The Distraction Game | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Distraction Game

America is getting confused about what is actually important.

26
The Distraction Game
The State

I'm worried about America. I'm worried that we are getting distracted from the real issues that are facing us. This fall on the Mizzou campus, protesters forced their president to resign. Whether he should or shouldn't have is really not the point of this. During some protests, students set up "safe spaces" that were to be free of the media and people with opposing viewpoints.

Uh, I don't really think that's how the First Amendment works. Denying racism still exists today would be dumb, and protesting against it on a college campus is a good thing. That's what the focus should be on. It should be set on fixing the underlying problem. It should not be about shutting down opposing viewpoints and denying media the right to do their job. The First Amendment goes both ways.

Recently, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, a student government member was asked to resign after she made chalk drawings on campus in support of Donald Trump. Now, I disagree with Trump on almost every single issue, but again, that's not how the First Amendment works. The United States Constitution applies to all points of view. Going away to college should be a time to hear different opinions, not a time to shut anything down that disagrees with you.

The media plays a terrible role in encouraging this distraction. They refuse to cover the issues but instead focus on what bad word Trump said this week. Really? That's what we're going to go after Donald Trump for? Of all the things he has said, probably the least important is his use of profanity. Instead of covering the fact that he uses words that nearly every American also uses, how about we cover some of his stances on policy such as when he advocated for bombing innocent civilians on purpose?

We get caught up in a lot of things that really don't matter. Donald Trump might actually be right when he says America is too "politically correct." That is one thing I do like about him. Unfortunately, most of the time, his problem isn't with being politically correct — it's with being correct in general. Most people do not like politics because it has turned into a soap opera in which the media baits people into attacking their opponent. America is a cool country because everyone gets to have opinions and we should never engage in shutting those opinions down. If we stopped worrying about petty stuff and started focusing on the issues that matter, then we would have a much more vibrant democracy. But until then, I'll continue to worry.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

4732
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

3159
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

2444
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments