Griffin - Central Michigan ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The
Griffin Spring 2021
A publication for the Robert P. and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government
REPORTING FROM WASHINGTON
A Conversation with Political Correspondents
Major Garrett, Molly Ball, Darlene Superville,
CBS News TIME Associated Press
Forum Moderator
Read the Spring 2021 Griffin Forum
review on page 5.
The
Notes From the Editor
Griffin With each generation comes new
challenges. Our task as CMU faculty
ATTENTION TO WHAT THEY ARE
TELLING US.
and staff is to do our very best to
prepare our students to meet these On a personal note, I am completing
Editors my last semester of a four-year
David Rutledge challenges by being participatory
Casey Hadaway citizens, critical thinkers, and assignment as the Griffin Endowed
visionary leaders. Nobody promised Chair in the Political Science &
Contributing Writers Public Administration Department,
David Rutledge
that the road would be easy, but
Casey Hadaway the circumstances of a worldwide and this is my last issue as editor of
health crisis has made it unusually The Griffin magazine. Having served
Designer & Web Editor difficult to deliver a traditional most of my adult life holding elective
Sarah Buckley, M.A. ’05 office, I have long dreamed of
teaching and learning experience.
Printer someday sharing my public service
CMU Printing Services The pandemic of 2020-21 has experiences by mentoring young
caused us to change a host of people. CMU has allowed me to live
Contact information procedural and operational that dream.
Department of Political Science protocols in our work, play,
and Public Administration worship, and family life, but has it This space does not permit me
Anspach Hall 247 also changed us as individuals? to name all the people I’d like to
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 thank for helping to make my
As I thought about this question
Phone: 989-774-3442 experience at CMU so meaningful
in relation to myself, I started
to wonder how students might and amazing. However, I would like
Email: PSC@cmich.edu
be thinking about these unusual to acknowledge that I owe a debt
Web: class.cmich.edu/griffin
times—what added complexities of gratitude that can never be fully
they might be facing. So, I decided paid to the following: Gary Randall,
to ask them. In the pages that former Griffin Chair; Prof. Larry
follow, they articulate their Sych; Dr. David Jesuit, Department
The Griffin is published by the College thoughts, feelings, and impressions Chair; Dr. Richard Rothaus, Dean
of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and
about issues concerning the of the College of Liberal Arts and
the Department of Political Science
and Public Administration at Central impact of the pandemic on learning Social Sciences; and Sarah Buckley,
Michigan University.
and mental health, the events Communications Coordinator &
CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and
of January 6, healing a divided Web Developer. Thank you for the
actively strives to increase diversity
and provide equal opportunity within its country, voter suppression, and privilege of being a part of the CMU
community. CMU does not discriminate
how to remain friends with people family.
against persons based on age, color,
disability, ethnicity, gender, gender who hold radically different political
expression, gender identity, genetic David E. Rutledge, Griffin Chair
information, height, marital status, opinions. IT MAY BE WISE TO PAY
national origin, political persuasion,
pregnancy, childbirth or related medical
conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-
based stereotypes, sexual orientation,
transgender status, veteran status, or
weight (see cmich.edu/ocrie).
Griffin Endowed Chairs
Printed by CMU Printing Services.
Produced by CLASS: The Griffin - 275 (6/2021)
The following individuals have served as the Robert and
Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chairs in American Government at
Central Michigan University:
Craig Ruff (2000-2003) Maxine Berman (2009-2013)
William Ballenger (2003-2007) Gary Randall (2013-2017)
Gary Peters (2007-2008) David Rutledge (2017-2021)
2 Spring 2021 | The Griffin
CMU alum Named Next Griffin Chair
Andrea LaFontaine, ’09 M.A. ’11, will lead university’s efforts to elevate political awareness and activity
Andrea LaFontaine Rep. Andrea LaFontaine attends the bipartisan Detroit “Grand Bargain” bill signing
with Gov. Rick Snyder in 2014.
Andrea LaFontaine, executive 10 Within 10 recipient. She also was After leaving office in 2016 due
director of the Michigan Trails a student in courses taught by past to term limits, she worked for
and Greenways Alliance, has Griffin Chair Bill Ballenger. the Michigan Department of
been named Central Michigan Natural Resources and in 2020
University’s next Griffin Endowed “I remember his class sparking became executive director of the
Chair in American Government. The a deeper interest, understanding Michigan Trails and Greenways
Griffin Chair leads the university’s and awareness for the political and Alliance. She also has served as an
efforts to elevate political awareness legislative process in Michigan,” election inspector and a parks and
and activity among students, faculty LaFontaine said. “I also have a deep recreation commissioner.
and citizens. admiration for the Griffin family.
