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YOUTH ARE AWESOME

Youth Are Awesome, commonly referred to as YAA, is a blog written by youth for youth. YAA provides the youth of Calgary a place to amplify their voices and perspectives on what is happening around them. Youth Are Awesome is a program of Youth Central.

Any views or opinions expressed on this blog belong solely to the author and do not represent those of people or organizations that the blog may be associated with, unless explicitly stated. All content is for informational purposes only.

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Advocating for Mental Health Awareness for Elderly

Mini
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Advocating for Mental Health Awareness for Elderly

“In 2020, 1 billion people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. That figure will rise to 1.4 billion by 2030, representing one in six people globally.” (World Health Organisation, 2023) What can we, as adolescents, youth, and adults, collectively do to support those before us? Mental health advocacy has been a rising issue collectively around the world for a wide variety of age groups but more significantly within the ageing populace. A culmination of disease, dementia, and lack of physical ability create significant obstacles to healthy mental health. Mental health is defined as: the psychological well-being and satisfactory adjustment to society and to the ordinary demands of life from Dictionary.com. Within modern societies, with rapid movements and immediate shifts, mental health is already a grasping issue, with rising issues among those who are unable to adapt to changing environments, such as seniors. “Around 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder.”

As advocates, change is always driven by small steps of the individual, culminating in noticeable change. “The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones” – a Chinese Proverb (Taylor, 2012).  Join movements that dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and foster inclusive communities (World Health Organisation, 2023). Educate yourself about the distinct challenges that senior individuals face regarding mental health and the available support systems. Advocate for and support policies that enhance access to tailored mental health services for seniors. Engage in local initiatives and volunteer opportunities that promote mental well-being and foster intergenerational connections. Commit to building a community where the mental health needs of the elderly are recognized, prioritized, and addressed with compassionate care. In conclusion, prioritizing elderly mental health is essential for cultivating a compassionate and inclusive society. Let us work collectively to ensure that every senior receives the care and respect they deserve.

 

References

(n.d.). Dictionary.com. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/mental%20health

Pixabay. (n.d.). Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/images/search/mental%20health/

Taylor, J. (2012). 20 Quotes to Inspire You to Take Small Simple Steps Every Day. Jane Taylor. https://janetaylor.net/quotes-to-inspire-you-to-take-small-simple-steps-each-day/

World Health Organisation. (2023, October 20). Mental health of Older Adults. World Health Organisation. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults

 

5 Unique St. Patrick’s Day Traditions Around the World You Didn’t Know About!

Avy Gill
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5 Unique St. Patrick’s Day Traditions Around the World You Didn’t Know About!

1. Green Water In Chicago, USA:

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the Chicago River is dyed and becomes a vibrant green annually. This cherished custom, which dates back to 1962, provides a fantastic display. The city is covered in a gorgeous green sea during the day because of the environmentally friendly dye.

 

2. Early Morning Bathing ritual in Portland, Maine:

Portland residents gather along the Atlantic Ocean for a unique and exciting celebration every St. Patrick’s Day at 5:30 AM. They accept the cold embrace as a fun way to start the holiday by jumping into the freezing waves for a brief dip.

 

3. Wear Orange on St.Patricks Day in Northern Ireland:

In Northern Ireland, some people may choose to wear orange to demonstrate their devotion to the Protestant tradition, even though many people wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. Given that the orange represents the Protestant/Unionist society and the green represents Irish Catholicism and nationalism, this is a means of conveying a different take on the event.

 

4. Dog Parade in New York City, USA:

Dogs dressed in their finest green outfits and wearing Irish-themed costumes participate in a special St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. As one of the most quirky ways to commemorate, it’s a pleasant occasion for pet owners to frequently allow the dogs to take part in a mini-parade.

 

5. Green Pancakes in Ottawa, Canada:

A common St. Patrick’s Day breakfast in several parts of Canada, particularly Ottawa, is green pancakes. These green pancakes are served in stacks at restaurants and are a favourite with kids and families. Even “pancake-eating contests” are held in several locations to add to the celebration.

Good News: A Compilation of Wholesome News Sources

Jeanne Y
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Good News: A Compilation of Wholesome News Sources

When you think about news sources, the news you see is nearly never positive. Every day, we get closer to blowing up the planet with climate change; people are being hurt in countless ways; stocks are going down and the price of fresh food is stratospheric; natural disasters have occurred and been devastating to everyone around; there’s been another political decision that will affect us all for who knows how long; and many, many more negative news events blow up our TVs and our social media feeds.

While it’s imperative to be aware of the current events happening in the world, it’s also so incredibly important to take care of your own mental wellbeing. We can often feel quite despondent after constantly bombarding ourselves with only negative news. It’s just as important to recognize that good events happen too, and that they happen quite often. That having been said, here’s a compilation of some wholesome news sources that can elevate your mood after reading disheartening news.

 

1. Good Good Good

A much needed source of happy news. Their topics include environmentalism, activism, mental health, animals, celebrations, ethical shopping, health, education, and so much more. They’ve also got many other platforms, including social media (TikTok and Instagram) and a daily newsletter.

If you’re only going to follow one link, this should be the one. It’s got a positive thing that happened for nearly every category of news.

 

2. Good News Network

Feel good news? Sign me up. Good News Network talks about a lot of funny and uplifting stories from around the world. It’s great if you need some quick wholesome reads.

 

3. Solutions Journalism Network

Sometimes, you don’t want a feel-good story; you’d rather feel good about a problem that is being solved. Solutions Journalism Network does exactly that – it brings awareness and journalism to solutions that are being developed for the world’s problems. News often only draws attention to the problem, but Solutions highlights how these problems are actually being solved. It seems intuitive, but it’s not done enough. I highly recommend taking a look – you can stay informed about the problems in the world while also staying aware of solutions being developed to solve them.

 

4. Reasons to Be Cheerful

It does talk a lot about American events, but regardless of your political stance Reasons to Be Cheerful still gives greatly uplifting news stories. The user interface is nice: they have a newsletter, and it’s just another great feel-good network to take a look at.

 

5. Sunny Skyz

Sunny Skyz has a daily wholesome story about a positive event that has happened. It’s great for a bite-sized amount of positivity to start your day with. Check it out!

 

TL;DR

Please take care of your mental health. You are important, you matter, and there are so many good things that happen in the world. Take the time and make the effort to intentionally consume something uplifting; remember that the happy events are just as important as the sad ones.

 

Important:

If you or someone you know is in need of help with their mental health, here are some free resources that are available for your perusal. It’s so important to take care of yourself, so please seek help from a trusted person or from these resources if you need it.

  1. AHS Access Mental Health
  2. The Distress Centre – with a 24 hour crisis line
  3. Eastside Community Mental Health Services – Woods Homes – with multilingual services, call, text, and live chat therapies.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

STEM-ulating The Future: Opportunities for Young Innovators

Suha A
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STEM-ulating The Future: Opportunities for Young Innovators

It is commonly said that the younger generation are leading the future of our world with their contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Although, it’s not easy for youth to find STEM opportunities to display their ideas whilst learning more about their passion.

Many youth are on the lookout for unique programs for them to display their knowledge and spruce up their university applications or resumes. They may find themselves struggling to find opportunities that cater to their STEM-related interests.

This post contains 5 prestigious STEM programs for highschoolers to apply to and enrich their learning. Most are outside of Canada, and allow you to meet new people with common interests while gaining more experience in the field you’re interested in. These will look fantastic on any application!

 

RSI: Research Science Institute at MIT

Muzammil Soorma – Unsplash

The Research Science Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a free program for students in grade 11. During the program, students get the chance to conduct professional research on a STEM-related topic assigned to them while participating in intensive science and technology classes, all under the guidance of highly qualified professors at MIT. Students present their research during the final week of the program, and have the opportunity to meet leaders in the science and technology industries. Participants also go on excursions to nearby Boston attractions and make lasting friendships.

Furthermore, this program is fully funded, meaning your stay is covered, and a stipend is provided for travel expenses. Getting into the program is a major accomplishment, as only 100 students are selected every year. One of them could be you! With such a prestigious program under your belt, RSI will make you stand out on university applications while providing invaluable experience to advance your knowledge in STEM.

Canada Wide Science Fair (CWSF)

Ousa Chea – Unsplash

The Canada Wide Science Fair (CWSF) is one of the most well-known in the country. It is open to students in grades 7-12, and caters to those who are passionate about scientific research and discovery. Student create and present their projects while competing for scholarships, awards, and other prizes. The CWSF hosts thousands of people every year, making it a great way to meet new, like-minded individuals & experts.

