Category: politics

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The U.S. economy added just 33,000 jobs in July 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a drastic drop from June’s revised total of 194,000 jobs. For context, economists expected around 175,000 new jobs. We fell significantly short.

July’s report signals a broader slowdown in job growth. While one month doesn’t define a trend, many professionals are understandably anxious. When growth slows, layoffs often follow. Freelancers feel the squeeze. Recent grads face fewer opportunities. Hiring freezes kick in.

So what can we do in times like these?

Servant Leadership Is More Important Than Ever

In tough economic times, good leadership matters more. But not the traditional top-down kind. Now is the time for servant leadership.

Servant leaders put people first. They provide support, empathy, and stability. They coach, uplift, and guide without ego. They ask, How can I help?

And they recognize that hope is a strategic advantage.

If you’re in a position of leadership right now, consider how you can create clarity and calm for your team, your peers, or even your online community. Compassion-driven leadership is needed in this very moment.

Learn Instead of Just Earn: Why Literacy Is the Key

When jobs are scarce, learning becomes survival. But we’re not just talking about college degrees. In today’s world, we need multiple forms of literacy:

  • Digital literacy — How systems work, how content flows, how to use platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed
  • Media literacy — Understanding how information is framed and shared online
  • Platform literacy — How to navigate job boards, remote hiring, and gig platforms

The goal? Know how everything works. Learn how the systems move so you can move through them, and around them if necessary.

If You’re Out of Work: What to Focus On

1. Keep updating your portfolio. Even if you’re not currently employed, you can keep working on projects, freelance tasks, writing samples, or mock case studies. Employers want to see momentum and proof that you’re still growing. Consider a writing challenge for your blog (like what I’m doing right now) or create a collection of social media posts that drive engagement for a marketing or SEO role.

2. Stay open to freelance or contract work. Many employers are cutting full-time roles but still need help. Contract gigs can fill in financial gaps and keep your skills sharp. Yes, freelancing means buying your own health insurance. But it also means flexibility and survival. Right now, survival matters.

3. Don’t underestimate your effort. You’re not alone. Many talented people are in the same position. For example, one job I applied to a couple of weeks ago had 954 job applicants. Another one had over 1600. The U.S. has over 330 million people, and only 33,000 new jobs were added. That’s not on me or you.

4. Keep working on that small business. Staying busy is best, and while staying busy does not always mean being profitable, it does mean that there is a way to contribute to your community. And in turn, the community will support you. For those who sell goods, consider farmers’ markets. Get chronically online. Open that Etsy or Shopify. Interact with others online and watch how organic engagement draws people in.

5. Have empathy for yourself. It’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to feel stuck or stagnant. Sometimes, you find yourself meditating, but you might wonder why you’re being still when you need to be working. It’s okay. Just don’t confuse stillness with failure, because we aren’t failures. We are surviving. And if you’re trying, you’re doing more than enough.

If You Have a Job: Hold It Carefully, But Strategically

If you’re currently employed, be mindful of how you contribute. Help others where you can. Be someone who uplifts. But also: keep your options open. Update your resume, refresh your skills, and quietly prepare for what’s to come, which will probably include further drastic economic instability.

Sources:

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Written in 2024 and updated in 2025

In The New Social Theory Reader by Steven Seidman and Jeffrey C. Alexander, one of the most pivotal figures explored is Jürgen Habermas—a philosopher and sociologist whose theories on law and democracy continue to shape contemporary discourse. His work, featured in Chapter One, unpacks the complex relationship between democratic governance and the legal system, offering a powerful framework for understanding how modern societies function (and do not).

At the heart of Habermas’s philosophy is the concept of communicative action—the idea that rational discourse and mutual understanding are essential for democracy to thrive. In his view, democracy is only as strong as the public’s ability to engage in meaningful, reasoned dialogue. The law, then, becomes more than a set of rules—it transforms into a reflection of collective will and a safeguard for justice and equality.

As Habermas puts it:

“What makes communicative reason possible is the linguistic medium through which interactions are woven together, and forms of life are structured.”

The Public Sphere and Deliberative Democracy

A key component of Habermas’s theory is the concept of the public sphere—a space where individuals gather as equals to discuss shared concerns. This concept is central to how he defines democracy: a system where deliberative democracy can flourish, diverse viewpoints can be expressed, and consensus can be reached through open and inclusive discussion.

In this setting, the law serves as a codification of the collective dialogue that takes place within the public sphere. It formalizes shared norms into structures that govern social behavior, ensuring that society reflects the values that its people have negotiated.

However, Habermas’s optimism is tempered by realism—especially given the historical context of post–World War II Europe. As he observed:

“Just when it could emerge as the sole heir of the moral practical self-understanding of modernity, it lacks the energy to drive ahead with the task of imposing social and ecological restraints on capitalism at the breathtaking level of global society”
(Seidman, 2008, p. 35).

Critique of Modernity: Technology, Power, and the Lifeworld

Habermas is sharply critical of how money, power, and technology distort public discourse. In his view, these forces create deep divides and diminish the public’s ability to engage in authentic communication. He warns of what he calls the “colonization of the lifeworld”—when bureaucratic systems and instrumental logic invade everyday human interaction, stripping individuals of autonomy and meaning.

He is particularly wary of how technological advancement can reinforce social inequality. Access to information, platforms for discourse, and the ability to participate meaningfully in democratic processes are increasingly tied to power and privilege.

“The systemic integration attained through money and power must retain its dependence upon socially integrative processes of civic self-determination in accordance with the Constitutional understanding of the legal community.”
(Seidman, 2008, p. 42).

Why Habermas Still Matters

Habermas’s work continues to influence a wide array of disciplines, including legal theory, political science, and media studies. His ideas have sparked critical conversations about deliberative democracy, legal pluralism, and the role of civil society in democratic engagement.

For researchers and practitioners alike, Habermas offers more than theory—he offers a roadmap for reform. Policymakers, educators, and activists can draw from his work to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive civic participation. His framework enables us to assess whether our institutions genuinely serve democratic values—or merely simulate them.

