All Cats are Grey in the Dark

Stuck in loans

2013-05-17T01:52:00.000-04:00

Some 37 million students and former students have college loans, totaling more than a trillion dollars. And tens of millions of parents who were required to co-sign loans for their kids are at risk of students fall behind on their payments.

That's a lot of college-educated people in their prime of life. Politicians need to hear from them. An entire generation is failing to get economic traction in a weak job market. College debt only adds to the delay young adults face in buying homes or starting families. This is not an abstract ideological proposition. It is up close and personal.

In 2010, President Obama got Congress to go partway towards reforming the student loan system. The program of federally guaranteed loans underwritten by for-profit financial companies was terminated in favor of less expensive direct federal loans. But banks and for-profit companies like Sallie Mae continued marketing non-federal loans to students. And former students carrying loans under the old programs are not able to refinance, even though rates averaging more than 7 percent are far in excess of the lenders' cost of money in a very low-interest environment.

The student loan program calls attention to the double standards of debt relief. Corporations are able to declare bankruptcy under Chapter 11 and write off old loan -- but college debt follows former students literally to the grave even if they go bankrupt. Big banks have gotten trillions of dollars of debt relief from the TARP program and the Federal Reserve's program of buying toxic assets from banks.

But there is no debt relief for students and former students. Can't we build a movement around that?

No student should have to incur debt in order to attend college. Instead, students could incur a moderate and progressively levied surcharge on their income tax, which could be phased out for people serving the public interest in one of several professions. This provision was included on a pilot basis in the 2010 reform, and could be extended to all college borrowers. What are some other ways we could reduce and alleviates the burden of college loans on the people if the future?

--Krystal

Education is Supposed to be an Equalizing Factor

2013-05-12T19:17:00.002-04:00

But something to ponder (as seen on tumblr):
Do you ever think about the fact that the US has created and legitimized a system of institutionalized inequality by funding schools through property taxes? That basically a child’s education is only as good as the value of the property in their neighborhood. Funny how education is so often viewed as an equalizing factor when there is nothing equal about it.

I had never really thought of education in this light before. Yes, I recognized not all school's have equal resources, but I never thought about where the funding was coming from. We get the money for our public schools from the property taxes of the neighborhoods in which they are situated. Public schools--the schools everyone has a right to attend, the schools that are open to everyone. Then we wonder why some people just couldn't "buckle down and finish" or why they weren't successful in post-secondary education courses. We think, they could have gotten "an education just like I did." Schools are only as good as the neighborhoods they are situated in--just another reason that families that have assets, money, and a history of higher education continue to achieve. Just another way that our institutions discriminate by race and class.

--Megan

After you graduate...

2013-05-05T08:55:00.000-04:00

In one of my classes the other day we had a guest lecturer who preceded to tell us that if we are not making $100,000+ five years after graduating from our master's program then we have wasted our money on school. Not only did he make this remark to my fellow graduate students and I, but also exclaimed that he makes the same remarks to his undergraduate students.

Hearing his statement really made me think. With respect to undergraduate students, earning six figure salaries 5 years post graduation is an extremely lofty goal given the number of college graduates vying for employment and the state of our nation's economy. But what about graduate students. I did a little research on jobs secured by people with Masters Degrees and the median salary by those jobs. On PayScale.com they have several tables and charts to illustrate median salaries.

So what do you think, should an individual be earning a six-figure salary 5 years post earning their graduate level degree? How viable is it to have that earning power?

--Krystal

People with Masters Degrees (non-MBA)

Median Salary by Job

Job	National Salary Data (?)	$0	$24K	$48K	$72K
Senior Pastor	$58,555
Pastor	$53,513
Human Resources (HR) Manager	$50,533
Program Manager, Non-Profit Organization	$52,038
Instructional Designer	$70,142
Executive Assistant	$43,025
Elementary School Teacher	$36,431
Country: United States \| Currency: USD \| Updated: 6 May 2013 \| Individuals Reporting: 361

Key Statistics for People with Masters Degrees (non-MBA) Salaries and Jobs

Top Degrees

Salary Range


Master of Business Administration (MBA)	$57,965 - $81,389
Master of Education (MEd)	$33,899 - $47,932
Master of Divinity (MDiv), Pastoral Ministry	$49,910 - $87,600
Master of Divinity (MDiv), Theology	$63,465 - $108,500
Master of Arts (MA), English Language	$43,500 - $52,000

Years of Experience

Less than 1 year

1-4 years

28%

5-9 years

28%

10-19 years

28%

20 years or more

15%

DC Literacy

2013-05-02T23:04:00.000-04:00

Across the District of Columbia, between 20 and 37% of adults are functionally illiterate. By Grade 4, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (2011) finds that 81% of DC children read below grade level.