This science fair encourages participants to work on projects that align with a current global issue, using STEM to help decrease its devastating effects. The CWSF also offers opportunities to be mentored by established scientists and professionals!

 

The Google Science Fair – Online

Unsplash

The Google Science Fair is a global online competition that encourages youth innovators from ages 13-18 to tackle some of the world’s toughest problems. Participants are challenged to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills by designing innovative solutions related to science, technology, and engineering. Prizes include scholarships, internships, and even a chance to visit Google’s headquarters. Google offers a grand prize of $50,000 and a chance to work with top scientists and engineers for the winner.

The great thing about this science fair is that its accessible to anyone with an internet connection. You don’t have to worry about travel costs and you can compete from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, this competition provides a platform for youth to get their ideas noticed by industry leaders. This makes it a valuable asset for your resume and/or application.

 

The National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) – West Virginia

Jaron Nix – Unsplash

The NYSC is a prestigious, all-expenses-paid summer program for high school seniors who are passionate about science. This program is held annually in West Virginia, bringing together brilliant students from both the United States and abroad. Students spend the month carrying out hands-on scientific experiments, attending lectures by famous scientists, and heading out on fun field trips. Students expand their STEM knowledge while building lasting friendships with their peers.

In addition to all of this, NYSC participants also interact with professionals from a wide range of STEM fields. This allows for students to gain insight into various career paths. Although the program is based in the U.S., applications are open to international students. Since travel and accommodation expenses are free, there should be nothing stopping you from applying!

 

The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) – Ohio

Unsplash

The ISEF is one of the most exciting opportunities for high school innovators. They will be given the chance to showcase their talent and passion for science and technology at one of the largest and most prestigious science competitions in the world. The ISEF gathers students from all over the globe to present their research and groundbreaking projects in fields like engineering, biology, computer science, and environmental science. Their website contains a list of categories, which you can take a look at if you’re interested!

Not only does the ISEF offer a platform for you to share your ideas with expert judges, but it also provides amazing rewards. Some examples are scholarships, internships, and gaining hands-on experience. Participants will get the chance to play their part in shaping the future of science and technology.

 

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators: Go and Apply!

In conclusion, the world of STEM offers countless opportunities for young innovators to deepen their knowledge and gain valuable experience. They also allow for youth to make an impact on global challenges. The programs highlighted in this post are just a few examples of the many opportunities out there. These programs allow for high school students to deepen their passions while building impressive resumes and university applications.

Whether you choose to participate in a local competition like the Calgary Youth Science Fair (which may be offered at your school!), or apply to a prestigious program abroad in universities like MIT, each opportunity provides you with the ability to grow. By participating in these experiences, young innovators can truly begin to shape the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

The Fascinating World of Sleep: What Really Happens When We Snooze?

Elizabeth Aluko
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The Fascinating World of Sleep: What Really Happens When We Snooze?

Have you ever wondered what goes on in your body and mind while you’re asleep? We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, yet many of us don’t fully understand what happens during this essential part of our daily routine. Let’s dive into the mysterious and fascinating world of sleep!

The Stages of Sleep

Sleep isn’t just a single, uniform state. It’s made up of several stages, each with its own unique characteristics:

  1. Stage 1: Light Sleep This is the transition from wakefulness to sleep. It’s a light sleep where you can be easily awakened. Your muscles start to relax, and your brain waves begin to slow down.
  2. Stage 2: True Sleep In this stage, your body temperature drops, and your heart rate slows down. Brain activity continues to slow, and you become less aware of your surroundings.
  3. Stage 3: Deep Sleep This is the most restorative stage of sleep. Your body repairs tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system. It’s harder to wake someone up during this stage.
  4. REM Sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) During REM sleep, your brain activity increases, and you dream vividly. Your eyes move rapidly behind your closed eyelids. This stage is important for cognitive functions like memory and learning.

 

Why Do We Dream?

Dreams have fascinated humans for centuries. While scientists are still trying to fully understand why we dream, there are a few popular theories:

  • Problem-Solving: Dreams might help us process and solve problems we encounter during the day.
  • Emotional Regulation: Dreaming could be a way for our brains to process emotions and experiences, helping us cope with stress.
  • Memory Consolidation: Some researchers believe that dreaming plays a role in consolidating memories and learning new information.

