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5 min readโขjuly 11, 2024
Fatima Raja
Fatima Raja
You probably took CompGov so you would understand the memes. Kidding...but seriously if that's why you took it, that's okay. You do you! Some people like memes about TV shows, others like memes about school.ย
๐จ Quick note: we credited the creators of all of the memes and Tweets in this article. Go show them some love!
If you know about Russia's record of controlling the media...
Russia has a long history of silencing journalists and controlling (and censoring) media outlets. As recently as 2014, Russia passed laws that increased state control of the media, and the state also owns all but one of Russia's national TV channels.ย
You might be thinking "there's gotta be independent local news channels, right? ๐ค" Yeah, good train of thought there, but you're not gonna enjoy hearing about self-censorship. It's pretty much where media outlets avoid talking about controversial topics that could upset the political establishment (aka topics that criticize Putin and/or the government).ย
If you know about countries not prioritizing their military in their budget... (this couldn't be America ๐ )...
That doesn't mean that the military is completely powerless and ineffective, though. After all, military dictators have led Nigeria many times in its history. Currently, the Nigerian military is one of the most powerful forces on the African continent, and its elites have illegally distributed resources on ethnic or religious grounds.ย
If you're an American taking CompGov or already took AP GOPO ...
If you can't remember what you learned in class...
Side note: legitimate governments also abuse human rights, just because they're formally recognized and accepted doesn't mean they're perfect!ย
That's why governments do everything they can to increase the acceptance of their governing. Essentially, they don't want to lose their power or authority, and they want to make sure other countries recognize them as deserving of recognition.ย
If you learned about the Great Firewall and the Chinese government's surveillance...
It's very Orwellian and def reminds us of the surveillance state that exists inย 1984.ย
If you're still upset about Brexit...
So, why all the chaos ๐คจ?
A few decades after World War II, the European Union was formed to ensure that Europe would remain stable. And, despite all its faults, it worked! The EU standardized its many laws and made movement and trade throughout the continent incredibly easy for member states, bringing massive economic benefits to the UK.
However, due to arguments that the UK was losing its sovereignty (and other things), the UK decided to leave.
If you wish democracy was just a little bit easier to do...
Other times, when the military establishment is displeased with a civilian government's actions, a coup occurs.
So, ya know, read up on coups.ย
If you realize that these Russian term limits don't really seem to be limiting Putin...
Because one Russian presidential term lasts six years, this could mean that Putin stays in power until 2036.ย
If you love free speech...
Think of the police attacking protestors in Hong Kong with tear gas and military-grade equipment. Or, the detainment of journalists in Russia for exposing corruption. Or, even mass arrests in Iran in response to protests.
Unfortunately, these are only a few examples of countries that silence people for speaking out against them, and human rights organizations continue to expose abuses like these all around the world.
If you read about Nigeria's Fourth Republic...
Buut, just because Nigeria started to democratize doesn't mean it's perfect. There's still a lot that the country can do to protect free speech and journalists. Even today, journalists in the country faceย human rights abuses, and laws to protect speech often are not enforced.
There's nothing quite like being in the know when it comes to memes. Or knowing that you're one of the 15 people on the planet that understand one. Good thing you took CompGov so you get to feel that every time you see one of these.
And, feel free to spread the love! Share 'em with your friends in the class, or make your own and tagย @thinkfiveable or me on Twitter!
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