Literacy is the basis for all other education. Without the ability to read and analyze information, do math, communicate effectively, and use a computer – the pillars of literacy – people struggle to take part in the world around them. Low literacy is closely correlated with low earnings, irregular employment, and poverty. Further, the fragile economic circumstances of those with limited literacy skills can resonate through entire communities and across generations.

How can we increase adult literacy in DC?

investing to ensure all 3rd grade students read at grade level.

increasing funding for Adult & Family Education to serve more adult learners and to meet higher GED standards.

assessing the demand for literacy services and the capacity to meet the city’s needs for literacy services.

ensuring high standards and accountability for all literacy programs.

Taking these steps to improve literacy of District residents ensures a better community for all. And if we work together we can accomplish these steps. But it will take work, including speaking with your council member, volunteering your time to programs or adults in need of literacy and reaching out to other elected officials including the May0r. The important thing is to make your voice and your beliefs heard.

--Krystal

In Guns We Trust

2013-04-28T20:42:00.001-04:00

Amidst the tragedies this month is the legislature for stricter gun control that was voted down. I am extremely disappointed in our elected officials, as it has seemed, at least since the Newtown tragedy in December, that our country has at last been crying out for change. When the bill wasn't passed, I couldn't believe it. The bill contained nothing extreme--just stricter enforcement on background checks nationwide for those that wish to purchase guns. Given the sheer number of homicides, mass tragedies, and widespread fear that legal and illegal guns alike have caused over the past few years in the US, it seems like a given that we should have tighter restrictions on who's hands guns are landing into.

I found on the Washington Post, a few different graphics and charts that better explain what might have gone wrong when passing this bill. One idea is that the urgency was gone: it is hard to keep the momentum going with the greater American public, and with the Newtown tragedy fading from memory, Americans weren't keeping the conversation going.

The second shows that many Americans perhaps really didn't care for the legislation after all. This infograph breaks down some of the different groups that were interested in the bill or not interested in the bill.

We live in a large, widespread country with people of various backgrounds and belief systems; it can be difficult to unify all these people under one legislature or even to get people to care all about the same thing. I am personally very disappointed in the American people for letting this go by, but these graphs and breakdowns simply demonstrate that truly not as many people were on board as was necessary.

Get involved with a group like The Brady Campaign to better reach others about this important issue. Let's not give up hope for a safer America!

--Megan

Accidental Racist

2013-04-24T22:00:00.004-04:00

I don't think there can be someone known as an "accidental racist." I do believe that we all make mistakes, and perhaps have grown up in a place that has not allowed for entire racial understanding and sensitivity. I think perceptions based on our backgrounds, education, and upbringing are entirely normal, and that many have not been taught about the racist institutions built into our culture and how to combat them; perhaps this makes someone a racist by choice or a racist by psyche and nurture, but there is no accident about what behaviors you choose.

Part of living in a community, living as part of a larger, interconnected society, is knowing how to live WITH community. This involves respecting one another. Racism is ingrained into American society, but that doesn't mean we need to act on it.

I heard about Brad Paisley's new song, "Accidental Racist," on The Colbert Report. While the segment was comedy gold, I am truly horrified that the song is real. The song is implicitly racist, despite the narrator singing that he wants to bridge the divide between whites and blacks. In the lyrics, it is the black man serving the white man coffee, a white man who knows the full meaning and history behind the confederate flag, but despite these implications, chooses to wear it in public because he's a "Skynyrd fan." This is not accidental. This is a choice. Bigotry and hatred is always a choice, and alienating people with uncomfortable symbols of superiority, history, etc, simply because you "like the design," for example. The lyrics are filled with assumptions about racial relations and the typical African-American lifestyle.

Even worse, LL Cool J features in the song. I can't imagine a sum of money large enough to convince him to sing the demeaning lyrics, including "if you don't judge my gold chains, I'll forgive the iron chains." As Colbert surmises, "That's a pretty good deal, Paisley. LL will forget 250 years of enslavement if you accept his taste in accessories."

