Our Voices by teag8060 teag8060

Indifference - The Defintion

teag8060 — 2024-07-04 20:00:47 UTC

The idea of indifference can be shown on a scale, from personal, to local, to global. Throughout the everyday lives of individuals around the world, people face inequality, injustice, and deprivation from basic human needs and wants. Whether it's a lack of resources to make a stand or simply being ignored or forgotten, indifference can be a hard challenge to overcome.

Example 1 - Personal

teag8060 — 2024-07-04 20:09:38 UTC

One example of indifference at a personal level would be peoples choice to not vote during elections. No matter what level the election, whether municipal, provincial, or federal, the importance of submitting a vote is equal. In Canadas most recent federal election (2021) the voter turnout only reached 76%. Many people dismiss the importance to vote because they are simply "not interested" in politics, are too busy, or out of town. The missing 24% of voters is an example of indifference because unlike many other countries, Canada allows every citizen to submit a vote and voice their opinion on who leads their communities to safety and success. Women in places such as Vatican City and Eritrea don't hold the right to vote, and countries like Saudi Arabia and Puerto Rico don't allow any citizen voting. Having a say in their leadership gives citizens a sense of control and equality. When Canadians pass up the opportunity to make a difference they take their privilege for granted and miss an opportunity to make a change, either for themselves or others. Action should be taken to increase voter turnout to ensure a proper government is in power that accurately displays what citizens need.

Example 2 - Local

teag8060 — 2024-07-04 20:09:52 UTC

One form of local indifference occuring in Ontario is the increasing number of homeless individuals. Toronto has a homeless population of 10,000, many with unattended illness, and many Indigenous or racialized. (Scanlan) The average wait time for a bedroom in Toronto is 12 years. This issue stems from the unreachable pricing in such a popular city. Forced to live on the streets or in tents, this homeless population is often criminalized or brutally evicted from shelters like public bathrooms, subways or under bridges. Many are considered undeserving, or discriminated against due to their status or stereotypes. Having such a large homeless population has a significant effect on the city. Those experiencing homelessness lose the right to secure government benefits and essential services, the right to security, and often have direct links to the criminal justice system. Within this population minority groups such as Indigenous groups, people with disabilities, immigrants and other visual minority groups have a growing population of homeless families and individuals due to barriers to education and employment. Youth homelessness with minority sexual orientions are at high risk of unsheltered homelessness due to discrimination or family violence. Everyday these groups are purposely ignored on the streets due to the styerotypes created with homelessness, therefore aren't given the opportunity to make a change.

Example 3 - Global

teag8060 — 2024-07-04 20:09:58 UTC

Global indifference appears in many ways, but one example that has become more of an issue recently is the lack of representation in media. When telling stories, whether through books or movies, having a diverse crew not only on screen, but also behind the scenes, is crucial to having an accurate outcome of the work. Under-representaion behind the scenes generally results in less athentic portrayals and encouraging stereotypes. Having a lack of diversity can lead to real life discrimination and racism. (Corcoran) Changing this issue is important because digital media has become a large part of society and everyday life in the 21st century. Media not only effects reality, but also shapes it. Books, movies, articles and other online sources act as a window into the world for viewers. They should be able to share perspectives and insight on history and current events with no bias or stereotypes. Though not every instance of uniform casts is an example of indifference, they can lead to act of indifference on a global scale.

Example 4 - Personal

teag8060 — 2024-07-04 20:10:03 UTC

The bystander effect is a phsychological theory that people are less likley to help a victim if others are present (Boland). People freeze, ignore cries for help, or become apatheic. This is an ongoing example of indifference. Though this phenomenom might be scienticifly unexplainable, the number of bystanders failing to stand up in times of emergency or even a case of discrimination, leads to less change being made and lives being saved. Without bystanders intervening, violence increases and these acts of inequality are deemed as normal. Many historical events escalated due to bystanders claiming they "weren't involved" or assuming someone else would help. Examples include the Holocaust, the murder of Kitty Genovese, and Kevin Carters famous photograph The Vulture and The Little Girl.

Example 5 - Local

teag8060 — 2024-07-04 20:10:10 UTC

Our casual racism is causing Indigneous suffering says Neil Mcdonald, a CBC news reporter. In 2019 Mcdonald writes about the casual racism that occured during an Indigenous cermony airing on televison. While struggling to explain the sad and horrifying Canadian Indigenous history, two of the biggest cable news channels cut into the speech with a live video of President Trump visiting Westminster Abbey. Known for his jokes and remarks reguarding First Nation history such as the Trail of Tears, many were offended at this act of casual racism. Though Indigenous communities have gained more recognition in recent years, many still tune out when hearing about the struggles they face. Murder, kidnapping, police brutality, flooding and undrinkable water, are all common struggles within these communities and are being refered to as genocide. Without purpose these small acts create a casual racism and forbid our country from moving closer to reconciliation.

Example 6 - Global

teag8060 — 2024-07-04 20:10:17 UTC

Around the world police brutality uses unlawful force leading to death, injury and devastion. Often fueled by racism during arrests or protests, police are quick to react using tear gas, rubber bullets or even guns to stop people from standing up for what is right. These officers are rarely brought to justice or held accountable. Its important to educate protesters on what police officers can and cannot do and what their rights are as a citizen. Police violence is a violation of human rights and police laws. People should feel safe and protected by their cities police force, not controlled and in danger. Instances like George Floyd, Micheal Brown, Breonna Taylor and Eric Garner are examples of unarmed civilans being killed by police forces. Amnesty International statistics show that in 2019 police in Rio de Janerio killed 1810 citizens, an average of five per day. This indifference needs to be recognized and acted upon to end the saftey and justification police members feel knowing these cases are rarely investigated.

Our Next Steps

teag8060 — 2024-07-04 20:12:26 UTC

To end indifference around the world each individual needs to make a change to create an outcome as a society. Different ways to reduce indifference include:

Staying up to date on politcal news and voting in EVERY election. Educating yourself on every candidate and submitting a ballot whether you consider yourself politically engaged or not. Don't skip out on election if you think you know the outcome, every vote makes a difference. Speaking out for what is important to you will result in a goverment best suited to those values.
Actively donate unwanted clothes, toys, or food to homeless shelters or food banks. Providing donations or even cash to homeless people past, shows effort and participation in your community. If each individual donates or supports shelters or food banks the trend will spread and not only improve quailty of life within the homeless community, but also end stereotypes towards those minority groups in danger.
Be aware of the world around you and speak up if you see someone in need. Staying concious of what is considered indifferent or discrimantion as well of the bystander effect. Never assume someone else will help or step up and never be afraid to help one another. Speak with memebers of minority groups and learn what is apporite to say or do, along with how to help them in an uncomfortable situation.
Stay up to date with current events and search for different perspectives and opinions on stories. When spending time on social media or the internet search for movies, articles or books that have a diverse crew behind them. Supporting diverse businesses or pieces of art not only increases reveune but is also is an act of support and draws attention.

Work Cited

teag8060 — 2024-07-05 21:30:33 UTC