but what i really want to talk about is how this breaks down even MORE when it comes to mobilizing people who traditionally don’t vote to vote, or even just to give a damn about “team america.” shared cultural identity may be all well and good for middle-class whitey, but he already votes. the real problem with trying to get people to buy into this idea of shared prosperity equals shared gain is that it just ain’t true for a lot of people (i.e. my students) and they know it. when the system has been institutionalized against you, you don’t give a shit about the system (and perhaps rightfully so) and if you do, then you’re either extremely naive or you believe in some sort of trickle-down reganomics bullshit.

now, i’m not saying that people shouldn’t vote or shouldn’t be involved in the system…absolutely they should because ultimately, that’s the most effective way to make yourself heard (at least, when you have no money, that is). take, for example, the growing political influence of recent hispanic/latino immigrants in florida, texas, cali, etc. what i AM saying, though, is that if you want people to work for the team, the team’s gotta work for them, too. this country needs a widespread change in policy from the top down in addition to a change in mindset from the bottom up.

my morals: 1. vote. 2. teach. 3. encourage others to do the same.