 

Fun Facts About Sleep

  • Sleepwalking: Did you know that some people can perform complex activities like walking, talking, and even cooking while asleep? This condition is called somnambulism, or sleepwalking.
  • Sleep Paralysis: This occurs when you wake up but temporarily can’t move or speak. It’s often accompanied by hallucinations and can be quite scary, but it’s harmless.
  • Lucid Dreaming: Lucid dreaming is when you become aware that you’re dreaming and can even control the dream. It’s like being the director of your own movie!

 

Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep

  1. Stick to a Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
  2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Wind down with calming activities like reading or taking a warm bath.
  3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light from screens can interfere with your sleep. Try to avoid electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
  4. Keep Your Sleep Environment Comfortable: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
  5. Watch Your Diet: Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime.

Conclusion

Sleep is a vital part of our lives, and understanding it can help us appreciate its importance and improve our overall well-being. The next time you drift off to sleep, remember that your body and mind are hard at work, restoring and rejuvenating you for the day ahead.

Happy snoozing! 😴✨ ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵

The Interconnection of Physics – Part 1

Crystal Lattice
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The Interconnection of Physics – Part 1

From a biased perspective, Physics is a beautiful branch of science. However, from a less biased perspective, it is also incredibly interconnected. Ranging from formulas being applied to countless scenarios, occasionally using formulas from multiple sections, to two seemingly unrelated concepts having a correlation, there are many surprises all over the Physics world. Speaking as a high schooler with a little experience into the university Physics, the further you explore into classical Physics, the greater you appreciate how the world actually makes sense. Welcome to part 1 of this interconnection of Physics exploration, where we begin with three of the fascinating connections.

1. Scalar and Vector Quantities

Beginning with the simple connections, scalars provide a numerical magnitude (ex: 5m/s) and vectors provide both magnitude and direction (ex: 5m/s @ east). Because vectors also include direction, there may be scenarios where some vectors cancel (ex: 5m/s @ east + 10m/s @ west = 5m/s @ west. Recall that west and east are in opposite directions so 5m/s @ east cancels with 5m/s @ west).

However, this characteristic does not exist for scalars; instead, you simply add their values (ex: 5m/s + 10m/s = 15m/s). Sometimes, the direction does not matter (ex: 5m/s @ east + 5m/s @ east = 10. Similarly, 5 + 5 = 10. Both magnitudes are the same.)

Scalars and Vectors are the fundamental building blocks into the Physics world, and they both clearly relate to one another in any scenario that involves numbers. In practice, if a bird flies at a speed of 5m/s, it is a scalar quantity. If the bird flies at a speed of 5m/s @ east, it is a vector quantity because it includes that direction. The only difference between the two is that vectors concern direction, whereas scalars do not.

Speedometer
Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

2. Micro and Macro Views

Micro means “small” and macro means “large” . Therefore, in Physics, microscopic levels typically refer to sizes similar to the atom, and macroscopic levels to the vastness of the universe. Here, it becomes harder to connect Physics ideas together. It requires practical use and some imagination, however, to actually see these correlations.

Think about gas particles, oxygen, for example, and consider how that microscopic thing contributes to the Earth, a relatively macroscopic thing. An important thing to note is that the laws of Physics are the same for both microscopic particles and macroscopic particles. Yet, these two states, which don’t necessarily directly interact with one another, make up the entire universe!

A more thorough example would be the device that you are holding to read these words. Electrons, a subatomic particle, are moving around in your device and creating electricity, leading to the power that your device uses!

Microscopic molecule
Image by Mudassar Iqbal from Pixabay (Atoms are microscopic)
Universe
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay (Universe is macroscopic)

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Gravity and Electricity

As a quick overview, gravity forces attraction between two masses (i.e. things that weigh something), and electricity is the interaction between charges. Referring to what was mentioned earlier, finding this connection also requires some imagination!

Inside Earth, gravity is all around us. Because everyone and everything weighs something, we all experience an attraction to the center of Earth. It is the reason why we fall back down after jumping, let alone why we do not just float. No matter how light or heavy you are, we will always feel an attraction to Earth’s core. On the other hand, the fundamental idea for electricity is the idea that like charges repel (electrons repel from one another) and unlike charges attract (electrons are attracted to protons).