The song misses the entire conversation about racial and cultural sensitivity and veers off into a racist and offensive place. Paisley claims to want an open dialogue with African-Americans and for both to be understood, but cannot give up his pride in the way he was raised, nor let go of racist generalizations and stereotypes such as black men being from the hood, wearing "saggy pants", "do-rags", and "gold chains." This song is a product of him, and, in fact, the song seems so unaware of the demeaning and one-sided dialogue, that perhaps it truly is "accidental."

Colbert changes the tone, however, and gives us something to laugh at. You can check out the whole clip here. Be sure to watch to the end to catch Colbert's spoof of "Accidental Racist," what he calls "OopsieDaisy Homophobe."

--Megan

Power of the People

2013-04-17T10:56:00.000-04:00

The tragedy that occurred at the 2013 Boston Marathon yesterday will always be remembered by this generation. Some people are even saying that events like this are things we just have to get use to and expect along with the shootings of Newtown, New Jersey, Aurora, Colorado and others. Do you accept that? I know I don't.

I know that disaster is living and apart of our wild, but I can hardly agree that these incidents should be accepted as just part of our culture. It is unacceptable to think that you can't enjoy a movie at a local theatre or participate in a marathon without fearing your life. And is beyond unacceptable for our children, our babies, the future of our nation to not feel safe in their neighborhood school.

It is terrible what happened in Boston on Monday, but I always feel inspired by some of the miraculous stories you hear about people putting their safety in danger in order to save or protect the life of a stranger. One man called in to a local radio station and spoke of his young song asking him whether there are more good people than bad in this world and the father responded that there are more good people. I agree with him. And I truly believe in the power of the people. And our power to have peace. Check out this picture taken of Martin Richard, the 8-year-old victim of the the Boston Marathon bombings, in class prior to Monday April 15th.

If only this sign would have reined true on Monday.

--Krystal

Corporations Own Your Thoughts and Perceptions

2013-04-13T07:59:00.002-04:00

I went to see a fantastic monologue, American Utopias, at the Woolly Mammoth Theater last night. The monologue was hilarious, but also deeply insightful, smart, and provocative. American Utopias was three interwoven tales of Burning Man, Disney World, and Occupy Wall Street. The intros to all of these stories are hilarious, but as the night went on, we gained more understanding of how these "American utopias" are related.
I found particularly thought-provoking the way he demonstrated to the audience how mainstream American culture has shaped our perceptions, our imaginations, and given us a point of reference for our own thoughts and ideas about the way the world operates. He made the claim that Disney owns many of our cultural references, our images, our narratives. He said, "picture Snow White. What does she look like to you?" He is absolutely right in this case, when I think of these stories and fairy tales, my point of references is Disney. What started out as revolutionary--Disney's creative stories, images--has now become cliche. It is amazing to think about and challenging to understand just how much of what we understand and believe to be reality is shaped by a popular notion.
Daisey went on to challenge our perceptions of freedom, assembly, audience and individualism, as he wove his narratives. He challenged my ideas of reality and truth (demonstrating what Colbert calls "truthiness") and left the audience with the task of better understanding where our perceptions and notions come from and really letting go of what's not real (ie the idea this country is "free" simply because they've been telling us it is since kindergarten) and creating our own narratives and waves of thought. That is how revolution starts and with it, a new wave of thought, that will someday seem cliche.

--Megan

Equal Education Unequal Pay

2013-04-09T12:45:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share this great info graphic from Learnstuff.com Follow the link to enlarge the graphic.

What do you think? How can this gap be decreased?

--Krystal

Spring has finally sprung

2013-04-07T10:57:00.000-04:00

Finally DC is feeling the beautiful weather of spring. The cherry blossoms are blooming, the Nationals are playing, outdoor bar patios are packed and festivals are kicking off..This is a great time of year. Many individuals even consider it as the best season of all because it brings new hope, a sign of rebirth and a form of renewal to plants, animals, man and even nature. For most people, the season of spring is the best season because the temperature is just adequate. It’s neither too warm nor too cold. More so, spring encourages one to encourage into playful activities and enjoy the weather and nature itself.

There are activities all over the city and surrounding areas you can get involved with throughout the spring and summer.Adult kickball, soccer and volleyball leagues. Bicycle races, tough mudders, and garden kickoffs.

