I was only 1 year old when the Berlin Wall fell and freedom made its way into East Germany as the USSR began to crack. At the time I certainly could not perceive much, especially not the deep political implications of such a momentous occasion. It has been over 20 years since that international event and yet again we can observe people rising up to proclaim their own freedom over tyranny.
The events unfolding in the Middle East have been shocking, enlightening, and undoubtedly historical. It is times like these where a keen understanding of current events does more than just provide for mindless babble around the water cooler. Rather, events such as what we are currently observing will play a key role in defining the world of tomorrow, the world where we will be the leaders and decision makers.
However, I have often heard the excuse “I’m too busy to keep up with the news” thrown around on this campus. To that I say “No, you are not.” Gone are the days of the newspaper (how ironic!), and arrived are the days of internet sources. No longer are we shackled by the second-hand nature of the evening news; we can watch revolutions occur firsthand in real time.
In fact, the information explosion caused by the internet has made news of historical events easy to access even for the most heinously overbooked schedule. Furthermore, the depth and breadth of the current news structure should make you feel a certain responsibility to pay attention.
When future generations ask “Where were you when X happened?” you’ll be able to reply “Yes.” An informed mind is a powerful tool; a person ignorant of the world around them risks falling behind. Put aside excuses and pick up the news.
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