The Griffin name is synonymous “All of these experiences have
As chair, LaFontaine will teach with integrity, and it is an honor shaped and continue to shape my
two university courses and host to serve in a role associated with perception and understanding
community forums on topics Senator Griffin’s legacy.” of our democratic process,”
related to Michigan government LaFontaine said.
and policies. She replaces David LaFontaine spent much of the
Rutledge, who has held the position past decade working in the state Established in 2000, the Griffin
since 2017. Legislature, starting as an intern, Endowed Chair honors CMU
then as a staffer and eventually alumni Sen. Robert P. Griffin, who
LaFontaine has a strong connection as an elected official. She was graduated in 1947, and Marjorie
to CMU. She completed a bachelor’s elected to the state House of Griffin, who graduated in 1944.
degree in political science in Representatives in 2010 and LaFontaine is the seventh person to
2009 and a Master of Public served three consecutive terms hold the position.
Administration degree in 2011. In representing constituents in
2014, she was recognized as a CMU Macomb and St. Clair counties.
The Griffin | Spring 2021 3
Can We Talk Politics and Still Be Friends?
By David Rutledge, the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government at CMU
A friend recently invited me to meet the results can manifest itself in a • Smoking despite being aware
with his neighborhood service lack of societal problem solving. of the adverse health effects of
group to facilitate a conversation Within families and among friends tobacco use.
about a developing problem that and co-workers, the result can be • Telling a lie despite the person
was straining relationships between a loss of friendships, or in some thinking of themselves as honest.
friends within the group. My friend instances, strained relationships.
indicated that some members of this • Purchasing a new car that is
otherwise homogeneous group were I began the conversation with the not fuel efficient, despite being
becoming upset with other members neighborhood group by discussing environmentally conscious.
whose views didn’t align with their the process by which we develop, • Eating meat while also thinking
own when the conversation turned hold on to, and sometimes change of themselves as an animal lover
to politics. Some even categorized our beliefs, ideas, and values. who dislikes the thought of killing
the contrary views of others as If we want to hold meaningful animals.
conspiracy theories. The acrimony conversations with people whose
opinions differ radically from our Understanding how conflicting
between members was creating
own, especially involving “hot button” beliefs impact our decision-making
intense animosity and making it
issues, it helps to understand the process can help reduce anxiety
challenging for the group to continue
process by which individuals make when discussing passionate issues
its neighborhood services activities.
value judgements, decisions, and with others who hold opposing views.
One of the most pressing problems evaluations about what they believe.
Trying to discuss factual information
that besets our politically divided
We must also be willing to hold is often useless because people who
country is the disrespect or even
a mirror up to ourselves before want to maintain behaviors that don’t
hate some people display toward
criticizing others about their beliefs. appear to align with their perceived
those who believe differently than
All of us are guilty at some point of values will avoid facts. Not only do
them. This problem goes far beyond
pronouncing thoughts, beliefs, and they avoid facts, they tend to rely on
the edicts of civility and has caused
values that don’t appear to match up anecdotal information to support
divisions within families, between
with the attitudes and behavior we their beliefs.
friends, co-workers, and our political
leaders. publicly display.
My Guide to Talking Politics
The Role of Cognitive and Remaining Friends
Even more disconcerting are the
barriers this behavior erects to Dissonance • Take people as they are, not how
individual trust and fact-based In 1957, psychologist Leon Festinger you think they should be.
communication. It can even create published his theory of cognitive
a fertile breeding ground for • Listen carefully, and genuinely
dissonance (Festinger L. A Theory
misinformation to be spread and try to see the other person’s
of Cognitive Dissonance. Stanford
believed. Among public policymakers, perspective—even if you don’t
University Press; 1957). He proposed
understand it or agree with it.
that people experience discomfort
when they hold conflicting beliefs or • Look for opportunities where
when their actions contradict their mutual trust is required and
One of the most pressing beliefs. demonstrated (true friendship
problems that besets our cannot exist unless it is built on a
politically divided country is In an article published in Medical foundation of trust).
the disrespect or even hate News Today, Jayne Leonard (https://
• Trust begets loyalty. True friends
some people display toward www.medicalnewstoday.com/
are loyal without question, and
those who believe differently articles/326738, October 21 2019)
remain friends beyond words,
than them. gives some examples of cognitive
beyond distance and, beyond
dissonance:
time.
4 Spring 2021 | The Griffin
Reporting from Washington
Spring 2021 Griffin Forum features political correspondents
Our spring 2021 Griffin Policy Forum went virtual with special guests
Major Garrett, chief Washington correspondent for CBS News,
Molly Ball, National Political Correspondent for TIME magazine,
and Darlene Superville, veteran White House reporter for the
Associated Press.