Notice how both gravity and electricity causes attraction. The only major difference between the two are that electricity can cause repellent interactions and that they both concern either mass or charge. In addition, those that are familiar with Physics may have noticed the parallelism between the formulas for their forces (Gravity formula / Electricity formula). Both formulas concern with the distance between charges/masses, and includes a universal constant. In fact, both universal constants are found using a torsion balance and seeing how each force affected a string’s rotation.

Gravitational fields
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Electricity
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

 

 

 

 

 

Part 2 Coming Soon!

With that, part 1 is over. So far, we have explored the connections between scalar and vector quantities, microscopic and macroscopic interactions, and the parallelism between gravity and electricity. Recognize that after each connection, it requires more and more imagination, as well as application, to discover the next one. Hopefully, this first out of two blog posts not only reminds you that the laws of Physics are consistent, but consistent to the point where these surprising connections emerge!

Waves
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6

How Muslims Celebrate Eid

Hafsah A
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How Muslims Celebrate Eid

Eid is one of the most important celebrations in Islam. There are two major Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Both bring families, friends, and communities together for prayer, food, and acts of kindness.

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/eid-muslim-mosque-ramadan-arabic-8683303/

What Are the Two Eids?

Eid al-Fitr, or the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” happens about two months later and is linked to the Hajj pilgrimage. Both celebrations focus on faith, charity, and spending time with loved ones.

How Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr begins with a special morning prayer at mosques and open spaces. Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid.” They wear new clothes, visit family, and share special foods like baklava (a sweet pastry). 

A big part of Eid is giving to those in need. Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr, a small charity donation, before the holiday prayer. This ensures that everyone can join in the celebration. Many also take time to forgive past mistakes and strengthen relationships.

In countries like Egypt and Pakistan, streets are decorated with lanterns and lights, and families gather for festive meals. In Turkey and the Balkans, it’s known as “Lesser Bayram,” with unique traditions passed down for generations.

How Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha honors the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of faith. To remember this, Muslims who can afford it sacrifice an animal, like a sheep or cow, and share the meat with family, friends, and the poor.

This Eid is also connected to Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims aim to complete at least once in their lifetime. It is a time for reflection, faith, and giving back to the community.

Eid al-Fitr is Almost Here!

As Ramadan 2025 has begun, Muslims around the world are preparing for Eid al-Fitr. It’s a time of joy, generosity, and togetherness. From special prayers to delicious meals, the celebration reminds people of the blessings of faith and family. 

Sources: 1 2

Who is Mark Carney? A Synopsis of the Liberal Party’s New Leader

Jianna H
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Who is Mark Carney? A Synopsis of the Liberal Party’s New Leader

Introduction

On January 6th, 2025, Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister of Canada.

“As you all know, I’m a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians. I care deeply about this country, and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians.” -Justin Trudeau

Trudeau’s resignation was widely supported across Canada, as his and the Liberal party’s unpopularity has increased over the last decade. After January 6th, the race to elect the new Liberal leader began.

On March 9th, Mark Carney was officially announced as the party’s new leader, winning the debate by a landslide 86%, against opponents like Chrystia Freeland, former finance minister and Karina Gould, former house leader.

Mark Carney’s History

Education

Mark Carney was born in Fort Smith, a small town in the Northwest Territories, but was raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Carney’s history is majorly economic-centric. In 1988, he graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s Degree in economics. Later, he studied at Oxford University, where he earned his Master’s and Doctorate in 1993 and 1995, respectively. While attending Harvard University, Carney was the school’s goalie for their varsity Ice Hockey team. During his acceptance speech, Carney mentioned his past with hockey, rallying Canadians after American President Trump’s tariff sanctions.

“We didn’t ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves, so the Americans, they should make no mistake: In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win,”- Mark Carney

Financial Career

After his doctorate, Carney worked at Goldman and Sach’s for 13 years. Carney would later leave the company and eventually, in 2007, be appointed as Governor of the Bank of Canada. The year 2007 also marked the beginning of the global economic downturn that would lead to the Great Recession in America. Prior to his campaign in 2025, many people considered Carney as a major factor to why Canada did not feel as much of the impacts of the recession in comparison to Americans because of the policies he enacted as Governor of the Bank of Canada. However, now politicians, such as Stephen Harper, former Prime Minister of Canada, stated that Carney’s role during the Recession was greatly overestimated.

In 2013, Carney became the first non-Briton to be appointed as Governor of the Bank of England. He would remain this position until 2020, advising the country up until the beginning of the Pandemic.

