I would like to take this opportunity to formally apologize for how talkative I am. If you have ever had to shush someone in a public place at MU, it was probably me. Also, I should probably apologize for making that sassy face at you for having the audacity to tell me to stop laughing so loudly in a library.
I have always been known to be a big talker. If I were a senator, I am pretty sure I would accidentally start filibusters just because I had a lot to say. For goodness’ sake, I have a weekly column where I just sassily ramble about my feelings. If that doesn’t prove my desire to be heard, I don’t know what does.
Along with talking often, I am also known to talk at inappropriate times. I’m more than a little embarrassed at how many times someone will be in the middle of telling me about some big drama in their lives when I interrupt only to ask if I remind them more of Rapunzel from “Tangled” or Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation.” So it may come as a surprise that this week I have a bone to pick with a few people whom I believe have been talking too much.
**Shelby County, Alabama:** This county has been trying to abolish the Voting Rights Act, arguing that the act was created in an effort to stop racism and is no longer necessary. They have a point. With Barack Obama as our president and Beyonce Knowles-Carter as our queen, it is clear America is completely done with racism and prejudice, and therefore no longer needs an act requiring extensive federal oversight in elections in states with a history of discriminatory voting practices.
It’s not as though just last year both Texas’ and South Carolina’s voting restrictions were stopped by the Voting Rights Act. Oh wait, they were. But hey, Taylor Swift has written like ten break-up songs since then. If she can move on, then so should we.
**North Korea:** As far as I’m concerned, North Korea is starting to take on the role of a needy ex-girlfriend: constantly wanting everyone’s attention and threatening to do something drastic if we don’t pay attention to her feelings. Yes, North Korea, we understand that you are a strong independent country that doesn’t need any man to make you happy, but that doesn’t mean it is a good idea to attack anyone. If a young Aaron Carter could beat Shaq at basketball in 2001, surely Justin Bieber can take on Kim Jong-un’s new minion Dennis Rodman. So we have you beat there.
**Reality Check:** If we’re going to talk, we should make sure what we have to say is of value. We should realize that racism is still a prevalent issue in America today and brainstorm ways to combat it. Thankfully, it isn’t as apparent as it once was, but every time people blame immigrants for America’s failings or try to stereotype people needing welfare, it becomes clear that prejudice and stereotypes are far from absent.
As far as North Korea goes, we need to stop only talking about dictators and missiles and instead turn our attention to North Korea’s people. When we solely focus on Kim Jong-un and threats of war, we do the people of North Korea a disservice. By letting politics define North Korea, we fail to notice that the people of North Korea are starving, isolated and denied basic human rights.
Talking is a good thing. We just need to shift our focus and look past the superficial.