Garrett moderated the discussion, “Reporting from Washington: A
Conversation with Political Correspondents.”
Garrett was named chief Washington correspondent for CBS News
in December 2018. Previously, he served as the network’s chief
White House correspondent. He also hosts “The Takeout,” a weekly
multi-platform interview show on politics, policy and pop culture.
David Rutledge
Ball is the author of Pelosi, a bestselling biography of the first woman
Speaker of the House. Previously, she covered U.S. politics for The
Atlantic and Politico.
In a democracy, it is Superville has been part of a team of reporters providing coverage
important for us to be able of the White House for AP members across the U.S. and around the
to have civil dialogue about world since 2009.
a broad spectrum of issues,
especially those involving To view a recording of the event, visit class.cmich.edu/griffin.
public policy.
• Mutual respect is the glue that
holds the relationship together.
Irrespective of the relationship,
having meaningful conversations
and sharing ideas and experiences
with one another is how we grow
intellectually and creatively.
In a democracy, it is important for
us to be able to have civil dialogue
about a broad spectrum of issues,
especially those involving public
policy. Listening carefully and making
a serious effort to understand others
whose views, values, and beliefs may
be different is necessary if we are
going to thrive together in this “land
of the free and home of the brave.”
The Griffin | Spring 2021 5
Kennedy Scott Wins 2020-21 Maxine Berman Award
Maxine Berman was a distinguished more than just talk. It is evident by
public servant who served in the the following:
Michigan House of Representatives
from 1983 to 1996. She was on • Coordinator of Alternative
Central Michigan University’s faculty Breaks Program (a volunteer
as the Griffin Endowed Chair in organization based around
American Government from 2009 principles of equity, social justice,
to 2013 and elected to the Michigan and inclusion).
Women’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
• Helped develop a framework for
Maxine Berman was 71 when she
an on-campus antiracism and
passed on March 2, 2018.
social justice book club.
To honor her legacy, the Department
• Helps develop grants that
of Political Science and Public
focused on removing barriers to
Administration established Kennedy Scott
low-cost housing for students of
the Maxine Berman Academic
color.
Achievement Award in 2018. The
award is presented to a student Kennedy is now working on
doing course work in political science developing a physical labor scale that
who exhibits academic excellence, a would make all the Alternative Breaks
strong interest in social justice, and a Program locations more accessible
passion for public service. to students with disabilities.
The Maxine Berman Scholarship Looking forward, Kennedy says
recognizes the academic that she hopes to be an advocate
accomplishments and promise of for health policy and socially just
a student enrolled in the seminar causes. Based on her work ethic and
courses (PSC 300-301) taught by the passion for assisting others, Maxine
Griffin Chair. The awardee should Berman’s legacy will live on through
reflect the public service qualities the works of Kennedy Scott.
and social justice concerns epitomize
by the Honorable Maxine Berman Maxine Berman Scholarship
(April 17, 1946-March 2, 2018). Information:
Kennedy Scott is the recipient of the • The Award recognizes the Maxine Berman
2020-21 Maxine Berman Scholarship academic accomplishments and April 17, 1946 - March 2, 2018
Award. Kennedy is a Junior with a promise of a student enrolled
4.0 GPA majoring in public health and in one or both of the seminar
• The award will be made only if
political science. She is a leader who courses taught by the Griffin
highly qualified applicants apply.
volunteers with organizations that Chair (PSC 300/301).
have a community service focus. She • Nominations are made by the
is passionate about working to help • Recipients will embody the
Griffin Chair and, if there are
resolve social justice issues. qualities epitomized by Maxine
multiple nominees, recipients
Berman’s long public service
are selected by the Department
Kennedy said recently, “My current to Michigan and reflect her
of Political Science and Public
major and involvements all center concerns for social justice.
Administration.
around social justice, which is my
greatest passion, and the reason • Minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.0
Questions should be addressed to
I am studying what I am.” Her scale.
David Jesuit at 989-774-2795 or
commitment to serving others is David.Jesuit@cmich.edu.
6 Spring 2021 | The Griffin
Dealing with Political Disagreements Among Friends
Student Paper by Kennedy Scott
The recent political climate has led to rising tensions between
people with opposing beliefs. Whether we are dealing with Quote selected by Kennedy Scott
our friends, family, or strangers on the internet, it can be
difficult to weather the stresses of political conversation and “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful
remain friends in the aftermath. Speaking from the perspec- lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
tive of a liberal college student from a conservative, rural
- Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
town, confrontation with friends and family with differing
views has become routine.