Final Thoughts

Habermas reminds us that democracy isn’t just about laws. It’s about voices. It’s about creating spaces where people can speak, be heard, and reach a mutual understanding. As we continue to confront digital influence, economic inequality, and political division, his vision of the public sphere and communicative rationality becomes more urgent than ever.

In an age where algorithms often replace dialogue, Habermas calls us back to conversation.

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Written in 2025

It’s been a while since I’ve done a free write.

So, here I am. Just sitting with my thoughts. Feeling okay. Not great, not awful. Just okay.

Lately, I’ve found myself ruminating. About everything and nothing at the same time. The paradox of politics has been especially loud in my head. We live in a moment where standing for something should matter more than ever, and yet we’re watching people fall for anything.

The divide between left and right feels enormous, but maybe we’re looking in the wrong direction. Perhaps it’s not about the dichotomy between what’s left or right. There has to be something else.

I look over at the book I’ve been reading, Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire. Suddenly, the thought bubble is taken over by the little speck of light you see when you’re floating to the bottom of the sea. Small, but bright.

Maybe we should be looking up and down.

Because let’s be honest: we’re not on the up and up.

The Weight We Carry

Photo by Ahsanjaya on Pexels.com

Many millennials—often burdened by debt, high rent, and economic instability—are living in multigenerational households. As of 2021, approximately 18% of millennials (ages 27–42) were living with their parents or other older relatives (Pew Research Center).

Millennials have lived through wars, pandemics, and now the normalization of fascist rhetoric in American public life. From 9/11 to Iraq and Afghanistan, to COVID-19, to the destabilizing effects of misinformation and mass surveillance, we’ve been through it. And now Gen Z is dealing with it too. And so will Gen Alpha, which is a shame.

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

Coming together still feels like a dream. But dreams don’t happen unless we make moves. And the community needs to hit the ground running. We’re all going to have to pick up the slack.

Time does not stop for anyone.

Idiocracy, In Real Time

Photo Courtesy of The Guardian

I finally watched Idiocracy the other day. It’s satire. But barely. It’s a little scary how books and movies help us make sense of our present day.

In the U.S., most adults read at a 7th to 8th-grade level, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Post-pandemic studies have shown a decline in literacy, particularly among young people.

This is why my son has a “banned books” shelf, for all stages of his life. I am afraid that this type of information might slip through his tiny hands if I don’t provide it. So I will. I will teach him. The most radical thing I can do, as a parent, is teach my son what the schools will not.

Knowledge is the last vestige of reality. We’re watching it slip through our phone screens. Anti-intellectualism, algorithm-driven thinking, and an overreliance on AI-generated content have reshaped how we think, what we value, and how we interact. Like Baudrillard predicted, we’ve become a nation of simulations.

We’re watching the downfall of the United States in real time.

And it’s not some abstract future. It’s now.

This is literally something that no amount of therapy, medication, or Love Island could fix, due to economic instability like this. Our stock market is inflated, and the tariffs we will and already are paying will not help.

And then there’s still half of America that doesn’t realize that. Still.

What We Need: Community, Care, and Clarity

However, there is hope.

Creator: Jae Hong | Credit: AP

Copyright: Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

In California, we’ve seen mutual aid in action—from organizing during ICE operations to recovering from catastrophic wildfires. In July 2024, reports of targeted ICE activity in Los Angeles renewed the urgency around community defense, and the response was swift: neighbors supported one another. Legal aid groups mobilized. Volunteers stepped in.

We’re more than just voters. We’re protectors of the community. There may be a drastic digital divide that the wealthy abhorrently take advantage of — and people are starting to see it.

This isn’t just about left or right.

It’s about transcending fascism. About resisting late-stage capitalism. About caring for one another in a system that’s tried everything to convince us that care is a weakness. It’s about a community of care.

It’s about grassroots organizing, building community resilience, and mitigating misinformation. It’s about refusing to back down even when things feel impossible.

The population is waking up and putting their foot down. Enough is enough.

There’s still time to enact a call to action.

There’s still time to make a change.

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Print Capitalism, National Consciousness, and the Problem with Imagined Unity

Benedict Anderson’s Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism explores how nationalism itself is not an organic development, but a socially constructed phenomenon—an “imagined community” built through shared language, culture, and crucially, the rise of print capitalism.

It’s a fascinating idea: that nations are not bound by physical borders but rather by the stories we tell ourselves and each other. Citizens build a sense of belonging through newspapers, novels, and other printed materials, one that gives people the illusion of unity with others they would never meet in person. Anderson argues that this shared sense of identity, while powerful, is imagined. And like many imagined ideas, it can be wielded for both cohesion and control.

From Anderson’s perspective, the press plays a key role in this construction. Journalism becomes not just a source of information, but a vehicle for reinforcing nationalism. At its best, the media is supposed to serve as a societal watchdog. However, under capitalism, and particularly when a handful of billionaires control the press, those ideals are often replaced by narratives that serve power, not the people.

In the same way state-run media has shaped public perception in countries like North Korea, Vietnam, or China (as Anderson notes on pages 282–283), Western media, though less overtly controlled, often operates in similar ways. Ownership, agenda, and ideology filter what gets published, and who gets heard. The result? A narrative that normalizes colonization, glorifies the past, and renders oppression and exploitation invisible to the mainstream.

And even though much of the media we consume today is digital rather than printed, the impact remains. Words are still “printed” on screens, and they still construct a national identity; one that often leans heavily into conservative values, especially in the U.S., where Christianity and nationalism frequently go hand in hand.

Now, to be clear: having pride in your country isn’t inherently problematic. However, when a selective history and curated information shape national pride, things become murky. For example, in certain rural or conservative parts of the U.S., public school curricula are shaped by school boards that may actively omit or distort historical realities, glossing over colonization, slavery, and the actual mechanics of war. Omission doesn’t just limit education; it undermines the national consciousness that Anderson described. Without honest reflection, the “imagined community” becomes more myth than memory.