What are your plans for this spring? What are you most excited about?

--Krystal

Food Justice

2013-04-02T10:52:00.000-04:00

The modern world has made eating easy! Things are prepackaged and prepared, ready to grab, go, and eat. We reheat in the microwave, we consume what's on the shelves of our local grocery stores, or at the local restaurants and fast food chains.

We don't think much about what these things are, so long as they fill us up. We are satisfying our hunger.

The American food system is problematic in many ways, but I want to focus this post specifically on what it is we are eating and the misconceptions about eating in our country, particularly in lower income households and neighborhoods.

I read a book last week called Super Immunity by by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. The book breaks down our common ideas about food--basically, what we've been taught in school. It is common knowledge that we need a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to ensure nutrition and stave off hunger. This combination will give us appropriate amounts of energy for our day to day lives.

This may be true, to a point, but what we are missing is what's behind that. Not all food has the same nutrient per calorie ratio. We know this, to an extent: a spinach salad is better for us then Cheetos. We are still focusing on the wrong factors, when considering consumption, however. Vegetables provide primary sources of protein and energy, whereas animal products provide merely a secondary source (as the plant life was first consumed by the animal, then consumed by us). Many of these vegetables and plants provide micronutrients that are immeasurable at this point in science. For example, the book provides examples of how berries, kale, spinach, beans, and mushrooms provide anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-disease compounds that can not be measured as a vitamin or mineral, nor carbohydrate and fat. When we eat processed foods just to get the end goal of calories and energy, we are missing the sources of these disease fighting agents, and it is apparent in American culture that we are suffering the consequences. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and chronic inflammation are at all time highs. Doctors are not to a point where they are looking at these issues holistically, and diets and habits are not being treated, merely symptoms.

Dr. Fuhrman provides many examples in his book about people who have changed their eating habits and have seen enormous results. His book touches on the topics of modern medicine, food as medicine, and our cultural reliance on remedies and symptom-treating, as well as the other harsh toxins we put in our bodies. I hope to further blog on these bits in future posts.

I found Super Immunity to be an eye-opening observance of our culture and habits, and how these cultural factors are literally killing us. It is not a diet book as much as it is a reflection on modern lifestyle.

In particular, I reflected on how many healthy and nutrient foods are inaccessible to lower classes and entire low-income neighborhoods. Processed food is cheap: McDonalds, chips, frozen pizzas and mac and cheese, canned goods, etc. These are not nutrient dense, and do not contain micronutrients needed to ward off disease. This is apparent in low-income individuals, who typically suffer from more diseases than others. That is food justice. I hope to reflect more in coming weeks on this aspect of social justice in our nation.

--Megan

The Old Chocolate City

2013-03-26T10:06:00.000-04:00

In 2011, the US Census reported Washington, DC with a population of 50.7% Black persons and 42.4% white persons.This is an increase from the 38.5% of reported white persons in the 2010 US Census. This marks the highest percentage of whites living in the District since the 1960s, when whites were leaving the city for the region's more spacious suburbs.Prior to 1960, for example, D.C. was majority-white.In 1970, African Americans accounted for 71 percent of the city's population. It is very apparent that the population and more importantly the demographic make up of "Chocolate City" is again changing.

So what does this mean that this vast majority of black Washingtonians are no longer prevalent in the District? These changes have led to redrawing of ward lines, opportunity for new political representation, gentrification, families unable to afford their homes and lower crime rates. Many of these changes started under the mayoral offices of Tony Williams and Adrian Fenty whom brought Target to Columbia Heights, baseball back to Washington and Starbucks on every corner.We are seeing this change occurring right in front of our eyes everyday.

This weekend it was brought to my attention again when I met a women who works for radio one. We were talking about some of the most popular radio stations in the DC area. She stated the most popular station is 99.5. I was surprised to hear that because it is my least favorite station with their tradition of overplaying pop songs and hyping up popular stars and not playing a variety of music or introducing new artists.This woman went on to tell me that another popular station 95.5 is attempting to follow suite of 99.5 and is transforming into a more pop station. To make this transition they have removed popular black MCs Big Tigger and Free who both were formerly hosts on BET. Both of these individuals were replaced on their 95.5 morning show within the past two years.Another station trying to keep up with growing audience is 94.7 who advertises "all the hit songs without the rap." And they are serious about that. When a pop song contains rap, 94.7 will cut the rap out of the song. All of these efforts are being made to satisfy and meet the needs of the growing target audience in the area.