One of the most grounding techniques I have learned from social psychology courses is to reflect on the impact of
situation on political views. Understanding how they were raised, what types of people they were exposed to, and what
privileges may shelter them helps me become more compassionate towards their beliefs rather than being dismissive.
Next, try to find common ground, even if it seems impossible. No one likes poverty, unfairness, pollution, or racism. At
least not the people we want to remain friends with. While our chosen methodologies for remedying these issues may
be different, we all value those we love, and want to leave them in a world that is better than we found it.
Another constructive conversation tool is defining terminology. Concepts like privilege are hard to discuss when one
person is unaware of its meaning and is instead bogged down in “hard work” rhetoric. Of course, it is important to
come into these conversations with factual information, however, anecdotes are powerful in describing your stance on
an issue. Additionally, active listening is crucial in meaningful dialogue. Do not listen to respond, listen to understand.
After these conversations, reiterate to yourself how this relationship betters both parties.
Difficult, civil conversations are worth having when they allow for mutual growth and lead to a stable relationship
among friends in opposition. However, above all else, know your limits. Sometimes, someone you considered to be a
friend might hold deeply harmful belief systems that are unnegotiable to you. In these situations, your moral foundation
may be stronger than your relationship, and it might be time to reevaluate that relationship for the sake of your overall
wellbeing.
Law and Policy in Michigan State Government
Student Paper by Olivia Ammerman
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
President Abraham Lincoln said these words 163 years ago after he had accepted
the Illinois Republican Party’s nomination as that state’s US senator. He quoted these
words from Matthew 12:25, referring to the Dred Scott decision of the previous year,
which opened doors for slavery to become legal in all the U.S. states and all territories.
If only Lincoln could see how true these words would ring still today in 2021.
The state of this country today is one that Lincoln could not have imagined. People have
taken political differences to the extreme in everyday life, classrooms, and online chat
sites. This is not a partisan party issue; this is an American issue. So many Americans,
right and left, have lost sight of the humanity of their political opponents. This has
caused the breakdown of families, friendships, and the workplace over recent years.
Aside from changing our own hearts, one solution to this nationwide issue is raising Olivia Ammerman
our children to respect and understand other points of view. Children are the life blood
of our country’s future; we must give them the tools of civil discussion and empathy.
Change needs to happen with each and every person. The work of President Lincoln
must continue today in treating all people with the honor and dignity they deserve.
The Griffin | Spring 2021 7
Mental Health, Education, and COVID-19
Student Paper by Hope Delgado
I distinctly remember saying goodbye to my college
friends on March 6th, 2020 before flying home to Texas
from Michigan for spring break. They insisted on giving
me a hug, and I laughed, “I’ll see you in a week. We’ll be
back in no time.”
Little did we know, we wouldn’t see each other for six
months and be socially distancing for several months
after that. Exactly a week later, COVID-19 was officially
a pandemic, and my college announced we would be
moving online until further notice.
I remember being overjoyed to spend more time home,
however my attitude toward moving to virtual classes
soon after changed. I was hunkered down in my house,
Hope Delgado and I spent the majority of my days in my room alone,
especially because I did not feel comfortable around
certain family members due to opposing political opinions held in our household and toxic personalities.
Days and weeks started to glue together into a never-ending loop of boredom and I eventually was left with nothing
but my thoughts and my three legged cat, Mona Lisa, every moment of each quarantined day after using up all my
ideas to keep busy.
I noticed after a few weeks that my mental health was starting to deteriorate. Being diagnosed with major depression,
anxiety disorder, insomnia, and obsessive compulsive disorder several years prior to the pandemic, I knew that being
cooped up in the dark every day with no schedule was doing severe harm in the long run. I ultimately tried my best
to stay busy and productive with a schedule. I painted several portraits, played piano, or watched a show or movie I
hadn’t seen before.
Before supper, I usually went out for a bike ride until it got dark out. If I couldn’t sleep at night, I would write stories and
poems or fall down a rabbit hole of Reddit or Twitter threads. My sleep schedule was absolutely off, and I would start
my day around 6 p.m. and stay awake until 6 a.m. I also started an unhealthy relationship with food that resulted in my
losing several pounds in a short period of time.
There was a week and a half when I completely shut my phone off so that I was away from all social media and the
internet as a whole. I often thought about my friends who had worse living conditions, had family who were coming
down with COVID-19, or had mental illnesses like myself.
I often wondered about those in abusive homes, or those not capable of doing homework because they had unreliable
WiFi. I sympathised with the rest of the world because for once in my lifetime, we were truly all impacted and
experiencing the same catastrophe.