Capitalism and the Narrative of Truth

Ideologies such as Marxism and socialism were founded on principles of equity and solidarity. However, when capitalism becomes the dominant force behind the circulation of information—especially when profit and power are involved—those ideals can be easily co-opted. Greed alters the public narrative, and we see this play out in real time through today’s media coverage.

A Case Study in Media Framing

Take, for example, the ongoing starvation of Palestinian infants and children. A leaked internal memo from The New York Times in 2024 reportedly instructed journalists not to refer to Palestine as an “occupied territory” or to use terms like “genocide” in their reporting. Regardless of where one stands politically, it’s clear that such editorial decisions shape public perception. When specific terms are off-limits, it becomes harder for readers to access the full scope of the issue, and easier for a particular narrative to dominate the conversation. In this case, media objectivity is compromised in favor of language that supports nationalist or colonialist perspectives.

It’s not just about one conflict and its framing. It’s about how newsrooms, under the pressure of corporate and political interests, contribute to constructing national identity in ways that may exclude or silence others. They become complicit. When journalism becomes selective in its truth-telling, it undermines its purpose and reinforces a worldview that favors power over people.

The Tech-Nationalism Feedback Loop

Nationalism, as Anderson reminds us, is a modern invention. It evolves alongside technology, and as our means of communication become faster and more centralized, so too does the spread of nationalist ideology. We see this not just in the U.S., but in places like China, where digital firewalls and media censorship shape the public’s perception of national identity. There, access to platforms like Facebook or Instagram is restricted not only for security, but also to protect a specific narrative.

Secular Allegiance and the Flattening of Identity

Anderson also notes how nationalism can take on secular forms, replacing religious or ethnic affiliations with allegiance to the nation-state. In theory, this could be a unifying force; something that helps people move beyond divisions and find common ground. In practice, though, it often flattens identity, pushing marginalized communities to conform to dominant norms or risk exclusion.

Conclusion: Who Gets Left Out?

This tension between imagined unity and lived reality is perhaps the most pressing issue with nationalism today. When media and technology become tools of influence rather than inquiry, they no longer create bridges between people. They create barriers.

Anderson’s work doesn’t just help explain the origins of nationalism; it offers a lens for questioning the stories we’re told and the systems that tell them. It invites us to ask the following question: Who benefits from these imagined communities? Who gets left out of the story?

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By Ashlyn N. Ramirez

“Justice is possible without a knowledge of God’s Law.” — Alasdair MacIntyre
“Struggles for recognition occur in a world of exacerbated material inequality.” — Nancy Fraser

We like to think justice is simple. Fair. Earned. But what if the systems we rely on to define justice were never built for everyone in the first place?

In my studies, I found myself pulled between two powerful voices: Alasdair MacIntyre and Nancy Fraser. They don’t write textbooks. They write blueprints for understanding who gets to decide what’s fair—and who’s left out.

MacIntyre speaks in traditions. He says justice is shaped by culture, by religion, by inherited values. Justice, for him, isn’t universal—it’s rooted in communities shaped by Puritanism, Catholicism, and Judaism. If those are the traditions you’re part of, maybe his logic feels familiar. But for others, it can feel exclusive. It left me wondering: if your history isn’t part of those narratives, do you still get to belong?

Fraser, on the other hand, meets us in the present. She writes about what we can see: food insecurity, health gaps, systemic racism, and gender-based violence. Her lens is urgent, intersectional, and sharp. She says it’s not enough to redistribute wealth—you must also recognize identity. You can’t discuss equality without addressing visibility.

When Tradition Doesn’t See You

MacIntyre’s work made me pause. He believes we inherit rationality through community. That truth is shaped by tradition. The liberal media and secular politics have lost sight of deeper values. He’s not entirely wrong.

However, I don’t come from the traditions he centers on. And I don’t believe justice should be reserved only for people who follow a specific moral lineage. Justice, to me, can’t be something you earn through inheritance. It has to be something we build—together.

Irene Chu calls MacIntyre’s logic deeply institutional. He’s focused on structure. On moral blueprints. But I kept asking myself: what about people who are navigating systems that were never made with them in mind?

Seeing Ourselves in the Struggle

Fraser is different. She calls out material inequality—not just in paycheck size, but in access to healthcare, housing, and even clean air. Her work hit home. As someone who has lived through environmental racism and felt the physical cost of inequality, her ideas weren’t just theory. They were familiar.

Fraser argues for two kinds of justice: redistribution (who gets what) and recognition (who gets seen). She says you can’t have one without the other. Pride parades, she notes, aren’t just celebrations—they’re statements. Visibility is political.

She also doesn’t let systems off the hook. Fraser is critical of neoliberalism, identity tokenism, and top-down reform. She’s grounded in feminist theory and understands that structural change requires cultural and symbolic transformation too.

Where They Meet—and Where They Don’t

Both MacIntyre and Fraser believe justice isn’t working. But their solutions come from different places. One looks to the past; the other looks to systems and structures that still dominate the present.

They both criticize liberalism’s failures. Both challenge how Enlightenment ideals left out too many people. But only one of them, in my opinion, shows a path forward that includes all of us.

MacIntyre invites us to consider what we inherit. Fraser challenges us to change what we’ve normalized.

Why It Matters to Me

As a doctoral student researching the digital divide, I witness these frameworks being played out every day. Some students never had access to laptops or high-speed internet. That’s not just a tech issue—it’s a justice issue. Fraser’s lens helps me see that clearly.

But I also understand how culture shapes belief. That’s MacIntyre’s territory. Why some still resist digital learning. Why access isn’t just about money, but mindset.

Ultimately, both theorists provide tools. Fraser equips me to fight for equity. MacIntyre reminds me that beliefs are inherited—and that means they can be challenged.

Justice Isn’t Neutral. It’s Personal.

I’ve spent years trying to understand why justice seems so distant for some and so readily assumed for others. This journey through MacIntyre and Fraser didn’t provide me with a single perfect answer. But it gave me a better question:

Whose justice? Which rationality?

