College Voices
My #JewishPrivilege and the Story of My Family Coming to America
Last Updated on February 12, 2021 by blendtw
One day in middle school, when I was about 13 years old, I was walking up to school on a weekend for a special band practice session. I was running late, as usual, as my parents and I are a famously non-punctual family.
The sky was cloudy and overcast; as I approached the front door of the school, I thought I started to hear the dinging of raindrops on the metal roof. But as a dime hit the pavement in front of me, I realized that the sound was not from rain.
From a balcony above the front door, two boys from band class laughed as they continued to shower me with loose change. Mortified, I rushed through the front door and urged myself to forget what had happened. This was my first experience of religious discrimination.
There was a time in my childhood when I was incredibly embarrassed to be Jewish. I am sure that many of us remember what middle school was like, how uncomfortable it was to be different, and how much we all desperately wanted to fit in.
Being Jewish was far from the only thing that made me unique; however, to grow up in the South as a Jew puts a target on your back and makes it difficult to feel pride in your cultural heritage.
I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. Otherwise known as the Holy City, Charleston is a historic place with a skyline dotted with steeple after steeple. The Jewish community there is small, yet nowhere near nonexistent.
In fact, the synagogue where I was bat mitzvah-ed and later confirmed, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, is one of the oldest congregations in America and contains the oldest continuously-used sanctuary in the country.
My journey to accepting my Jewish identity was tumultuous. As aforementioned, I resented my given religion for making me different. The way eyes always fell on me whenever the Holocaust was brought up in school.
I was sometimes expected to join hands and pray to Jesus when I would be invited to friends’ birthday parties, and I would be harassed for trying to embrace my Jewish identity. All of it, made me feel like an outsider, isolated and unforgivably different.
Recently, #JewishPrivilege started trending on Twitter. I am unsure whether this was started by a group of antisemites or as an ironic twist on the stereotype that Jews run the world. However, it made me reflect on how lucky I am that the worst antisemitism I have ever endured were threats of being sent to Hell by classmates claiming to be concerned for the fate of my soul. In the past, my family has seen much worse.
My great-grandfather on my dad’s side was named Leo Blau. Until the year 1933, he was a refrigeration engineer in Eastern Germany, where he lived close to his family and drove around the city smoking cigarettes and chatting with young women when he was not working.
Blau was successful, bringing the new technology of refrigeration to his hometown in Germany. Tragically, however, a feeling of uneasiness began to pervade his work life; when his manager joined the National Socialist Party, his sense of security decreased exponentially.
Blau was fortunate to have a supervisor that cared about him enough to help him get a transfer to Turkey. He left his entire family behind; only one of his siblings out of five brothers and sisters was able to escape Germany before the Holocaust began. Everyone in our family that remained in Germany was murdered by the end of the war.
In Turkey, Blau met a Jewish woman. They got married and had my grandmother Fanita, who I am named after. As the situation in Europe worsened, they feared they would have to flee the country to protect themselves.
My great-grandmother got pregnant again but was forced to have an abortion so that they could protect Fanita and be ready to flee Turkey at a moment’s notice. The three of them made it through the war alive and lived on to pass the story to my dad and his siblings.
He has since told me that Blau hardly ever spoke about his family that was murdered by the Nazis, just like many others who managed to survive the Holocaust. I mourn the family that I was supposed to have and who never got the chance to exist today.
My grandmother Fanita spent a few years working for a number of airlines in Turkey and then immigrated to the United States when she was about 25. While it is difficult to say what her experiences with antisemitism in the U.S. may have been like, my dad does know how in awe of America’s freedoms she was. Freedom of speech was something that she never had before in Turkey, and she reveled in it, according to my father.
According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), antisemitism in America is on the rise. 1,879 acts of hostility against Jewish people and organizations were reported to their database in 2018. The audit shows a marked increase in physical attacks and incidents in states all over the country.