In some aspects, it was heartwarming to know that I wasn’t alone in this pandemic. I wasn’t alone in being a college
student worried about what the pandemic meant for my education. I wasn’t the only person in a home where I felt I
couldn’t be myself or voice how I felt.
Through this pandemic and more importantly, during quarantine, I have learned and focused more on myself than I
ever would have in years prior in the same amount of time. I have learned more about my community, more about the
world, but above all, I’ve learned that through dark times, we will always persevere.
8 Spring 2021 | The Griffin
Lifestyle and Mental Health Changes Caused by the Pandemic
Student Paper by Adrienne Parks
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we have had to make
many changes to our everyday lives to ensure the safety
Quote selected by Adrienne Parks
of our peers. These changes have included remote work,
remote schooling, and staying in our homes as much as pos- “But neither ambition, nor purposefulness,
sible. nor a drive for power had much to do with her
candidacies.”
These are only some of the big changes that have happened
since the pandemic started, and along with these changes - Engines of Democracy by Alan Rosenthal
has come many failures. One of these failures, that I will be
focusing on, is the failure to address the mental health crisis
that we currently have on our hands due to the pandemic.
The pandemic has changed all our lives drastically. Now, many of us are forced to work from home, do school from
home, and do leisurely activities from home. This has been a hard adjustment for many people because it is hard to
work at the same place that you are supposed to relax. Along with this, many people are missing out on milestones like
in person graduations, which can be disheartening. It is also important to remember that not all classes are fit to be
taught in an online format, so that creates learning barriers.
When we are discussing school in specific, schools are not doing enough to address the mental health crisis that is
arising from the pandemic. Central Michigan University provided us with wellness days that are spread out through
the semester instead of giving students a spring break. During these wellness days many students have been given
assignments that they are meant to do, or they must use the time to catch up on busywork that professors have given
them.
These wellness days are not being used as a break as they were originally intended, they are being used to play catch
up. Along with the issue of wellness days, many schools do not have enough mental health services to provide every
student that seeks it. This is something that needs to be prioritized by schools at a time like this.
Overall, the pandemic has had a negative effect on people’s mental health. With having to isolate ourselves to keep
people safe, leading to immense feelings of loneliness, while our everyday routines are being switched around, it is no
wonder that people are struggling with mental health. What we need right now is institutions, like our schools and our
government, to address the mental health crisis that is overtaking our country.
Excerpt from “The Day of Reckoning”
Student Paper by Tierra Collums
Wednesday, January 6th was the day a group that should be considered terrorist was able
to get past all security and enter the United States Capitol Building. With the apparent
support of former President Donald Trump, a damaging image of our American democracy
was viewed around the world.
Some have claimed that this group was influenced by the choice of words Donald Trump
used not only throughout his term, but especially through the last few weeks of votes being
counted. To this day, Trump denies engaging in the incident. However, it is obvious to me
that his careless choice of words caused this attack on our democracy. Hopefully, the
country can recover from this and become better. Tierra Collums
The Griffin | Spring 2021 9
The Impact of the Pandemic on American Politics Student Paper by Mark Sheppard The past year has been defined by mass demonstrations and political violence in the United States leading many Quote selected by Mark Sheppard of us to wonder: why now? The armed protests in the Michigan Capitol in May, racial injustice protests through “I not only use all the brains that I have, but all the summer, and the storming of the U.S. Capitol in January I can borrow.” have dramatically displayed the divisions in the country all in such a short time. Perhaps the lockdown has made it more - Woodrow Wilson explosive as it has made people more isolated than ever while also leading to more time online than before, while dramatic shifts in policy have brought public attention and scrutiny to politics. To be clear, the divisions and mistrust among Americans are not new in the pandemic. In February 2020, Pew published that six out of ten Americans have little or no confidence in the American people to make political decisions, and 73% of Americans feel Republicans and Democrats cannot agree on basic facts, and these figures have been trending worse over the past twenty years (Dimock, 2020). The divisions already existed, and the pandemic was a catalyst. Regardless of opinion of whether the lockdowns were a necessary tool to fight the virus or an attack on liberty, it is important to recognize the cost to a year of quarantine on mental health. It caused “an acute, severe sense of social isolation and loneliness with potentially serious mental and physical health consequences” (Hwang et al, 2020). Additionally, social media usage has increased dramatically according to a New York Times article from April. For example, in the month following the beginning of lockdown, Facebook’s web traffic increased 27% (Koeze & Popper, 2020), and the algorithms of social media is tied to increasing polarization (Molla, 2020). In addition, there also are bad actors, such as those described in a UN paper that described “how terrorist, violent extremist and organized criminal groups are trying to take advantage of the Coronavirus disease pandemic” to further their goals of violence and eroding trust (UNICRI, 2020, pg. iii). Lockdown, a necessary step in combatting the pandemic, has had unintended consequences. The emotional toll of isolation, the increased time spent on social media, and bad actors taking advantage of the situation likely played a strong roll in exacerbating the divisions that have been growing in American politics leading to the dramatic demonstrations and violence over the past twelve months. Sources Dimock, M. (February 2020). “How Americans view trust, facts, and democracy today.” Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/trust/archive/winter-2020/how-americans-view-trust-facts-and-democracy- today Hwang, T., Rabheru, K., Peisah, C., Reichman, W., & Ikeda, M. (May 2020). “Loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Cambridge University Press. Doi: 10.1017/S1041610220000988 Koeze, E. & Popper, N. (April 2020). “The virus changed the way we Internet.” New York Times. Retrieved from https:// www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/07/technology/coronavirus-internet-use.html Molla, R. (November 2020). “Social media is making a bad political situation worse.” Vox. Retrieved from https://www. vox.com/recode/21534345/polarization-election-social-media-filter-bubble UNICRI. (November 2020). “Stop the virus of disinformation. The risk of malicious use of social media during COVID-19 and the technology operations to fight it.” United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute. Retrieved from http://www.unicri.it/sites/default/files/2020-11/SM%20misuse.pdf 10 Spring 2021 | The Griffin
Excerpt from “On-line Learning During a Pandemic”
Student Paper by Armani Jackson
The pandemic has affected my education in so many ways. I am a person
who loves hands-on learning and being in the classroom. I struggle to
focus enough as it is, and working from home has hindered my learning
tremendously. When I’m in class it’s easy for me to focus and get my work
done because of the help and resources that I have available to me. I
love being around people and working with others. It’s just not the same
experience over Zoom.
I had Covid during the school year and became very sick. Motivation to
learn doesn’t come as easy for me as it did in the past. I sometimes just log
onto my computer and go back to bed because I personally feel like I’m not
learning anything in my classes. My mental health this year is at an all-time
low. I have even thought about going to the doctor to discuss my mental
health. When I set up Zoom one-on-ones with my professors, it’s just not
the same connection, because you don’t learn the same way. Nevertheless,
the transition to online learning has been extremely hard for me during the Armani Jackson
pandemic.
Quote selected by Armani Jackson Quote selected by Drew Patton
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
- Wayne Gretzky - Mahatma Gandhi
Excerpt from “My Thoughts on the Events of January 6th”
Student Paper by Drew Patton
In my mind, the events of January 6th were the continuation of a disease that has persisted in our nation for decades. It
is a disease of mistruths, rooted in some of the highest levels of office and paid for by entire industries seeking to profit
off public confusion and uncertainty.
The rioters on January 6th weren’t there because they hate the nation or because they’re stupid; they were there as the
result of years of echo chamber-like conditions in certain media outlets and social media platforms. They truly thought
they were doing the right thing. I don’t say this to excuse any of them. I am happy that so many are going to jail, but at
the same time, I also recognize that the one man who needed to be charged most of all has escaped justice thus far.
The rioters of January 6th did not appear spontaneously; Donald Trump and the media manipulation by certain special
interest groups, as well as the lawmakers that went along with it all, hold the entirety of the blame.
If we are to prevent another January 6th from happening, and indeed such a thing is still very much a prevalent danger,
we must recognize and call out the spreading of mistruths by those that would benefit from our mass-confusion, and
fight to stop the manipulation that is killing the stability of the nation.
The Griffin | Spring 2021 11Voter Suppression
Student Paper by Ashlyn Pinter
In the wake of the 2020 elections, state legislatures
around the country are considering policies that, if Quote selected by Ashlyn Pinter
enacted, would impose additional hurdles on tens of
millions of voters nationwide. “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it
in a way that will lead others to join you.”
These proposed policies are harmful because they
would impose additional hurdles on voters such as “ limit - Ruth Bader Ginsburg
mail, early in-person and Election Day voting with such
constraints as stricter ID requirements, limited hours
or narrower eligibility to vote absentee” (Gardner, A.,
Rabinowitz, K., and Stevens, H.; 2021).
If enacted, these bills would disproportionately affect minority communities that live in more populous areas where
shortened polling location hours would result in increased wait time.
Supporters of these bills state that these additional voting laws are necessary to ensure that public confidence in the
integrity of elections is upheld after the past election cycle which was riddled with unsubstantiated claims of voter
fraud by then-President Donald Trump and members of the Republican Party.