So who has the most to gain, and lose, over the next ten years as these changes continue? What will DC look like in that time? How long will it take for local politics to catch up? Are these changes just the natural ebbs and flow of culture or is this revitalization more purposeful and pushing black Washingtonians out of the city?

--Krystal

Environmental Film Festival 2013

2013-03-14T09:18:00.001-04:00

The DC Environmental Film Festival is on now! Hundreds of free movies and events are playing all over the District and raising awareness about important issues of environment, sustainability, and pollution globally.
I find it amazing that given the natural disasters hitting the US shores in the last 10 years that so little attention is given to environmental impact. This past election season did not touch on environmental issues and finding solutions.
There are many parts of the country desperate for clean water and energy. There are other parts of the country dealing with unusual and extreme weather patterns. This unusual weather is widespread and affects millions, yet little is being done to prevent or understand.
The earth is an amazing, mysterious place, a giver of life as we know it. We must do more to care for this earth and prepare for future generations to inhabit this land. The film festival is eye-opening and touches on several environmental issues: from clean water to eroding soils, toxic waste to human rights issues like poverty.

Check out the calendar for some of these powerful films and start speaking out on behalf of the planet!

--Megan

The Truth is Wrapped in the Times

2013-03-11T19:24:00.001-04:00

We all notice fads or trends that come up: whether it is fashion, food/diet, travel, or media/entertainment focused, trends circulate yearly (or even weekly!).
Magazines tell us what looks good on our bodies now, or what's good to eat, or what sorts of things we should care about. Some things that we believe are truth now, haven't always been "truth." Some truths are based on the times we are living in.
For example, studies are finding now that too much soy in your diet can be very detrimental to your health. Rewind 5 years or so, and all the trendiest diets were including soy protein substitutes--soy milk, tofu, and whatever else. Now there is a diet called "the virgin diet" saying that soy should be avoided at all costs!
The ideal body image for a woman has changed throughout history, as well. Now we say it is important for women to be toned, fit, and slim. In past centuries, women were supposed to be softer and more restful. These things are common cultural beliefs, but we believe them because we are a product of our times.
Parenting, pregnancy, and other lifestyle choices have become "performances"--where people of our culture practice the truths of our times to the fullest and discuss the details of their habits.
It is true that many healthy babies were born to mothers who smoked cigarettes or didn't eat organic foods, despite our culture telling us that these things are essential for a healthy, happy baby.
Happiness is often rooted in this, too. Our perceptions of happiness are based on what our culture tells us is truth. Palm trees are supposed to make us happy, money is supposed to make us happy. It is amazing how much of our own perceptions are based not in reality, but in what media tells us is reality, what the large mass of humanity collectively believes and agrees with.

The truths of our culture are more in line with what Stephen Colbert calls "truthiness" -- quality characterizing a "truth" that a person claims to know intuitively "from the gut" or because it "feels right" without regard to evidence, logic, intellectual examination, or facts.

It is important to keep this in mind when watching or reading news--they tell us what they want us to believe, and the common beliefs change with the times.

--Megan

The Distribution of Wealth in America

2013-03-07T13:08:00.002-05:00

I have to share this video with you all. This video was posted back in November of 2012, but really does a great job of illustrating the distribution of wealth in America and how much what we think varies from reality. After watching this I didn't even know how to respond and could only say "wow". Take a few minutes to watch the video below.

Many of us have had several conversations discussing the disparities among the rich, the poor, and the disappearing middle class, but seeing it illustrated in this fashion really brings home and is truly telling. I understand the American Dream of being able to start your own business, make a profit and hopefully prosper. I am a huge supporter of small businesses and entrepreneurs, but the America we live in today does more to stifle the American Dream than to encourage it. It really is sad and disheartening to see the separation grow and understand the difficulty of climbing to a higher economic class.

What do you think? How does watching this video make you feel? How is our capitalistic society impacted the people?

--Krystal

Is DC Too Expensive?

2013-03-03T15:12:00.000-05:00

Rents and housing costs, bars and restaurants, gyms and yoga studios, retail, even public transportation--throughout DC these commodities are expensive. Living in choice neighborhoods near metro stations or other places of interest is expensive and ever-increasing, far more expensive than in cities like Philadelphia or Chicago. To go out for a single drink or menu item is hard to do under $10--sticker shock for newcomers and out-of-towners. These prices become just "the way it is" after awhile. Is it worth it?