I think we’re all still trying to figure that out.

Ashlyn N. Ramirez is a doctoral candidate, writer, and researcher who explores media, identity, and access in the digital age.

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Written in 2023

“Go back to where you came from.” That was the top phrase I heard the entire time I’ve been a resident of the California Bible Belt.

There’s nothing original about growing up in the Inland Empire. It’s the suburbs—yet somehow still considered rural in parts. It’s a place where underrepresented populations are growing in number, but so are Trump flags and right-wing extremism.

In 2020, Riverside County—where I reside—declared racism a public health crisis. But racism has always been here. It’s in the air, in the politics, and sometimes literally in the air—I developed severe asthma from poor air quality, a byproduct of environmental racism. I once lived next to a house raided by the FBI for extremist activity. My local representative, Ken Calvert, welcomed Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene to attend a church service in my community—during a tour with indicted rapist Congressman Matt Gaetz.

It’s the kind of place where, in 2014, “patriots” blocked a road with linked arms to stop a bus of Central American immigrants, convinced they were defending land that was never theirs to begin with. This community sits on stolen land—look up the Temecula Indian Massacre.

And I live here.

Assimilation Is Not Safety

Being multigenerational doesn’t shield me from anything. I still live with my parents after my divorce. I still face systemic oppression—in healthcare, in schools, and in the workplace. I’ve spent half my life trying to break into a profession that doesn’t want me there. Not here. Not where my presence is questioned at every turn.

At 28, I took a DNA test and discovered I’m Indigenous. But I don’t know what tribe I came from. That’s erasure. That’s trauma. That’s assimilation. And no amount of “blending in” will save us.

Journalism Was Never Just a Job

I built a journalism career piece by piece. Assistant Opinion Editor at Cal State Fullerton’s Daily Titan. Reporter. Editor. Columnist. I investigated homelessness in Orange County and covered political unrest. In 2017, I helped cover a CSUF lecturer’s altercation with the campus Republican club and the protests that followed. That work resurfaced recently—because the threats haven’t gone away.

I’ve written for luxury magazines, indie rock blogs, and newspapers across Southern California. I helped de-platform a right-wing extremist on The Intercept. My team placed third in the California College Media Awards and was a finalist for the LA Press Club. I was proud. But even with those wins, self-doubt lingered—because race and class constantly press back.

I have two degrees, including a Master of Science in Communications and Journalism Innovation, and I’m earning a doctorate in Education. But even now, I know what it means to be overlooked.

Beyond DEI

Diversity, equity, and inclusion have become marketing buzzwords. DEI can be a trap—another way to tokenize BIPOC voices instead of truly listening.

I used to think my passion was journalism. But what I’ve come to realize is that my real passion is learning. It’s education. It’s digital literacy. It’s helping others navigate a world built to exclude them. I’m currently a full-time doctoral student researching the intersection of media, digital access, and educational equity.

Innovation starts with the words we write—in the classroom, on the internet, and in print. That’s how we build new pathways.

Rewriting My Own History

I write poetry now—mostly dark. It’s how I process. I look at the media landscape and feel haunted. I watch journalism become clickbait. I watch misinformation flood the platforms. I watch the rise of new precedents in media law that mirror the darkest parts of our history.

But I also see possibility.

Without writers, there is no record. Without journalists, there is no truth in print. I lost my culture through assimilation, but I refuse to stay disconnected from my heart.

Through research, education, and writing, I’ve traced pieces of my family tree. I’ve rebuilt what was erased. I’ve claimed space. And I’ve done it all while living with invisible illness, chronic pain, and neurodivergence.

Why I Keep Going

Why do I keep writing? Why am I still fighting for space in rooms that were never designed for me?

Because breaking generational cycles matters. Because education matters. Because there are students—readers—leaders—like me, still searching for a story that feels like home.

I’m not just chasing a degree. I’m chasing the freedom to write the truth, to teach it, and to make sure someone else doesn’t have to grow up wondering where they really come from.

In the end, we all become the exact same specks of atmospheric dust. But while I’m here, I’m going to make it count.

Written by Ashlyn Ramirez – Writer, Researcher, Educator

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April 6, 2024

Introduction

According to the Global Risk Report for 2022, released by the World Economic Forum, the first paragraph notes that the last 18 months have been marked by a cycle of rapid digitalization across industries. Although the climate crisis and debt crisis were the most pressing concerns in the survey, it is clear that other issues, both within and outside the office, will also exacerbate over time. Conservative school boards have become platforms for far-right agendas that undermine the interests of public education, students, parents, and administrators (Henrikson, 2023; Lambert, 2022). While expected to remain nonpartisan, school boards are alarmingly ideologically driven (Henrikson, 2023; Anderson, 2024). There needs to be more direction and accountability regarding values and ethics, highlighting the importance of compliance, as it enables informed decisions. The public’s voice matters the most for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) nonprofit Make Us Visible California.

“It [ethical leadership in education issues] proves how diverse California’s socio-political geography is, which MUV CA must contend against. A longer-term strategy for MUV CA will involve getting parents, teachers, and students involved in school boards.” Charles Joesph Sato Montesa, the director of MUV CA, stated. “We are trying to understand what we are dealing with here” (Montesa, March 4, 2024).

Far-right figures have utilized school boards as a vehicle for directing public education, affecting students, parents, and administrators in ways that are detrimental to all parties involved (Henrikson, 2023; Lambert, 2022). An ethical leader must adhere to the principles recognized by the majority as “sound foundations for the common good” (Kim et al., 2022). In Southern California, especially, far-right vitriol has also trickled down into school boards across the state. 

Across the state, school districts operate independently, allowing for different curricula to be taught (Montesa, March 4, 2024). According to Kok et al., aspects of the social responsibility framework require organizations to assess their social responsibility and public interest within their confines (Kok et al., 2001). “Working conditions, diversity and inclusion, organizational structure, management style, communication, transparency, education, and ethics awareness are all vital components of that framework” (Kok et al., 2001). However, these changes must be initiated locally by grassroots organizing. Grassroots organizations are the only way parents and advocates can help educators teach their children by influencing school boards.  Accountability must occur for the organizations that allow such hatred to creep into school boards and for the practices of book banning, forced outings of LGBTQ+ students, resistance strategies against trans rights in schools, and the elite manipulating school boards for their organizations to keep the working class under their control. To reduce the influence of right-wing ideology, we must resist the resistance that often goes unaddressed. 