Political Advisory

From 2020 onwards, Carney acted as one of Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s informal advisors. Carney assisted him with Canada’s economic response during the Covid-19 Pandemic. On January 16th 2025, Mark Carney would announce his decision to run for leadership of the Liberal Party.

What Now?

Since Trudeau’s resignation, recently re-elected American President Donald Trump announced his decision to impose tariffs on trade between Canada and the USA. Immediately, Trump faced backlash, as Canada and the USA have been close allies for generations. Trudeau has since made many speeches rallying Canadians and urging Trump and Americans who voted for the republican leader to rethink their decisions. He has also decided to fight back by imposing more tariffs and shutting off Canadian resources to America. Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently introduced a 25% surcharge on energy exported from the province to American states such as New York, Michigan and Minnesota.

In the last week, the Federal Government’s plan against the Trade War with America has been unveiled. They plan to implement a “work sharing program” funded by employment insurance benefits. This means companies can cut hours for their employers equally without have to lay off employees during this time when business is halted. The main objective of this plan is to mediate unemployment. Additionally, trade between provinces and territories has been emphasized.

Since January, Parliament has been suspended so the Liberal Party could decide on a new leader. Canada is due for a federal election in October of 2025, but many leaders of other political parties, such as Jagmeet Singh of the NDP and Pierre Poilievre of the opposing Conservative Party, have expressed their interest in calling for an early election.

Resources

1, 2,3,4, 5

 

The Pressing Issue of Canadian Inflation: A Comparison

Huda
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The Pressing Issue of Canadian Inflation: A Comparison

What is Inflation?

In an economy, moderate inflation is a sign of growth. Consumers will spend more money rather than save, as the value of money decreases over time when prices go up. In tandem, wages tend to go up as well, allowing consumers to keep pace with increased costs. However, when inflation rapidly surges and becomes unstable, it can lead to detrimental effects for both businesses and consumers. This is the pressing issue that all Canadians face today.

2022

Historically, Canada has maintained a relatively stable inflation rate, with occasional instances of spikes and deflation. The economy has seen an especially alarming increase in June 2022, when Canadians experienced pressing crisis–peaking at an 8.1% inflation rate. As a result, prices soared across essential goods and services. This rendered necessities such as gas, food, and rent unaffordable for many Canadians. This rapid acceleration was due to numerous factors such as supply chain disruptions, high energy prices, and pandemic-related economic policies. At this time, Canada was still struggling to recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; demand surged, but supply chains were still coming back from labour shortages and factory shutdowns. In addition to this circumstance, the intensifying Russia-Ukraine war prompted oil and gas prices to an upswing. To control the inflation, the Bank of Canada aggressively raised interest rates from 0.25% in early 2022 to 4.25% by the end of the year, in an effort to reduce spending. However, despite these desperate measures, many Canadians struggled with high living costs, forcing them to cut down spending and rely on savings.

2024 and risks in 2025

By 2024, the inflation rate reached 2%. This was approximate to the Bank of Canada’s goal. The decline was driven by major interest rate increases, global supply chain recovery, and the stabilization of the housing market. Additionally, wage growth slowed down, which reduced accelerating prices and consumer spending. However, many concerns stand for Canada’s economic security in 2025. Current trade tensions with the U.S., specifically tariffs, threaten surges for key imports. Ongoing conflicts affecting global oil supply can also potentially push energy prices up. Furthermore, rising corporate debt and the potential for an economic shutdown create much uncertainty as well. While inflation has eased, Canada still faces many struggles in the effort of controlling inflation and maintaining economic growth. Canada’s economy is not entirely out of danger just yet.

Key Comparisons

*Peak rates from every year

Inflation Rates
June 2022      January 2024      January 2025
    8.1%               2.9%                   1.9%

Interest Rates
December 2022     June 2024      January 2025
      6.45%                6.95%              5.2%

Gas prices
June 2022       April 2024       January 2025
$2.29/liter       $1.86/liter        $1.62/liter

Average House Prices
February 2022        April 2024       January 2025
   $816,720             $703,446          $670,064

Federal Minimum Wages
   2022            2024           2025
$15.00/hr     $17.30/hr    $17.75/hr

Sources:

“ICICI Bank Canada – Rate History – Prime Rate.” ICICI Bank, www.icicibank.ca/personalbanking/ratehistory_popup_interestrates.