While I am often frustrated by how difficult it is to stretch a dollar in DC, I really do enjoy living here and find some advantages such as:

jobs--there are more jobs here than in other cities in the country right now, especially for young people interested in starting careers.
free stuff to do--there are lots of free alternatives, if you can't afford to do anything, and you'd still be endlessly busy. With the Smithsonian museums, plenty of public parks and bike trails, and weekly performances, cultural events, and festivals to take part it, you can find ways to get by
walking--the closer you live to amenities and entertainment, the less likely you are to need a car or even to take the metro. The rents are high, but it's a trade off between that and transportation.

Being a "young professional" is exciting. There are many businesses, such as bars, that are catered to my age group and interest set all over the place. DC is a growing city, particularly for 20- and 30-somethings from out of town. Construction is booming, and this is a good thing; that is not the case nationwide. I think it is exciting to live in a trendy, evolving city with so much energy, and in some ways I think that out ways the terrible costs. While it can be a challenge for me to stretch my dollars enough to live this particular young lifestyle, this evolution of DC (ie gentrification) is overwhelmingly detrimental to minority groups and DC's ever growing homeless population. To this end, it is harder to see the good in the rising rents and the growing, trendy city. For me, DC might be worth it's expensive--but for long time residents with low paying jobs, it's harder to set the scales, I imagine.

What do you think? Is DC too expensive? For you or for others?

--Megan

Inocente Pick Flick of the month

2013-02-25T09:56:00.000-05:00

Two years ago, my first post on this blog was about Academy Awards of 2011. I talked about the lack of diversity among the awards. So I thought it would be worth it to look back at this year's Academy Award recipients. It is very apparent that there needs to be more diversity in directors, actors and the subject of the film itself.
In 2012 Hollywood did recognize some of the more diverse films of the year. Beasts of the Southern Wild which follows a six year old black girl and her father living in the Bayou of Louisiana in very poor conditions. This was one of our "Pick Flicks of the Month" so I do recommend you all seeing this film. Beasts of the Southern Wild was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress in a lead role for Quvenzhane Wallis. They didn't take home any wins, but were very highly recognized. Other films illustrating diversity include; Life of Pi, Django Unchained and Documentary short winner, Inocente.

Inocente, documentary short, follows a homeless, undocumented immigrant teenage girl in San Diego as she relentlessly pursues her dream of becoming an artist. This story is told entirely in her own words, as she realizes her life is at a turning point, and for the first time, she decides to take control of her own destiny. This is our Pick Flick of the Month and you can check this short film out on iTunes here and I do recommend it to everyone.

What were your favorite films of 2012? Any films illustrating diversity that you would like to share?

--Krystal

Contributing factors to Poverty

2013-02-20T20:08:00.000-05:00

Monday, the NY Times published an article entitled "Prison and the Poverty Trap." A few highlights from this article include; "Among African-Americans who have grown up during the era of mass incarceration, one in four has had a parent locked up at some point during childhood" and "For black men in their 20s and early 30s without a high school diploma, the incarceration rate is so high — nearly 40 percent nationwide — that they’re more likely to be behind bars than to have a job." Wow. Those statistics are staggering.

We have addressed this issue of the disproportional prison rates among the racial lanes, but to see these numbers and how this greatly impacts not only the individual but their family and ultimately the community as a whole. This is truly an example of the cycle of poverty. Lets take a minute to look at our Nation's capital, our community, the District of Columbia. Nearly 20 percent of District residents live in poverty. Meaning 110,000 District families earn less than $22,314. Since the economic recession, many formerly middle class families have slipped into poverty. What happens when our community, our neighborhoods are so greatly impacted by poverty.

Neighborhoods are where we find many of the opportunities that shape our lives especially the most impressionable lives of young adults. Too often neighborhoods with high poverty are deficient in the opportunities that can increase positive social, economic and educational outcomes for their residents. These outcomes not only directly impact the people of those neighborhoods, but also the community as whole.

How can we help to end this cycle of poverty? How can we provide these positive influences to a neighborhood stricken by poverty and other social issues?