Summary of Ethical Issues

There have been few cases of overrun school boards dealing with government agencies (Henrikson, 2023; Anderson, 2024), despite the requirement that government agencies be nonpartisan. To follow these values and ethics, discussing compliance is essential. Values and ethics depend on one another; without them, there is no ethics or compliance. 

According to photojournalist Kelly Stuart, it is damaging to show people how none of the school board’s current leadership is from “organic mamas; it is elites and people with tons of money trying to destroy the public school system” (Stuart, April 3, 2024). 

Multiple school districts face the same far-right agitators traveling to meetings and exerting their influence on malleable parents to convey their organization’s message in all forms. Some of the top influences include Erik Prince, Betsy DeVos, Ginny Thomas, and Justice Clarence Thomas (Stuart, April 3, 2024). When forced outing policies came to light in a couple of Southern California School Districts, the Rainbow Youth Coalition and lgbtq crisis Hotline saw a 600% rise in phone calls regarding feeling suicidal.

  Stuart calls the issues she reports on school boards a “war of chaos” (Stuart, April 3, 2024).  She never planned to have so much involvement as a photographer (Stuart, April 3, 2024). However, there is no agreement to disagree with these types of agitators, which started to emerge during the anti-vax movement of the COVID-19 pandemic (Stuart, April 3, 2024). They will not speak to the media unless they deem the reporter on their side (Stuart, April 3, 2024). “And if you are not, you are risking your life to report on them. It is scary. Some of these elite people can kill [you] and make [you] disappear,” she said (Stuart, April 3, 2024). 

Elements such as wealthy and influential people pulling the strings are why a change in ethics can no longer come from the top; change must start from the bottom (locally) and work its way up from there. According to Stuart, suicides did happen once these outing policies came into effect. Parents had to leave the districts where they lived, and some kids became homeless (Stuart, April 3, 2024). She mentioned that those policies have a tangible impact, although it is hard to put a face to the conflict since they are confidential crisis hotlines. It often takes parents from different school districts to compare notes and consistently attend these meetings to identify the agitators creating so much chaos within their districts for their children. While Governor Gavin Newsom has made an effort to require media literacy in the classroom (Carillo, 2023; Dirks, 2024), these policies are not being effectively implemented in the California Bible Belt. It is up to public education advocates and parents to do the job.

“The most important thing to do is to track the pattern and then show up [to the local council and school board meetings], and you know, be willing to follow them to the other places they are going. Call them out and tell them that they are not organic. Tell them they are continuing the AstroTurf grouping,” said Stuart (Stuart, April 3, 2024).

Australia has a formal system to promote compliance with its values statement and code of conduct (Kernaghan, 2003). The Public Service Act requires reporting to parliament on APS values and code compliance (Kernaghan, 2003). Agencies must have procedures in place to determine code breaches and impose sanctions, such as employment termination, salary reduction, and reassignment of duties (Kernaghan, 2003). 

These sanctions are not practiced when operating with school boards (Shah et al., 2022). Despite its underutilization, termination of employment is used chiefly as a nonpartisan measure to address values applicable only to those in significant leadership positions in the educational system (Shah et al., 2032). There needs to be a leadership overhaul that integrates core values into public service values (Mahoney et al., 2022). In Southern California, right-wing activism is having a significant impact on school boards with instances of censorship, book banning, racism, and violence against educators and activists. Stuart is one of many who emphasize the urgent need for scientific publication and long-term documentation of these developments, highlighting the role of organizations like the Council for National Policy and Turning Point USA in negatively impacting education (Stuart, April 3, 2024). It is important to discuss strategies with other parents for countering an AstroTurf group’s efforts to undermine the transgender community, including tracking patterns connecting with different communities and exposing their true intentions. They emphasize the importance of small group organizing and coordinating efforts with other school districts to share information and create a united front. 

Montesa believes it is essential (2024) to adopt a framework adaptable to all independent school boards. He said that meeting people where they already are is the best way to start addressing issues, especially those related to public education disparities (Montesa, March 4, 2024). Montesa finds that progress is held by “dynamics that happen amongst all marginalized communities, especially communities of color” (2024). “Where we can start to acknowledge our shared values is what brings communities together” (Montesa, March 4, 2024). 

“When we discuss visiting visibility, we want to close gaps. The issue is humanitarian, and we talk about stopping hate at the end of the day,” Montesa said. The key is to build bridges and understanding. We are on our way to doing that. In addition, marginalized groups often do not get their voices heard in schools” (Montesa, March 4, 2022).

Dimensions of Media Literacy in Ethics

Disseminating information to the public is at the heart of educational values. Believing in upholding the highest standards of public service is essential; it is the backbone of any honest and trustworthy society. Without it, no media literacy is available to students and their parents. This leads to a downtick in knowledge regarding many subjects prominent in post-high school years, especially on social media. One must reinforce the values that define us and strive to create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued (Wang et al., 2017). Informing public servants of their responsibilities and expectations, and fostering greater bipartisan support for shared objectives, can help them achieve their goals more meaningfully. One must prioritize avoiding partisan conflict, as it can overshadow more significant issues at hand (Kernaghan, 2003, p. 717). It is essential to engage in constructive dialogues that are respectful and focused on finding common ground rather than resorting to divisive and polarizing rhetoric. This approach can lead to more productive and meaningful discussions, helping us arrive at mutually beneficial solutions. (Kernaghan, 2003, p. 717). 