Historians say that when we forget history, we are destined to repeat it. Bigots say that Jews bring up the Holocaust too much, that we embellish and exaggerate six million murdered and ignore the genocides happening today.
The situation that has arisen in cities like Portland has stopped those who remember history dead in their tracks; we seem to have forgotten what it took to kill the democracy in Germany in the mid-20th century.
The fights against antisemitism, racism, and police brutality in America are inextricably linked. Even as two distinct groups of people with different prominent stereotypes, Jews and Black Americans have joined together for decades to fight for equality for all.
We, as Americans, find ourselves at a critical turning point in history. If Jewish peoples chose apathy over action in regards to police brutality and protesters being kidnapped in unmarked vans, then we can expect injustices to be made against our communities for the rest of time.
I fear that there is a significant threat to democracy lurking in our country as President Trump threatens to delay the election in November and continues his experimentation with the secret police, signaling a potentially detrimental grab for power.
The only institutions that benefit from pitting minority groups against each other are ones that are built on and rely on the supremacy of the ruling class.
My #JewishPrivilege is that, hopefully, I will not be murdered for being Jewish like so many of my family members that I will never get to know. However, my fight as a Jew, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and as a woman is not over.
Popular stereotypes contort the success of Jews in America and turn us into scapegoats for problems that are completely out of our control. To say that Jews control the media and all of the country’s money only serves to shift the blame away from those who truly wield too much power.
It is not a crime to be privileged; it is only an injustice to have privilege and refuse to use it to benefit the less fortunate. We, as communities that have been discriminated against for centuries, cannot waste time fighting each other when we share common challenges and a common goal.
College Voices
5 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Actually Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions in 2023
With 2021 finally over, and many making plans for a better year, these are some easy ways to stick to your New Year’s Resolutions.
Last Updated on February 12, 2023 by Cher
The year 2022 is finally over, and we have a new year to look forward to!
If you’re anything like the majority of the world’s population, you’ve made New Year’s resolutions in the past—and broken them within a month.
But you keep making them, because you enjoy the optimism: beginning a new year on the right foot, promising to be a better, more fit and a more skilled version of yourself.
Here are ways you can stick to your New Year’s Resolutions in 2022
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Tell people about your resolution
Usually, we’re told that peer pressure is a bad thing. But in the case of a New Years’ Resolution, it might be just what you need. Positive reinforcement (encouragement and support) from your friends and family can push you to learn the guitar, lose the beer belly, or whatever it is you want to do in this new year.
Disappointment (or the fear of it) can also push you to work harder toward your goal. If the cost of failing on your resolution is a whole bunch of awkward and sad conversations, maybe that’ll keep you on the straight and narrow.
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Break it down into manageable chunks
This is something essentially everybody tells you about anything, but it’s true. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—and continues, step by step.
A New Years’ Resolution isn’t accomplished all at once, but rather gradually. Don’t push yourself too hard, and don’t get down on yourself if your goal is still a long way off.
Set realistic markers along the way, and at each one check in with yourself. That way, you’ll get a sense of accomplishment as you go, and you’ll see your progress stack up.
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Care for yourself
Treat your New Year’s Resolution as what it is: a gift. When you accomplish it, not only will you get the benefit of whatever your goal is, but you’ll feel more confidence and pride in yourself.
This feeling of accomplishment is full of benefits: it makes you better poised to chase down the next opportunity, better prepared to be a positive influence in the lives of others, and can even make you live longer.
In making a New Years’ Resolution, and caring about yourself, you’re giving the best present you can give yourself, so don’t think of it as correcting something that’s wrong about you, but giving yourself another thing that’s right about you.
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Forgive yourself, don’t define yourself
When a friend who’s made a mistake comes to you for help, do you immediately tell them that they’re worthless, that everybody knows it, and that they should just give up already?
No, but this treatment is something of the norm when it comes to yourself. Unfortunately, many of us treat ourselves this way; we are quick to criticize and slow to forgive.
Strangely enough, this negative self-talk often gives us permission to betray our resolutions.