Canada, Employment and Social Development. “Increasing the Federal Minimum Wage Starting April 1, 2025.” Canada.ca, 28 Feb. 2025, www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2025/02/increasing-the-federal-minimum-wage-starting-april-1-2025.html.

“Canadian Housing Market Report Feb. 20th, 2025 | Interactive Map – WOWA.ca.” Wowa Leads Inc., wowa.ca/reports/canada-housing-market.

TRADING ECONOMICS. “Canada Gasoline Prices.” TRADING ECONOMICS, tradingeconomics.com/canada/gasoline-prices.

“Inflation: Prices on the Rise.” IMF, 30 July 2019, www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/Series/Back-to-Basics/Inflation.

 

 

How to Use AI to Improve Your Grades (Without Cheating!)

Mahnoor Altaf
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How to Use AI to Improve Your Grades (Without Cheating!)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become widely used by people across the globe, whether in healthcare to improve medical diagnosis or in finance by personalizing services and products. People can apply AI to almost anything. A trending topic in recent years has been students using AI to study, whether it be preparing for a test or completing assignments. Although AI can be a useful tool, it has raised many ethical concerns, especially regarding academic honesty and plagiarism.

Pixabay

AI Ethical Concerns (For Students)

As most of us know, AI has caused mixed feelings regarding academics. A survey shows that 52% of Canadian students use AI for school work, but 60% believe that it’s considered “cheating.”

There is a fine line between using AI as a “tool” and using it for “cheating.”

If AI is doing all the work for you, it’s likely considered cheating (e.g., prompting ChatGPT to write you an essay). However, using ChatGPT as a tool usually consists of it being used as an assistant that helps with your work rather than doing the work for you (e.g., prompting ChatGPT to give you feedback on your essay).

Pixabay

How to Use AI to Boost Your Grades:

Here are some ways to use AI to significantly upscale your academic performance (e.g., grades):

Flashcards:

Studies show that active recall is one of the best ways to memorize information and takes place when you have to recall information from your memory. Flashcards can be one of the best ways to do this. However, it can be really time-consuming. Instead of creating your own flashcards, you can now use AI to make them within a few minutes, just by uploading your study material onto the website, which will then generate them for you.

Study Guides:

A study by Scholar Works showed that students who used study guides increased their test scores by over 30%. A study guide is essentially a document that contains all your exam topics and condenses the material to provide you with key information. Now, you could go ahead and make one on your own; however, it is—similar to flashcards—very time-consuming. So, instead, you can upload your study material to an AI that will generate one for you within minutes.

Feynman Technique:

The most important part of learning is to actually understand the topic(s). One popular method is the Feynman technique, which involves explaining a topic as if teaching a clueless child. This approach helps break down complex concepts and identifies areas where you may struggle. If you’re having difficulty grasping a topic, input it into AI software and say, ‘Explain this topic to me as if I were 5.’ The AI will provide a simplified explanation of even the most complex subjects, often using simple analogies to aid understanding and recall.

Practice Tests:

Practice tests are one of the best ways to ensure you’re prepared for your actual test. You could find practice tests online; however, they may not match your study materials. They might contain too little or too much information. To create a practice test tailored to your needs, input your study materials into an AI application. It will generate a test specifically for you.

Pixabay

Conclusion

AI can significantly boost students’ academic performance if used as a tool rather than for plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Using AI can assist in understanding and retaining information at a much faster pace than doing it by hand. I strongly recommend you test it out when studying for your next exam and see the results!

sources:

Yearning to know why we yawn: Theories behind this mystery

Diya K
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Yearning to know why we yawn: Theories behind this mystery

Hey guys! In this blog post, I’m going to let you in on some famous theories behind why humans yawn!

Be aware: You may yawn through the process 

( I realized that when I was researching why humans yawn, I found myself yawning multiple times too – which is crazy)

What even is yawning? 

Yes we all yawn on a daily basis to some extent, but what actually is the process of doing so? During the act, you open your airway and take a long and deep breath of air. Although it may seem like a simple movement, it’s actually considered pretty complex. 

