Awareness through Instagram

Growing up I have always watched television in the morning before leaving to school, mainly because my parents would turn on the Spanish news channel and watch what current events are happening in the world, especially in their native country. If it’s not the news, another source of media are newspapers which my mother would occasionally grab from stores or super markets. These forms of media have influenced me and my family for a long time now but as I get older I begin to understand the importance of “knowing” and being aware of what’s happening around me and the area I live in.

Since the media has evolved in such advancement over the years it’s easier to gather information at a much faster rate instead of turning on the news channel everywhere I go. Now if I don’t know about a certain situation happening in a country or state, I would go on my phone and search the web to read and understand the political, economic, environmental or other situations that are going on in that area.

Even though the information given to us is very helpful for many who are not aware of current issues, it has gotten a bit harder to trust what information is told in the news. Since we have been given false information or as they say, “alternative facts”.  It’s been very difficult for many to believe our current political matters and debates involving the President. It’s hard to ignore this but it’s troubling to see that this is really happening in our country. Despite this, there are much more bigger things happening in our world.

One current situation is the political crisis of the Venezuelan government. It has caused major riots and protesting of their current President Nicolás Maduro and these protests have led to killings of many citizens who have not done nothing but to fight for what’s right for their country. Not only has this influenced the many citizens of Venezuela who are living in different parts of the world, it has also brought awareness to many people through Instagram. Many celebrities have used Instagram as a platform to show awareness of this issue and sending piece to the families who have lost loved ones in the protest. Since bringing awareness, many people have acted in helping like my best friend, who is Venezuelan. She has attended many of the protest held in New York and is giving a voice for her country even though she’s miles away from there.

Venezuela crisis