The Rules of the Game

Author: Mei Yu

When going about making changes in society, there are many important steps to consider. There are many factors that make up a society. Understanding these factors and acknowledging the problems that may arise when you are trying to make change is key. Some factors of an established society may include traditional values or moral principles that have remained prevalent since the society’s establishment. In this way, getting people in this community to adapt to change may be slightly more difficult and may require a more delicate approach.

In a society, there are inevitably going to be many stigmas involving young people, girls, women… the list goes on. This is just a problem that society faces due to historical viewpoints and generational values. This is an issue that must be addressed and changed to create a more equal and fair society so that the many injustices prevalent today can and will be prevented in the future. What we need to do is acknowledge that society may have these issues and figure out a way to approach different situations with the most effective method in order to change potentially toxic societies to become more progressive and accepting.

There is no black-and-white way to approach these different societal viewpoints, but there is a way to figure out how. Establishing good connections and speaking out about your views in an empathetic and sensitive way is one approach. Encouraging campaigns about your viewpoints, educating people and writing to local councils about the problems that you believe are present in society is another solution in making your voice heard. These societal impacts, when they are all combined, can make a very large change in the world as we know it today. It all starts with a conversation. Sometimes, the best way to communicate is by laying out all the facts and letting people come to the same conclusion as you have. While your views may be dismissed at times or may not change a lot, it is very likely that you are talking to the wrong audience or conveying your ideas the wrong way. Trying again and persevering is the only way that you will make your voice heard.

All ways of speaking out about your views are very circumstantial, but recognising an opportunity to voice your opinion in the most impactful way possible is the first step to making change. Whenever you can, challenge, change and improve social norms in the most foolproof, peaceful and impactful way possible, and make your voice heard. Once you have got an opportunity, grab it and use it to make as much noise as you can, because every voice matters and many little changes can add up to make a big change in the long run.

Written by: Mei Yu