If you resolve, in 2023, to cut down on carbs and one night you give in to the urge to order a bunch of pasta on Postmates, don’t beat yourself up for it the next morning.
Accept the mistake and continue working toward your goal the next day. Don’t decide you’re undisciplined, gluttonous, and have failed.
Everyone messes up a few times and forgiveness is the best way to move forward.
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Use your resolution as a chance to explore new horizons
We all have ideas about who we’d like to be, and we all face the realities of who we are.
While a person who wakes up every morning at 6 a.m. and works out in order to get a clean, fresh start to the day is certainly admirable, that person might not be you. In making resolutions, pick goals that flow organically from who you are.
If you don’t know who you are (because who really does?) then go into a resolution with flexibility.
If, for example, your resolution is to get fit, don’t force yourself into a box with it. Instead, try different exercises, intensities, and intervals.
Don’t stick yourself in the gym for a 45-minute routine with weights when what you’d really enjoy doing is going to a yoga class or going for a run.
Realize that everybody is different, and rather than changing yourself into somebody new, your resolution can be a way of discovering who you might already be.
Think of it as an exploration. Let things develop, and commit to remaining open and focused.
Source
The year, 2023 will likely be another challenging year. You already know why, so there’s no reason to repeat it here.
But remember that you got through 2022, and if your resolution for 2023 is to just survive it sane, healthy, and maybe a little wiser—that’s totally fine.
It’ll take some doing, but you’re definitely further along than you think you are.
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Last Updated on January 6, 2021 by blendtw
People across the globe are being affected by climate change. Global warming and climate change are having detrimental effects on the Earth such as increased flooding, hotter temperatures, wildfires, and droughts. Wildlife and ecosystems are being destroyed. Sea levels are rising. The list goes on and it can be overwhelming to take in the effects of climate change. This is why mental health is being greatly affected by climate change, particularly in teenagers and college students.
Climate Anxiety
Anxiety related to the global climate and fear of environmental doom is often referred to as eco-anxiety or climate anxiety. This anxiety is a legitimate reaction to a serious problem. A large population of Generation Z is burdened by climate anxiety. This is because they are concerned about their futures considering the state of the Earth and the fatal implications of climate change.
A contributing factor to climate anxiety is the lack of action currently being taken by political leaders. Many leaders in positions of power are avoiding climate issues rather than solving them. This has prompted members of younger generations to step up and fight for change. Young activists like Greta Thunberg have taken the lead in protesting climate injustices. But watching older generations sit back while climate change is destroying the planet can lead to feelings of frustration and anger, which are common symptoms of climate anxiety.
Climate change can be a controversial topic and there is a fair amount of conflict surrounding it. Everyone reacts differently to the topic: many people shut down when climate change is brought up and they avoid the subject altogether. Others are fearful of the effects of climate change and want to help but feel powerless. And some people are eager to take action and do their part in combating climate change.
Many teenagers and college students have made efforts to reduce their carbon footprint by making lifestyle changes. Going vegan, carpooling, and shopping sustainably are some of the many ways to cut down on carbon emissions. But unfortunately, big corporations are some of the main contributors to climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions––a major contributor to climate change––are the highest they’ve ever been. This leaves young generations as they have difficulty believing that they can make a difference.
How Climate Change Affects Mental Health
Every continent on the Earth is now affected by climate change. Meaning, climate anxiety is a global issue and can affect anyone, regardless of location, wealth, or privilege.
Many people are mentally affected by climate change because they have been faced with natural disasters, such as wildfires, serious storms, or flooding. While everyone reacts and copes differently, many survivors of these environmental disasters have some sort of lasting psychological trauma. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief are some of the many mental health issues that people who have lived through natural disasters struggle with.
But you don’t need to be directly faced with a natural disaster to feel climate anxiety or despair over the state of the Earth. Just witnessing and learning about climate change is enough to cause mental health issues. There’s a sense of impending doom or existential dread that can wash over you when reflecting on climate change and its effects.
