In any situation where too much power is given to one person or group of people, the society as a whole risks consequences.
That does not by any means indicate that they deserve these consequences. People simply trying to live their own lives should have the freedom to do so without external forces of oppression. One example is the leadership of President Nicolás Maduro who has apparently rendered the Venezuelan economy to be extremely difficult to live in. Civilians have struggled to afford the proper necessities and Maduro is threatening to raise gas prices as well.
Venezuelans are so displeased with the economic consequences of Maduro’s leadership that many have been protesting, facing resistance from the national guard by Maduro’s orders. As life goes on for the Venezuelans that are not in protest, Maduro himself has ties with the media, controlling what is seen on television.
This is a horror story for every society; what happens when the government that runs you abuses its power?
AP Photo:
Streets in Venezuela are filled with protestors angry at President Nicolás Maduro’s leadership. Many civilians are struggling to survive because of Maduro’s control on the Venezuelan economy. “Raising awareness about an issue is crucial,” Munoz says.
It is the indifference to the risk of this oppression that often enables it. I feel it is situations such as this that remind us why we need to be more active in and critical of the world around us. Too often, we avoid politics because others’ views can often be passionate, and we simply want to “live and let live.” This is fine and very valid. However, it can also lead to a level of indifference and avoidance toward our own government, as well as many real issues at hand.
For instance, what will you do with the news of Venezuela? Will you share news articles on Facebook, or will you simply put the news down and say, ‘That’s too bad’? Will either actually accomplish anything?
Raising awareness about an issue is crucial—but what is just as crucial is taking the steps to do something about it. This can be very difficult to do on an international level.
Hence, I think Venezuela’s crisis brings two things to our awareness. First, it provokes us to wonder how we may be able to help a situation that is so far away and under a different power than our own.
Who can you write to? What can they do? There are various answers to these questions, but none that are clear; it takes initiative to really do anything.
Second, it has implications for any type of power. The story of the “corrupt corporation” is told through historical and fictional contexts. Often, the reason for success and overtaking is the indifference of the people they control. I wish I had a solid answer on what to do with the situation, or what to say about it other than, “That is so sad; I hope they turn out alright.” However, I do advise this: When you put this paper down, find someone knowledgeable about politics. Write to a politician. Look up the names of people who would do this. Look up the names of our own government and pay attention to what they’re actually doing. View multiple media stations—be critical even of those that broadcast your own view.
It is very difficult to know how to stop a protest and aid a country fighting its own battle, but with a conscious mind-set and strong will, it may be possible to make some contribution to diffuse the situation, and prevent ones from happening in our own society.
Anthony Munoz can be contacted at amunoz@keene-equinox.com