New Beginnings

 2021...

The year that everyone has been hoping for. The year that couldn't show up soon enough. The year that had mystic properties surrounding it; as if it would be the "end all-be all" of 2020. In truth, the only thing that has changed in 2021 is a number. The stains that 2020 have left on politics, the media, and this nation will remain for several years to come; the good news is, people are trying to fix that, and their efforts are actually making a dent. 

The incorporation of politics in the media has never been more influential in society than these past four years. Trump's presidency, conspiracy groups, and younger voter turnout are all signs that show how much power the media truly holds. Because of this, it is crucial for media outlets not to spread false information to their audiences and, likewise, for audiences to seek out factual information. The spread of false information is not only a waste of consumer's time, but also a danger to those who believe it. On January 6th, 2021, several groups (mostly Trump supporters, but this also includes/is not limited to QAnon and Proud Boys) stormed the U.S. Capitol to show their "patriotism" and demand the truth regarding a "rigged" election. This was an incited riot of which the media and Trump fueled, and not just on that day, but for the four years leading up to January 6th. 

In this blog, I want to talk about the many ways in which media can both help and hinder politics, why they make such a powerful force when combined, and the details of their entanglement. The past four years have given this topic a wide range of things to digest, and I hope to discuss as much as possible to not only understand more, but also acquire different perspectives.

Have hope for 2021...we've made it, but the ride isn't over yet.