Whether it’s just or fair, “-isms” are ideologies held by the individual. Racism and Sexism are prominent examples of -isms that have hindered progress in our nation. To disallow a “that’s just how things are” state of the nation, we must assert this: there is no right or wrong belief, just society evolving side by side, and engaging in realistic activism. Reaffirming this core belief proves, the lack of understanding that right and wrong are opinion-based, is why there is a strain between Right-wing conservatives and Left-wing progressives. Hot Take: Progress is about evolution, Liberal for liberating out of oppression.…

“-Isms” refer to the ideologies individuals hold. To challenge the mentality of “that’s just how things are,” we must recognize that there is no absolute right or wrong belief; rather, society is evolving side by side through realistic activism. This misunderstanding is at the core of the polarization between Right-Wing Conservatives and Left-Wing Progressives. As Daryl Davis suggests, changing the system requires “[Keeping] in mind, when two enemies are talking, they’re not fighting; they’re talking… It’s when the talking ceases that the ground becomes fertile for violence.” This approach, moving from civil war to ‘recentered politics,’ promotes equitable reform and…

In 2017, Guadalupe Plascencia arrived at the police station and was informed by officers that there was a warrant out for her arrest due to her failure to testify in court, a testimony of which she had not been informed. While in police custody, she was asked to sign several documents from ICE regarding her citizenship. Despite showing proof of her American citizenship, she was still detained by ICE the following day as she attempted to leave the precinct. In my opinion, Ms. Plascencia’s rights as an American citizen were disregarded based on the suspicion that she was not a…

Ever since I first saw Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, I fell in love with history. Unfortunately, as a woman-of-color, history has only ever been a space of erasure for “mystory.” If history in academia is to truly be the narrative of time, we must expand—yes, buzz word of the century expand—the narrative beyond white perspectives, white legacy, and “theirstory.” In high school U.S. History, I learned of the 1992 L.A Riots. However, I quickly learned that my preconceptions of what actually catalyzed the riots were not true. This uproar against police brutality, turned-uproar, was also a resistance against institutionalized…

Ever since I first saw Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, I have fallen in love with history. Unfortunately, as a woman of color, history has often been a space of erasure for my story. If history in academia is to be genuinely reflective of time, we must expand—yes, the buzzword of the century—the narrative beyond white perspectives, white legacies, and their stories. Why do we discuss anthropological, sociological, psychological, historical, and scientific information merely to assert loose constructs instead of detailing the actual facts of time? History is our mosaic photo album that can be beautifully narrated, but if we…

If someone feels the need to excessively distance themselves from their own identity, the issue lies with them, not with the perceived “otherness” of someone else. If you struggle with the transformation of time, instead of using labels or -isms to define another person’s identity, reflect on your own labeling process instead.

Workplace apparel often defines professionalism based on what is mainstream. Many individuals from underrepresented groups refer to this practice as “code-switching,” as they navigate coming out of the margins. If we allow for professional environments to categorize variations in identity as ‘inappropriate’, the workplace further perpetuates the belief that certain behaviors, cultures, and identities are not valued. This cements the influence of social constructs on hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, and other benefits. Reform that promotes inclusive definitions of “professionalism” in work environments, over-implementing standards towards assimilation, work no longer blurs the lines between ethical conduct and oppressive practices. When I…

Workplace apparel often defines professionalism based on what is mainstream. Many individuals from underrepresented groups refer to this practice as “code-switching,” as they navigate the expectations to fit in. By categorizing variations in identity as inappropriate for the workplace, society perpetuates the belief that certain behaviors, cultures, and identities are not valued. We need to rethink workplace attire to create a standard that is inclusive of all cultures. For example, Black individuals should have the opportunity to define what constitutes “Black professionalism,” and cultural expressions such as piercings, tattoos, and traditional clothing should be recognized and respected by their respective…

While grassroots may be viewed as a political affiliation, at root, it is educated activism, and street advocacy. When society comes together for voter registration events, or community service and engagement, it is at this level that politics is initiated. This advance civil participation before it is turned over to politicians, addressing the people’s needs and embodying a trickle up government. A trickle up government is essential in promoting nonpartisanship because politics starts with the people; is turned to organizations and leaders; then is handed up to our government bureaus. Here, we promote the people’s republic and not private or…

When society comes together for Voter Registration events or Community Service and Engagement, it is at this level that politics begins. This advanced civil participation, before it is turned over to politicians, addresses the people’s needs and embodies a trickle-up government.