Social media must regulate harmful content

Recent statistics reveal that antisemitism is still very alive and increasing with each generation in America. A report from Statista revealed that Jews experience the highest amount of hate crimes in America of any religious group, recording a whopping 683 hate crime incidents in 2020. After much research, it is evident that a driving cause of this increase in antisemitism is due to the expansion of mass media, specifically social media, in America, and it is vital that more online censorship is enacted to prevent the rise of antisemitism.

People are utilizing these platforms to spread hate and misconceptions about Jewish people, exacerbating antisemitism. A recent incident of this correlation is shown when Kanye West tweeted about “going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE.” Kanye was able to voice his hate towards the Jewish community on a platform where he has 31.5 million followers provoking an antisemitic outbreak across America. In the following days, many people demonstrated their anti-Jewish sentiments with posters, Hitler salutes, and antisemitic posts online applauding Kanye for his statement, causing Jews to feel unsafe.

In the new age of media, hate can spread faster and farther than ever before leading people to believe that it is acceptable to be overtly hateful since they see others acting in such ways. Social media platforms need to regulate people’s harmful posts before antisemitism, and hate in general, becomes more widespread and endangering to society.

— Ellie Eisenberg, Boulder

Expand education to realm of mental wellbeing

Elementary schools onward should teach actual practical mental health techniques as opposed to leaving children in the dark. When I was in elementary school, the concept of having a healthy mind was only presented to me in the form of cartoon monks that were not meant to be taken seriously.

By middle school, it had gotten a little better. I was told about counselors, and I was told I could ask them any question I needed. But why should I? Just because they were there doesn’t mean I’m planning on waltzing toward a stranger and telling them I was feeling down.

By high school, I had already had it drilled into my head that I couldn’t trust the administration with anything because they were a foreign people to me. They couldn’t understand me, and I sat there alone, with no idea how to figure it out on my own. But I had no choice in the matter.

I simply wish to expand our teachings into the realm of the mind and how to keep it healthy, as well as the body. Rather than just the body with PE. It would help people tremendously.

— Jimmy Proctor, Littleton

Mirrors get power from users. Look with love.

Kate Encelewski’s letter lamenting the impacts of mirrors in the dance studio resonated, and I hope her teachers are receptive and responsive. Please keep in mind that mirrors are tools that rely on their users for power, and provide only reflections. Some tips:

• Practice looking at yourself with love and respect: this will be contagious.

• Observe your alignment to engage your internal power and confidence.

• Do not pay attention to visions of consumer culture that feed on your feelings of inadequacy. Soften your gaze and blur them from your experience as they do not serve you.

• Focus on the joy that comes from moving in unison with a group of dancers, physically connected by sound to one another and beyond.

Because dance engages a sensitivity to those around us, it can support a culture of criticism. That same sensitivity can be a powerful force in helping one another find our strengths. Happy Dancing!

— Ilene Flax, Boulder