What's the point?

A general concern of everyone (or at least people in the U.S., as I can’t speak to the lived experiences in other countries) is the growing control of mega corporations and governmental entities. The big tech firms, the Walmarts, Targets, Amazons, the massive banks, and probably everything else you can think of. The industries of food, clothing, housing, utilities, transportation, etc feel like they are being controlled by the wealthy elites, with the quality of their products declining. The problem is, a lot of this is true. Looking at clothing, for example, a lot of clothes you buy today will not last as long as something purchased in the ‘80s. And it’s a known anecdote that people will vacation in Europe for a week or more and despite not restricting themselves to a diet, they come back having lost weight. That situation implies that the food in Europe is healthier, which generally I do believe to be true. So what’s the point? If everything is getting worse, if the wealth gap between the average citizens and the elites is worse than during the French Revolution, what are we supposed to do about it? Well, first, we can be mindful consumers, choosing to spend our money with businesses that positively represent our values. That’s a good step, and does work when the masses do it, but even our method of communication are manipulated, with platforms growing out of intentions for free discourse that later become censored and eroded. Systemic change is needed, but that answer can feel exhausting when it seems that change will never come. There is good news, however, as Australia has banned social media for users under 16. That may seem inconsequential, and I know that it would have greatly angered me as a young teenager, but it’s obvious to everyone that social media acts as a drug and young people should be shielded from it. Los Angeles, one of the worst cities regarding public transit, is investing in new metro lines, allowing for more accessible transportation for all and lower emissions. There are great things happening around the world, and it’s our responsibility to keep pushing for positive change. Those words seem tired and useless in the modern political landscape, with massive unrest and disaster-like scenarios becoming an average Tuesday, but it’s still really important to remember that we can still improve and grow, only if we choose to.