However, scholars and historians state that “the proposed restrictions would amount to the most dramatic
curtailment of ballot access since the late-19th century, when Southern states effectively reversed the 15th Amendment’s
prohibition on denying the vote based on race by enacting poll taxes, literacy tests and other restrictions that
disenfranchised virtually all Black men” (Gardner, A., Rabinowitz, K., and Stevens, H.; 2021).
These attacks on voting rights should be disturbing to every American regardless of party identification as these bills
would disenfranchise a large swath of voters or make it systemically more difficult for citizens to vote. Voting rights are
currently under attack in this country, a concerning trend for the country known as the “shining city on a hill.”
Source
Gardner, A., Rabinowitz, K., and Stevens, H. (2021, March 11). “How GOP-backed voting measures could create
hurdles for tens of millions of voters.” Washington Post. Retrieved from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/
interactive/2021/voting-restrictionsrepublicans-states/
How the Pandemic Has Affected Politics
Student Paper by Brianna LaLonde
Within the past year the pandemic has drastically changed a good portion of our lives. With lockdown, mask mandates,
and multiple restrictions on group gatherings, our lives are anything but normal in this tumultuous time. Politics is
no exception to this. Living in an extremely partisan time, coupled with starting the pandemic with arguably the most
controversial president in American history, the pandemic has affected the political climate of the U.S.
Because Americans value independence in their everyday lives and in their political opinions, many restrictions due
to the coronavirus have not been held in public favor by many. Although these restrictions put public health first to
prevent the spread of a deadly disease, Americans have become increasingly critical of government interaction. Many
have refused to follow mask mandates and continue to travel and organize large gatherings, despite both government
mandates and expert opinions that advise against defaulting from Covid safety guidelines.
12 Spring 2021 | The GriffinDespite anti-government involvement not being a necessarily recent preference of many citizens in the U.S., the
pandemic has definitely amplified these feelings and pushed them onto those who previously have not identified as
being opposed to government interaction regarding public health and safety. Americans do not like being told what
to do, and the pandemic proves this to be true, even with the spread of a deadly virus that has taken the lives of a half
million Americans.
It is also important to consider how the pandemic has affected the politics of marginalized American communities.
With the pandemic first seeing its mass spread in China, this has sparked negative feelings about Asian-Americans, as
well as China in general, especially when dangerous nicknames such as the “Chinese Virus” have pushed the narrative
that the pandemic is the fault of China or Chinese people.
Harmful rhetoric like this has caused a drastic increase in hate crimes against Asian-Americans; a recorded 150%
increase in 2020, according to a study by The Center for the Study of Hate Crimes and Extremism. From this, one
can conclude that the pandemic has created a safe space for bigotry and racism directed at the Asian community. In
turn, this has made the corona virus even more controversial as media coverage of the attacks increase, and rhetoric
surrounding it continues to cast a negative light on Asian-Americans.
A Divided Country
Student Paper by Nick Niemiec
The political landscape in America has been changing rapidly since around the mid 2000’s due to the introduction
of social media. Social media is completely changing the world as we know it, and it’s only going to keep booming.
Everyone having their own political views, plus the anonymity or big ‘follower’ size of social media, makes it a hotbed of
conflicts.
Moreover, it is part of the reason why America is increasingly becoming more aggressive. When one creates a social
media account, they have the option of making it their profile or an anonymous one. Anonymity is one aspect that can
fuel one’s aggressiveness.
So, online there are many people who can speak their radical views or can verbally abuse whoever they want with little
to no consequences. This is important because it casts aside the “proper” way to discuss problem and allows for just
aggressive statements.
Another problem with social media that is increasingly separating the political parties is the “follower and following”
systems. On most social media sites, the user controls who they are following and who can follow them.
Picking and choosing who you follow and where you get your information from is something every user does. This
adds a great problem of biasness and misinformation.
Users hand select what users they see, meaning most users surround themselves with supporting opinions and no
different opinions. Furthermore, this increases the support of a certain belief and eliminates all contrary views. In a
political sense, knowing alternate perspectives and views is critical to knowing which policies can work best.
People also get most of their news from social media apps. Since any company or blogger can set up an account,
there is a lot of information that is misleading or simply just make-believe. With little fact checking done, a lot of
fabricated stories are believed as true with no other opposing side available to the user.
In today’s political landscape, social media is making people completely ignorant of any opposing views other than
their own, which in my opinion is a leading reason for why America is seemingly more divided than ever.
