Cultural Awareness

            It is incomparably important to be culturally literate; especially in this twenty first century of rapid progress and swift technological advancement. Being knowledgeable of and having an opinion on current events leads one to be more self-aware and develop different perspectives. It is imperative that individuals alive today are conscious of the awful shooting in Ferguson, Missouri. Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was shot and killed on Aug. 9, 2014 by Darren Wilson, a white police officer. The occurrence provoked protests that roiled the area for weeks; people objected to the officers’ quick and violent reaction, conceivably due to black male stereotypes: violence, aggression, and immaturity. On Nov. 24, the St. Louis County prosecutor announced that a grand jury decided not to indict Mr. Wilson which set off another wave of protests.

            This event brought it to the public attention that racism is still very present in today’s society. Many assume that views today are equal, but racism still lies in the morals of some individuals and provides bias in their decisions. One would not be aware of this actuality if one was not up to date on the current debated events. It is crucial to one’s literacy, awareness, and maturity to be aware of the predicaments and issues that affect society. If one is not aware of this event, one does not truly understand the stature and position of American society in this point in history.

Future Literate Me

Dear Future Me,

            What are you doing right now? Homework? Eating a snack? Watching Netflix? Whatever you are doing, stop and try to recall the last time you read a book. Not a work required by the institution I which you are currently enrolled, but a novel that you read simply for pleasure. While we are on the subject of your probably lacking literary activities, when was the last time you let your creative juices flow – have you written anything recently? Writing can be so stabilizing and calming, it always helps reconcile and sort your thoughts. 

All the best,

Jess            

            I always speculate what I will be like in 10 years, 20 years... 50 years! I imagine I will be a completely different person. Maybe a wild hippie in my unruly twenties? Or a Type-A business executive with a stable career by my thirtieth birthday? It seems so far away, but then I remember my life as a five year old: twelve years ago I was roughly the same person I am today with additional perspectives and wisdom, of course. One difference was that I used to read – I loved borrowing books from the library and swapping books with friends. Since high school, I have lost that interest due to the rigor of my classes, athletic obligations, time commitments with friends and family, and tasks that are unavoidable facets of being a teenager.

            I truly hope that the “future literate me” takes time to read books for personal enjoyment. When life is busy and complicated, it is the most crucial time to be in touch with one’s self. Journaling is such a satisfying endeavor that often provides clarity and a sense of ease. However, starting is the hardest part! I also hope that I remain up to date on current events. I have faith that future literate me will be grounded, content, and peaceful.