Why Climate Anxiety is Often Overlooked
Climate anxiety is often overlooked or brushed off. This is because it can be difficult to discuss mental health concerns because there are still stigmas surrounding mental health. Climate anxiety is also typically not taken as seriously as other anxieties or mental health issues. This is because many people do not understand the serious, detrimental impacts of climate change.
What to do About Climate Anxiety
- Talk to friends and family about climate change.
Listen to their thoughts on the matter and discuss your own thoughts. Talk about the negative impacts and grieve with them. It can be healing and helpful to share your concerns with others.
- Become a part of the solution!
It is important to stay informed on environmental topics and to use your knowledge for good. Join a climate justice organization at your school or in your community. Connecting with others who also care about climate change can ease your worries and fears about the Earth’s future. Climate organizations are making a difference in your community and educating others on climate change.
- Join protests.
If there are protests near you, make a sign and join in. Marching with other people who care about climate injustices is empowering. Protests help spark change by informing others and raising awareness.
- Do what you can to help the environment.
It is important to do what you can to reduce your own carbon footprint, but don’t become overly consumed with it. Eat a more plant-based diet, bike or carpool when you can, and use reusable bags. But try not to worry about how each of your actions will impact the environment. Those who experience climate anxiety often feel guilty about taking part in activities that affect the environment, like driving. Just do what you can and that will be enough.
Last Updated on January 2, 2021 by blendtw
With all of America’s recent and pressing events, it is easy to inadvertently ignore major happenings abroad. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest are not limited to American soil.
When the coronavirus began spreading across the globe earlier this year, world leaders reacted to the virus as they saw fit. Fast forward to today, and the virus continues to ravage many parts of the world, increasing the number of total cases to over 50 million people. With the addition of social unrest due to racial injustice, the world seems to have a daunting amount of crises.
Throughout this difficult time, countries imposed restrictions and limitations on their citizens in order to curb the contagion. In certain places, these limitations persist today. Subsequently, people are growing increasingly impatient as the pandemic remains as present and dangerous as it was in March. Indeed, many experts claim that the feared next wave of the virus is now in effect.
The prevailing threat and restrictions put in place have led citizens in some countries to protest. In Spain, for example, citizens have flooded city streets touting messages such as “Stop the dictatorship” or “Madrid says enough.” Unfortunately, certain rabble-rousers have taken it upon themselves to escalate these protests into less peaceful demonstrations of social unrest.
In Madrid, rioters turned unnecessarily violent, setting fires in the city, smashing windows of local shops, and assaulting police officers. These riots do not appear to be the result of spontaneous action but rather a coordinated effort planned through social media.
If the story of peaceful protests being undermined by violent extremists sounds familiar, you may be remembering the various riots that took place in America. The George Floyd protests, unfortunately, broke down into senseless social unrest, resulting in property damage and theft to numerous cities throughout America.
Just as the coronavirus pandemic is not isolated to this country, public assemblies due to racial injustice have also formed globally. As protests advocating for social justice started in American cities, foreign citizens heard the rallying cries. Demonstrations from South America to Europe, to Africa, have echoed the message of the Black Lives Matter movement, demanding justice and equality for all citizens, regardless of skin color. A spokesperson for the Belgian Network for Black Lives, Stephanie Collingwoode-Williams reflected, “people think about how it was relevant where we are.”
Although American protesters set positive trends to confront one crisis, its leaders have not been as successful in combatting the coronavirus. Out of the roughly 1.27 million deaths suffered worldwide, 239,000 of them were American.
This is by far the largest death toll of any country; in addition, America also holds the record for the most cases, by well over one million. These eye-opening statistics naturally lead to critics pointing to this nation’s shortcomings in dealing with the virus. A recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that throughout Donald Trump’s presidency, worldwide perceptions of America have been in decline. Recent violent outbursts from police officers, coupled with the mismanagement of the pandemic, have exacerbated this fall.
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