The Griffin | Spring 2021 13Excerpt from “The Pandemic” Student Paper by Antwane Banks The Coronavirus has been going on for over a year now and continues to restrict the lifestyles of people all over the world. Quote selected by Antwane Banks I can still remember the last semester of 2020; it was the “A Person unwilling to use extreme violent most loaded semester of my academic career. I was enrolled force to preserve or obtain their liberty in 17 credits, which put me at a total of six classes. deserves the tyrants that rule them.” I remember towards the end of the semester, my political - Thomas Jefferson science professor at the time spoke about how something called the Coronavirus had made its way to cities in southern California. Despite the media coverage, I still thought it was a hoax. The semester had finally ended, and I could not wait to be able to turn my brain off and enjoy the summer. Within two weeks of the semester ending, the virus had forced shutdowns ranging from schools and churches to congressional meetings in Washington; Covid-19 had shaken the nation. The Pandemic has altered many lifestyles and has forced adaptations, but we still have been able to persevere. I have learned a lot about myself and what defines me academically. I have been pushed to limits that stretch much further than my comfort zone; and in doing so, I have become more versatile. Covid-19 has been a nightmare since day one, but it still has provided us with a learning experience. Remembering January 6 Student Paper by Tarek Attal The storming of the Capitol was one of the most shocking events that has ever occurred in the history of this country. Quote selected by Tarek Attal A violent mob of Trump supporters stormed into the Capitol because they were not satisfied with the results of the election. “Every accomplishment starts with the In my view something ironic about this mob of people is that decision to try.” they claim to be “patriots,” however they are not. Their actions - John F. Kennedy. made them all traitors to this nation. Their actions go against everything this country stands for. A true patriot embraces our political system and will respect the results of the election no matter which candidate wins. Patriots should respect democracy and should simply hope for the best when the different party wins. Rather than being violent, those who are not satisfied with who’s elected should push the winner to do a better job. However, I don’t think the storming of the Capitol is that shocking. Over the last few years, the country has been extremely polarized and divided. What amplified this division was the pandemic. I believe that isolation and staying home made it easier for individuals to believe in stupid conspiracy theories. The whole QAnon movement is a major factor that contributed to the events of January 6. We need to encourage civil discourse between different sides and come together. In this divided America, opposing sides must try to see from each other’s perspectives. I think rather than focusing on the differences that divide people, both Republicans and Democrats should focus on the commonalities. At the end of the day, we are all Americans with the same basic desires in life. 14 Spring 2021 | The Griffin
How to Let Go of Toxic Tribalism and Remain Friends with
Someone Whose Political Views are Radically Different
From Yours
Student Paper by Alexander McDowell
It is hard to pinpoint exactly when all of this hyperpartisan behavior and attitude began. For some people, it began
when President Obama held office. For others, myself included, it began when President Trump stepped into the
political arena. And for a considerable number of people, it began during the pandemic where almost every choice
they made was seen as a political statement.
At one time or another, many of us have been sucked into some form of tribalism which over time has become
increasingly toxic. This “toxic tribalism” is characterized the same way as general tribalism but taken to an extreme
extent.
A general definition for toxic tribalism is “a loyalty to one’s own tribe or social group to the point that dogma and
dysfunction become the standard” (Zaid K. Dahhaj, “Why Toxic Tribalism Is Destroying Our Society & What To Do About
It”). The results of dogma and dysfunction becoming the standard can be dehumanization of other tribes/factions and
cognitive dissonance.
Before I continue with my thoughts on how to break free from toxic tribalism and maintain friendships with people you
disagree with, I believe it is important to talk about my experience with these issues. When then-candidate Trump first
announced that he was running for president, I immediately reacted to his candidacy with outrage. I started looking
at the world around me through a partisan lens and started defining the people around me based on their political
ideology. I damaged and even destroyed some of the relationships I had with friends.
Reflecting on these memories is shameful to me. I used my newfound passion for political issues to increase division
and be mean. It was not until very recently that I recognized how destructive my behavior and attitude were. But I am
trying to be better to make up for years of toxicity.
So how do you maintain a friendship with someone on the other side of the political spectrum? Personally, I am still
working on that but I have some advice that has helped me.
When having a conversation about politics with a friend that you disagree with, actively listen to what they are saying.
This means giving them eye contact, repeating what they are saying to you, or asking for clarification. Showing respect
can be contagious. Have them explain their reasoning and get the root of what they see as the problem.
When asked for a response to their position, I have started replying with, “I disagree. Here is why.” This is not only
less threatening to the person you are talking to, but it also forces you to have reasoning for your beliefs which can
strengthen them.
It is important that both people should want to remain friends for this to work. I understand that a lot of this advice
sounds cliché, but it has truly helped me, and it can help you as well.
The Griffin | Spring 2021 15The Griffin 247 Anspach Hall Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 16 Spring 2021 | The Griffin
You can also read