Regarding corporate social responsibility and environmental management, Alexander Dahlsrud considers multiple dimensions, such as the ecological dimension, the socio-economic stakeholder, and the voluntary dimension. The most important topics are social, economic, and voluntary. It is also important to note that, according to Khoury et al. (1999), corporate social responsibility refers to the corporation’s overall relationship with its stakeholders. These relationships include “employees, competitors, customers, owners, government suppliers, investors, and communities.” Social responsibility involves investment, community outreach, employee creation, employment relations, financial performance, and environmental stewardship (Khoury et al., 1999).  

Unfortunately, school board operations often disregard codes of conduct that impact media literacy education (Shah et al., 2023). In the education system, termination is typically a last resort, bypassing partisanship and focusing solely on values relevant to leadership roles (Shah et al., 2023). There is a need for a leadership paradigm shift that prioritizes core values aligned with public service principles (Mahoney et al., 2022).

Ways to Combat Right-Wing Extremism in Education

Moreover, there is a pressing need for comprehensive ethics training programs tailored specifically for school board members. These programs demonstrate the importance of making ethically informed decisions, resolving conflicts, and upholding the values of inclusivity and diversity within educational institutions. By equipping board members with the necessary skills and knowledge, they can navigate complex issues with integrity and fairness. Regarding the improvement of public education, Montesa finds that it takes more than one answer to find a valuable solution (March 4, 2024). 

“A lot has to do with attracting more diverse and qualified individuals to the school. It has to start from within our communities and begin with education” (Montesa, March 4, 2024).

Taking proactive steps to enact positive change within conservative school boards is necessary to address their ethical challenges. Firstly, enhanced oversight mechanisms should ensure that school board members uphold impartiality and prioritize the interests of all stakeholders. Protecting these interests could involve establishing independent review committees composed of diverse community representatives to monitor board decisions and hold members accountable for any deviations from ethical standards. 

It is crucial to select definitions that retain the social aspect and voluntariness. According to Van Marrewijk (2003), for a CSR strategy to be successful, the contacts should be tailored to each business. As a result, when discussing education, all dimensions must be addressed to ensure effective engagement with stakeholders, and the definition must apply to a variety of contexts, specifically within the realm of education. The education system is not a corporation, but as big as one. Therefore, it is vital to use harmony with the definitions and analyze them to find a definition that fits precisely for education and its social construct. 

Stakeholders and Corporate Social Responsibility Connection

Therefore, the social, environmental, and economic impacts are the biggest concern for stakeholders, especially considering that education is a government institution. The optimal approach to corporate social responsibility involves proactively identifying and addressing social issues before they escalate and taking responsibility for any actions that impact individuals, communities, or the environment. The Commission of European Communities outlined a comprehensive definition in 2001, describing it as a “voluntary integration of social and environmental concerns into a company’s operations and stakeholder interactions.” This multifaceted approach encompasses a range of relevant subtopics. According to the Business for Social Responsibility in 2000, corporate social responsibility involves “ethical values, compliance with legal requirements, and respect for people, communities, and the environment, contributing to sustainable business success” (IBLF, 2003; The Business of Social Responsibility, 2000). 

Responsibility and Values Regarding Ethics in Education

Kernaghan (2003) emphasized the importance of leadership in integrating the correct values into public service. Senior public servants should inspire a shared vision and lead by example. In contrast, leadership based on values and ethics is essential at senior levels (Kernaghan, 2003). Values should be encouraged at all levels of an organization with dispersed leadership roles to integrate public service and core values (Kernaghan, 2003). Learning points such as values, ethics, and principles, clarifying and clearing the clutter, building a firm foundation, and shining core values remain a part of the discussion (Kernaghan, 2003). Furthermore, how does one get compliance amongst those involved? 

Conclusion

In conclusion, parents and organizations are unethical in creating and targeting school boards to influence LGBTQ+ issues through organizations such as the Council for National Policy. These right-wing groups have expanded their efforts to manipulate school board meetings and controversies; however, parents resist these movements. Then, those groups, the right-wing groups, also resist the positive movements against them. Currently, parents in California who are resisting the anti-trans movement are sharing strategies for countering intimidation and misinformation. Some notable school districts include Glendale, Chino, Fontana, Murrieta, and Temecula (Castle, 2023; Carillo, 2023). Christy Hurst, a Los Angeles-based school administrator in Southern California, notes a 600% increase in calls to a crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth due to recent policies (Hurst, April 3, 2024). There is also an anonymous woman who maps connections between far-right groups and individuals who face daily death threats. Stuart, a photojournalist and mother in Los Angeles, consistently faces backlash and threats for reporting on anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric (Stuart, April 3, 2024). Activists in Temecula, including Jen Reeves, have been facing severe harassment and vandalism due to their advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights (Reeves, April 3, 2024). Both Montesa and Stuart (2024) mentioned the importance that digital platforming and social media have in outing the ethical fallout created by the lack of media literacy in public education, which is causing a rise in violence against marginalized groups and those who speak for them (Montesa, March 4, 2024; Stuart, April 3, 2024).

“How else will you reach and grow an aggressive movement, if not word of mouth and social media? It is the new word of mouth, right? It is like how this is where people are, and I have seen so many people, but this is how you raise engagement across younger generations,” said Montesa (Montesa, March 4, 2024).

Therefore, corporate social responsibility can aid social-emotional learning by fostering empathy and caring for others, a teaching tool that can be incorporated into various curricula and local education policies. It is essential to consider this as education programs play a crucial role in the movement towards involving and evolving children. Promoting accountability and transparency within school boards requires greater community engagement and dialogue. Forums and town hall meetings serve as regular feedback mechanisms, enabling community members to voice their concerns, provide input on key decisions, and hold board members accountable for their actions. 

“Too few people are making the decisions, and often, these people should not be making these decisions. We focus so much on pedigree and an [broken] education system that naturally gravitates to our primary schools. That is not right.” Montesa said (March 4, 2024). “I want to see a school system that the students, teachers, and parents lead” (Montesa, March 4, 2024).

Furthermore, revisiting the process of selecting school board candidates could also lead to positive outcomes. Utilizing social media is necessary to further community engagement among Generation Z and older generations due to literacy differences (Hassoun et al., 2023; Hyman, 2021).

