Consideration is key

 
We make decisions for ourselves every day, what to eat, what to drink, when to go to work, when to sleep and even when to relax. We choose whether or not to care or get involved. We choose where to go and who to be with when we are there.
How often do we make decisions for the common or greater good?
Do you choose to turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth instead of running water?
Time yourself in the shower, to conserve water or even recycle your water bottles and soda cans?
Think about others when you make your decisions every day.
Consideration is key.
When making decisions, choices and advocating for causes be considerate of all aspects and perspectives.
This brings me to Kony 2012, I’m pretty sure the 73,000,000 plus people who viewed the 30 minute Youtube movie were in shock and awe.
I was as well.
The first question that popped in my head was what was the purpose of this video because throughout the video it contradicted itself.
Was the purpose of the video to educate about Kony?
To get funds to advocate for Invisible Children?
 
Or to make people aware of Kony’s illegal activity?
I was bombarded with information from the international most wanted list, to crimes against nature, Ugandan history and even how to explain to a child your vocation.
At the end of the video, I was still questioning the validity of the movement, whether it would work, or even it’s assumptions.
In April I will see how popular or famous Kony is beyond Youtube, Twitter and Facebook.
To all the Kony fans and those posting Kony 2012 everywhere please consider whether your concerns are dimes are valid to this cause. I’m not saying that Ugandan children aren’t important but, I am saying you can’t answer all of Uganda’s problems after 30 minutes.
Foreign policy is a lot more complicated than we think and the so is the history of Uganda.
Moving on to House Bill 927, There has been a lot of discussion of the validity and motivations behind dismantling the Southern University System.
I believe that it is important to consider why we have a separate system and understand what makes our system operate.
​Those are our defenses when discussing saving our Southern. We cannot just show up at the capitol expecting a miracle from the same people who are trying to get rid of us.
Our plan has to be educated, calculated and strategic. The system wasn’t formulated over night and will not be spared over night.
Exercise those fingers that you use to tweet #HB927 to write your posters, type your flyers, sign petitions, and formulate plans to educate your fellow Southern students, alumni and the community.
Southern University is not an island and doesn’t not exist on it’s own it takes the concerns and efforts of those in Southern’s corner everywhere. No effort or amount is too small or ineffective.
Lastly, CATS reform. I was appalled by the amount per capita designated to Capitol Area Transit System.
I know a lot of you would like to say you are too cool to ride CATS, but when it rains will pack on the bus like a pack of sardines.
Consider the many people including yourself if your car is broke, you can’t afford gas, or need to get to work will not have a way to get around because of CATS being discontinued.
Consider that Baton Rouge will be a capitol city with 5 routes to serve a whole city.
Those who need access the most will be eliminated from service areas.
Among these times we need to consider the information we are absorbing and not take everything at face value. Look beyond the surface and be critical thinkers about not only ourselves, our fellow students, alumni, community members and citizens.
Be considerate of the terms, who defines them, who benefits, who suffers, validity, why and reach.
Social problems aren’t grown overnight and are not quick to fix.