--Krystal

Democracy in the Library

2013-02-15T19:04:00.001-05:00

Democracy is no better represented than in the library. The library is a community gathering place, open to the public. It is a place for children, teens, and adults to come and discover culture through books, magazines, music, TV shows, and films. It is a place to access the Internet for free and a great leveler of social status. In many cases, the library is the only access people have to computers, Internet, and other resources.

I have recently started working at the library, and have been reflecting on the job and the people I serve. I have found that the library is an amazing space for justice and leveling social status. It is a place to engage people's minds and gather with the community.

I think democracy is best symbolized in the way the library functions, and I am happy to meet a wide spectrum of community members' needs as an employee of the library.

With public libraries expanding to include downloadable materials, the libraries continue to meet patrons' needs and grow in the community. Despite these technological investments, the library continues to largely offer services for free.

What are other places in the community that are representative of democracy? How could our society and political figures better follow the model of the library to serve?

--Megan

The Time is Now

2013-02-05T13:28:00.002-05:00

I saw this speech and it gave me chills. I don't know how anyone can watch this video and not feel the need to make a difference. I suppose the same people who made excuses after hearing the horrific stories of Newtown, Connecticut and seeing the footage of those desperate families are the same ones who will continue to make excuses. For many it is painfully obvious that we need more strict gun laws, yesterday.

Where do you stand?

--Krystal

The Gun Fights

2013-02-03T15:34:00.003-05:00

The fight for gun control is on. The President is calling for stricter gun laws and the NRA and others are personally attacking him for this. Many don't want to see any regulations or restrictions on gun laws at all, finding even the idea of stricter background checks and bans of military-grade assault rifles attacks on liberty. People are refusing to see what the Obama administration has called for as reasonable, though it is. Out of fear, the NRA and media have hyped the new proposed bans, regulations, and laws to be monstrous, and overbearing, a violation of personal liberties. It seems anything this President does will be given a negative spin.

The President made an attempt to empathize by saying that he enjoys shooting skeet for sport. This created a huge media frenzy, begging for photographs of the President shooting a gun. It is amazing how little privacy we allow the President (or any celebrity figure), just assuming that we are entitled to the details of his leisure life and time with family.

Of course, as soon as a photo was released, the media decides to backtrack, saying that one measly photo doesn't make up for all his laws and campaigns for gun control, his voting record, etc.

The Daily Show did a parody of this last week, playing on a Dr. Seuss book. Watch here!

Gun control will be an ongoing discussion during the President's second term, and we will have to see what sort of compromise is made.

--Megan

Leisure activities old & new

2013-01-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

First it was Borders and now it's Barnes & Noble. I just read an article in the Huffington Post that Barnes & Noble plans the closure of at least 20 stores a year for the next decade. Wow. This is really sad news for people like me who enjoy going to bookstores grabbing a cup of coffee and reading a good book or entertaining a book club. With all of the rage of Kindles, Nooks, and other tablet readers you would think people would still be excited about reading and communing in bookstores. It is my opinion that although tables are the new way to read your books, I just got a kindle fire myself, people still aren't reading the way we use to or that we should.
Americans generally spend at least 4.5 hours a night watching television. Watching TV is the leisure activity that occupies the most time accounting for about half of leisure time for Americans. Does that seem like a lot of time in front of the TV? Have you ever stopped to consider your own viewing habits? There is a lot of debate over the value of television. Many people think that TV is the downfall of society while others insist that they spend valuable family time watching television with one another.
How do you spend your leisure time? I am making an effort to stop senselessly watching television and start reading more or participating in other activities. I get really sad when I hear about bookstores closing and I can only wonder when these closings will spread to our public librairies. I hope this doesn't happen as these community spaces are so useful to so many and my blogging partner just got a job at a public library so we must support her as well.

What about you, how do you spend your leisure time? Are you surprised to hear about Barnes & Noble closing so many stores?

--Krystal

The Newsroom

2013-01-24T23:49:00.000-05:00

The media is a very frustrating industry. It seems that as time continues the media industry is evolving into something we barely recognize. I understand that making a profit is part of the deal, but shouldn't bringing relevant news into our homes be the top priority. It has become alarmingly obvious that each media network has their own particular agenda and has no real qualms with expressing and furthering their agenda.