“Social media is compelling. [I] took a photo of this Glendale school board candidate named Jordan Henry, who was at a huge rally and standing next to a bunch of Proud Boys (white nationalists). That photo tanks him. It showed him with, like, [fascist] people in masks…it made him look bad,” said Stuart. “And that photo was everywhere; everybody took it and put it everywhere…he lost the race badly. So, the most important thing for parents to do for people who are resisting or allies is to watch the patterns or the pattern” (Stuart, April 3, 2024).

Implementing transparent and merit-based selection criteria and robust vetting procedures can help ensure that individuals with a genuine commitment to public education and ethical leadership are elected to serve on the board, as administration leaders, and as educators (Thompson, 2016; Wang et al., 2017). Overall, the emotional and social behavioral impacts of conservative school boards can create barriers to students’ holistic development, perpetuate inequalities, foster less inclusive environments, and provide fewer examples of media and health literacy, while also being supportive of diverse identities and experiences (Papp-Zipernovszky et al., 2021). Addressing the impacts of far-right board members requires promoting equity, empathy, and respect for all members of the school community (Anderson, 2024; Henrikson, 2023).

References

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Taken during the 2017 Point In Time Count outside of Downtown Fullerton.

By Ashlyn Ramirez

Fullerton Mayor Bruce Whitaker tries to walk a fine line on the city’s housing crisis. He acknowledges the growing problem of homelessness but then throws up his hands and says he’s powerless to do anything about it. 

“I think it’s very important that people can find adequate living space without consuming their entire incomes,” Whitaker told the Daily Titan, the student newspaper at California State University, Fullerton. But he was quick to add in the 2017 interview that “the government itself is part of the culprit of driving prices up.” 

The city of Fullerton still accepts state and federal money to provide affordable housing. Since that 2017 interview, the city has received millions of dollars towards various ventures to clean up the streets.

Orange County also recently received $5,764,931 in federal funding for homeless assistance. It’s not clear where all of the money goes while a strained community struggles to make ends meet.

Somehow, millions of dollars turn into only 145 new units since 2017, with 45 still in construction. The New Vista Shelter consists of eight homes for transitional youth ages 18-24. Yet, Fullerton accounts for almost 1,500 unsheltered individuals alone, and Orange County as a whole saw a 43 percent rise in homelessness since then.

The problem could be even worse as the reports do not factor in people living out of their cars or “couch surfing.” In Orange County, the backdrop for the crisis is one of the nation’s wealthiest communities, a landed aristocracy served by teachers, nurses, and shopkeepers who can’t afford what passes for affordable housing in the county.

Throw in demand created by Cal State Fullerton and its working-class student body, and the magnitude of the problem starts to take shape. How made is it? The title of the American Civil Liberties Union 2019 report on Orange County — “This Place is Killing Me” — says it all.

Local government must address the humanitarian crisis presented by homelessness through permanent and affordable housing, the ACLU report concludes. 

The ACLU found the county can house their homeless but will not due to lack of political will. On top of that, the report found living conditions in affordable housing are just as bad–if not worse–than sleeping on the street. 

CSUF graduate student Christopher Rael, 33, said he was short on tuition one semester at community college during the 2008 recession. He saved money for school, and life happened. The money was gone to a cause. There was no one to fall back on. 

“For example, when I was sleeping in my car, I did have a job at the time. So that huge misconception about pulling yourself up by your bootstraps? I was doing that,” said Rael. But he was only getting 6 hours per week. And it’s hard to live off $80 weekly in any part of California, even over a decade ago.

Rael said his parents weren’t “equipped” to support an adult in college. So, he found himself sleeping in his car. Telling anyone his situation was not an option. Sometimes, you have to pay for tuition or pay for a roof over your head. 

When at a financial aid meeting to understand the metrics behind FAFSA’s Expected Family Contribution, Rael said, “I explained that I could show that I’m literally homeless. I could walk you out to my car right now, where all my stuff is in my back seat. And he [the worker] looked me square in the face, and I’ll never forget his words.”

The worker told Rael that he could lie to him [about being homeless], and it wasn’t a risk that he was willing to take. But another worker, a Havard-trained psychologist, was able to secure financial assistance for him. 

CSUF has one of the highest cases of housing and food insecurities in the state system, according to a 2018 report. Out of 23 schools, CSUF is also the least-funded public university in the entire CSU system. 

The price of living there simply does not fit the mold of a budget college experience.

In 2016, City Council-member Jennifer Fitzgerald spoke about wanting to steer CSUF away from its commuter school status. She also spoke about her efforts to end homelessness in Fullerton. “I’ve worked really hard over the last four years on ending homelessness in our community,” Fitzgerald said. 

She said she wanted to “expand affordable housing for students.” It’s been almost five years since then. It’s been ten years since Fullerton knew about their ten-year-plan to eradicate homelessness.

Fullerton does not want affordable, permanent housing or shelters near the university. Unless it’s volunteer work that they can leave when done with their good deed for the day. Why? Because the university does not fall under a designated geographic location required to have affordable housing there. 

With almost 20 percent of unsheltered individuals living out of their car in the past year, there’s no doubt there are college students who can’t afford a place or a commute.

Addressing an underrepresented community

According to a county report, the average median income for a Fullerton resident is $80,000. That’s almost 60 percent more than the average American, who makes about $47,216 a year. 

Relying on a median income to address affordable housing issues drives out locals, single families, educators, and college students alike, said Fullerton Personnel Commissioner and Climate Action Campaign Advocate Jose Trinidad Castaneda, 29.

Castaneda, a Fullerton resident and public servant is also a full-time board member of Abundant Housing in Los Angeles, an organization focused on promoting affordable housing. He monitors 17 city council meetings virtually during his current workweek. Having served as a translator for five years, Castaneda’s interest in the lack of affordable housing began out of necessity.

“My housing story began when I was looking for housing myself, and I found that nothing was affordable,” he said. So in 2018, Castaneda began organizing to get accessory dwelling units approved and drop the fees bound to them–just one way to combat the lack of affordable housing statewide.

