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To what extent do cultural and social beliefs impact the quest for equality?

Wells Nolan

As a user of social media, I believe that cultural and social beliefs have a significant impact on the quest for equality. It's no secret that our cultural background shapes our views, thoughts and actions. Different cultures have their own norms, traditions, and values that make them unique. However, some of these cultural beliefs can hinder the progress towards equality.

For instance, in some parts of the world, there's a pervasive belief that men are superior to women. Such a belief undermines efforts to achieve gender equality. Some cultures also practice female genital mutilation as a way of suppressing female sexuality. This barbaric culture practice has no place in our modern society, and it's a clear violation of human rights.

Social beliefs, on the other hand, are those beliefs that we learn from our immediate social circle, such as family, friends, and colleagues at work. These social beliefs can either promote or hinder equality. For example, if someone grows up believing that people of a certain race or religion are inferior, they are more likely to discriminate against them. This kind of thinking can derail efforts to achieve equality and create division and tension among communities.

However, the power of social media can be a game-changer when it comes to cultural and social beliefs. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have the potential to break down cultural barriers and unite people from all corners of the world. Social media is a powerful tool that can educate people on different cultures, celebrate diversity, and promote equality.

In recent years, I've seen many social media campaigns galvanize people around issues of equality. Take the #MeToo campaign, for example, which was started in response to the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault in the entertainment industry. The campaign encouraged women to speak up about their experiences and raised awareness about the pervasiveness of the issue.

Another social media campaign that I've been impressed with is the #BlackLivesMatter campaign. The movement aimed to bring attention to the systemic racism and police brutality against black people. It has sparked conversations about race in the US and propelled an international conversation about race and equality.

In conclusion, cultural and social beliefs have a significant impact on the quest for equality. However, social media presents a unique opportunity to dismantle cultural and social barriers. As users of social media, we can promote positive cultural beliefs that celebrate diversity and inclusion. We can also use our platforms to raise awareness about social justice issues and create a conversation that leads to positive change. Together as a global community, we can make a difference towards achieving a more just and equal world.