This is a topic, I find myself discussing a lot with friends. So many stories are over exageratted while others are underrepresented. The media will spend weeks covering Manti Teo which has no real impact and at the same time forget to mention the American struggles abroad. And when actua; news is reported it seems like the media relishes in creating a dramatic story as if they are producing a movie or rather than reporting on real lives. The horrific event in Newtown, Connecticut is a great example of news affiliates so eager to be first with the story that they chose to misrepresent the known details. Instead of reporting on the facts and the situation a story was being told as if the facts weren't enough to keep a viewer's attention. Many media outlets had to reverse on many of their reports.

Has anyone seen the new HBO program, The Newsroom? It's a new television show about the life within a newsroom all the way from the people behind the scenes and how stories are selected for on air production. What I find interesting about the show is that a new executive producer is brought it and she wants to ensure they are reporting the news and is very particular about what stories they air and how they discuss them. It really makes you question the high powered media outlets that get so much of our attention and how they monitor themselves.

What frustrates you about the media today? What could be done differently?

--Krystal

Post Inauguration Thoughts

2013-01-21T13:10:00.002-05:00

I am incredibly moved by the words that our President, Barack Obama, spoke at his inauguration this afternoon. His speech was primarily about equality and freedom; it was a speech of hope for the nation. It acknowledged many problems we currently face, and gave listeners hope that these will be addressed in the next four years.

Obama spoke about the need for our social systems in order to safeguard our people, keeping them healthy and safe. He spoke about how this country will thrive when all people are happy, healthy, and thriving members. Obama addressed the idea that our system often works only for some, on the backs of everyone else. He spoke of our country's success with all of us as a collective. It is an important balance between the American ethic of hard work and personal responsibility and that of everyone being equal to everyone else. It is difficult to juxtapose the idea that we must all be accountable but must all act for the greater cause of the nation and not as individuals, but he walked this line beautifully.

I was energized by his words and his message, but find the depths of what needs to be done in our nation overwhelming. There is no question that Obama is the voice of our generation and I could not be more proud of his work. He is a symbol of progress, he is a representative of diversity and new ideas about who this country is for. I can't help but find that despite this being a day of happiness and hope, that I feel a tinge of despair. I feel that this country is fundamentally flawed, what with the second amendment and the way this country was brought into existence--on the backs of slaves. These fundamental issues have become root systemic problems of violence, anger, and socioeconomic inequality, that this country has carried with it for over two centuries. These ugly things are written into our laws and our history books, and they are hard to ignore and overcome. While Obama's words were words of hope, we are still so far from what I dream of and what our people deserve. This is not a quick fix, but things that are part of the fibers of America, and the reason for my distaste. I recognize that these issues are fundamental issues with the identity of this country, and that leaves me at an impasse--where do I go from there?

Both Obama and his introducer spoke in terms that quantified as America as greater or "more powerful" than other nations. While it is important for citizens to feel pride in their nationality, I think it is dangerous to speak about being such a powerful and wonderful place, particularly in light of the dangers and economic problems that we currently face. Many citizens do not have passports and do not understand for themselves the cultures of other countries, except for by what people tell them. I believe this American exceptionalism creates a certain arrogance and dislike of people from other places around the world, and I do not agree when politicians speak in these terms.

Regardless of this, I do feel there are things to look forward to in the next four years, and I am eager to see what Obama can do. I know by his words that he believes in equality and freedom, but it will be a matter of what he is allowed to do for this nation.

--Megan

57th Inauguration Preview

2013-01-21T12:43:00.003-05:00

President Obama will get sworn in tomorrow for his second term. The District has been busily preparing for this day since the election in November, and everything is ready for a busy, crowded, and chilly Monday at the Capitol.

While not nearly as many people are expected as DC saw in 2009, the city will be teeming with individuals who have come out to participate in the festivities. DC residents will actually be underrepresented at the swearing in ceremony, as representative Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office is the only place for District residents to turn for tickets. Less populous states like Wyoming have more representatives with tickets.

Krystal and I participated in the National Day of Service on Saturday in honor of the Inauguration and MLK Jr. Day. We did a clean up at Rock Creek Park, fulfilling one of Obama’s seven areas of focus—environment.

There are a lot of festivities in DC tomorrow in honor of the inauguration. This day is a symbol of change and growth for the country, as we all gear up for a new term. Expectations are high, and reform is needed in many areas. I am hopeful for this term, and hope to see Obama work on gun control and education reform—including making higher education more affordable-- in addition to the economic development that is needed.

Good luck to those that are going out in the crowds tomorrow!

--Megan