Whitaker was not available for comment at the time of this publication. Fullerton City Councilmember Fitzgerald was also not available for comment when reached out on LinkedIn and email. Fullerton City Councilmember Jesus Silva replied with a thumbs up on LinkedIn with no further analysis.

Moving forward by acknowledging the past and present

The lack of comment years later is telling of a hidden narrative. It’s too little, too late for many to call any part of Fullerton their home unless you’re white, white-passing, or financially stable. 

“The city is segregated,” Castaneda said. “It’s economically, financially, and racially segregated.”

By 2019, ACLU SoCal found violations in the housing that Orange County offers–including abuse, harassment, neglect, and lack of cleanliness. And just like in 2016, reports existed to guide officials towards ending homelessness.

Part of the problem is policies impacting those with mental health or substance abuse issues, keeping them from the help they need. Castaneda believes that there are not enough types of housing units geared towards very low-income residents.

“I think the police and sheriff are just acting according to the councils’ will. And city councils and elected leaders have done everything to tell themselves and tell their constituents that doing anything to help solve homelessness or help people in need is only going to attract more homeless people,” said Castaneda. 

When it comes to Whitaker, Castaneda says he doesn’t even listen to him anymore. He does not find him a credible source.

No accountability remains commonplace amongst local officials.

A 2016 Fullerton Housing Authority reported that those in charge of reaching yearly goals for projects like multi-family rental housing and low-income housing loans failed to do so. Almost a million dollars went towards extremely low-income renters in only one fiscal year. 

Other years there was nothing spent at all. 

Lack of oversight happened because of the minimal amount of housing units subsidized by donors. Therefore, there’s no track of specific rent-controlled projects and the demographics of people who need them. 

Another public document found almost $100,000 spent solely on monitoring/policing expenditures and about $2,700 in relocation in the 2018-2019 fiscal year. The same year, the ACLU published their piece on Orange County’s negligent emergency shelters.

If a one-way bus ticket costs $4 for an adult, that money will send at least 675 unsheltered out of the city that maybe could not go into a shelter. 

The most common story told by residents is one of the voices falling upon deaf ears. Fullerton’s government spent money allocated for homeless assistance on one-way bus tickets before, said Castaneda. 

A beacon of ocean waves and sunny skies is where the lost get sent across counties and institutions, culminating into other pits of gentrification.

While Rael finishes his M.A., he teaches underprivileged communities in Long Beach. Over the years, he’s created school programs that give back to those on Skid Row. He believes adding sociology classes into the high school curriculum and taking police officers out of schools is a start to combating poverty’s stigmas young. 

Until the pandemic ends, though, Rael plans on staying put for the safety of his students. So, there are other ways he gives back to a community that he was a part of not long ago.

“I don’t put it on the Internet. But every day, when I walk to the coffee shop, I come out with donuts. They’re not just for me. You know what I mean; people are sleeping outside that can use breakfast. You know it’s a little bit like that that makes a major difference,” he said.

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We can’t get away from social media and the impact it has had on the media, marketing, advertising and the realm of public relations. So it’s like the old saying goes: if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.

Being able to understand and harness these new catalysts for communications helps us understand how commercialization, personalization, entertainment and media have all intertwined.

I decided to jump into the world of print journalism. I’ve found through the years that I’ve also had to learn to master various other platforms as well.

Multimedia rules our generation and while it’s sometimes scary and a pain to learn, it’s something that every journalist needs to get in order to push their career forward. It’s truly something that is a gift and a curse.

In the easiest terms, it’s a way to document memories without having so much of it on paper. What you say or do on the internet is out there forever.

Right now America is watching the impeachment inquiries of President Donald Trump. You can watch it on the television. You can watch it online just about anywhere–Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, various media and probably even Twitch. I happened to catch it on Twitter.

Yes, a social media website. How does that happen? I’m sure I’m not the only one to see it, and the internet gives everyone a way to pay attention. Whether at work, in school or at home, there’s a way to check in on what pertains to your life.

Now social media can be personalized to a point where you can see information while doing other things. We’re all multi-tasking. It’s also a case of the second screen experience.

There’s little tools like Google Home and Amazon Alexa that will tell you news headlines in real time while you go about your day. There’s all these ways to stay tapped in.

When the information is good, it’s that much easier to put trust in the second screen experience. But I feel like just how many journalists now operate with a disclaimer in order to differentiate from their bias, it’s important that every other part of the industry does the same.

For the most part, it does happen. But there’s still a few bad apples here and there.

Twitter is also a place where we can now see real-time commentary. It’s a place where we’ve seen every part of the communications industry flourish.

https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1194773240905961472

Public relations has a fast way to react to damage control and everyone can effectively communicate with each other in a way never seen before the digital era. However, if the intentions of good aren’t there, we’re just looking at more propaganda.

For example, think about how big oil companies are trying to push the narrative that they’re looking for a “greener” route to do their business. It’s clear that there is not.

Or what about how private energy companies like Pacific Gas and Oil or Southern California Edison can continue to push that shutting off power during fires is only beneficial to the fact that they are no longer liable if there’s a massive natural disaster that might have been their fault?

Thanking people for their “patience” is really the bare minimum. However it’s all they can do to not make anymore people blow up on them.

There’s also the fact that because of social media and callout culture, there’s no reason to attempt to hide anything from the public anymore. If there’s a farce, expect it to be revealed. Like..in the case of Californian Governor Gavin Newsom. Taking money from those he has recently scorned.

Unfortunately Twitter is a place where misinformation is a problem. That’s why it’s up to those in our field to be able to make things clearer for those without the media literacy to spot a scam. And it’s important to be able to keep an open line between companies and those that use their services.

If we, as journalists, don’t continue to learn innovative ways to utilize social media, it’ll probably overtake us. With the next presidential elections looming, it’s clear that we need to be wary of what’s to come.

But with vigilance, it’s apparent that the world is ready for the truth to be told and for personalization to come with it.