Firstly, our diaphragm contracts which allows us to take in air. Then, our lower jaw completely opens, expanding our mouth’s to expand to the best of its abilities. Then, the tongue goes down from its normal resting position on the roof of our mouth. As you inhale more air, your face stretches more and more and more, until it reaches the maximum. FInally, at the end of the yawn, our face resets back to normal and as we exhale our closed eyes re-open (which may be slightly watery too). During the end stage of the yawn, we tend to make some sort of a vocal sound, and we end off with some kind of “relaxing or “rewarding” sensation. 

But why do we even yawn? 

As a matter of fact: Nobody knows! Researchers and medical professionals have been trying to find the actual reason behind why we yawn , but for some strange reason – no one has found the answer. Yet, there are many theories speculating it which I will dive into deeper below. 

The first theory is to wake up your brain:

This one is kind of ironic, because we generally yawn when we are bored, tired, or sleepy. So I guess that humans (and many other animals as a matter of fact) yawn as well as a method to wake themselves up. When we are bored, our brain is lacking the mental stimulation that it desperately craves on a daily basis, which eventually leads it to slowly lose touch with our external environment and become absorbed into our eventful daydreams. When our body begins to realize that we are beginning to lose touch, yawning may occur as an attempt to reconnect us with our surroundings, and ultimately give us a “wake-up” call. As a matter of fact, when we yawn, our heart-rate tends to slightly increase, and because our muscles are being stretched – even though it may not seem like it – we are slowly yet steadily releasing the drowsiness. 

The second theory is one that I have never thought about before, and am still just beginning to understand. To cool down our brains. 

Basically what this means is that when our brain’s and body’s are experiencing abnormal heating (such as through heat stress or hyperthermia), yawning occurs as the body’s natural process of thermoregulation (like sweating). I think yawning in this scenario only occurs when your body is not in extreme motion but is still overheating (because I don’t think it would be considered normal for athletes to be yawning in the midst of a chaotic basketball game). The science behind this explains that because our faces stretch, more blood flows through, and at the same time, there is an intake of excess air. To be honest, I don’t really understand this theory, but because no one actually knows the reason behind this phenomenon, I’m learning to accept it either way. 

The third most popular and more commonly recognized theory is that people yawn through empathy in an attempt to subconsciously relate to others.

Yawning has been shown to be extremely contagious, meaning that when we see someone yawn- our bodies automatically tend to yawn too. Some pieces of evidence has shown that the more empathetic a person is, the more likely they are to experience higher rates of contagiousness when glancing at other people yawning. Another aspect to take into consideration is how people tend to yawn more and more easily when seeing a loved one or known individual yawn, rather than a stranger. This fact makes it seem like empathy may actually play a super big role in the science behind yawning. The fact on how yawns are contagious, actually fit into this category that psychologists call “mirroring” or in more scientific language, “limbic synchrony”. Other reasons point towards how an individual’s susceptibility to yawning may be based on whether or not someone is neurodivergent. And if they do happen to be, the contagiousness decreases. 

There you have it folks, there are the three most common theories behind why people yawn. Who knows, maybe sometime in the future, we’ll turn these theories into scientific explanations! But until then, let’s just keep yawning away.

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/yawning

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3678674/

 

Are Ultra-Processed Foods Addictive?

Daniella
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0
Are Ultra-Processed Foods Addictive?

In recent years, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have become a staple in many diets worldwide. Manufacturers engineer these highly refined products for convenience, taste, and long shelf life. However a rising body of research suggests that ultra-processed foods might not just be unhealthy—they may also have addictive qualities that can make them difficult to resist.

So, are ultra-processed foods truly addictive? To understand this, we need to explore how these foods affect the brain and behaviour, and what role addiction plays in their consumption.

What are Manufacturers Defining as Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods are products that go through significant processing and often contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, colourings, flavour enhancers, and sweeteners. These foods are typically designed to be hyper-palatable, meaning they are made to be extremely tasty and appealing. Examples of ultra-processed foods include: packaged snacks, sugary beverages, fast food, and instant meals. These foods contain high levels of added sugars, salt, and fat, ingredients that impact brain chemistry in ways that mimic addictive behaviour.

How Ultra-processed Foods Affect the Brain: A Pleasure Response

When we eat ultra-processed foods, they trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. The high levels of sugar, salt, and fat in these foods stimulate the brain’s reward system. This stimulation triggers feelings of satisfaction. Over time, the brain starts to crave these rewarding sensations, which can create a cycle of cravings and overconsumption.

Research shows that foods high in sugar and fat can activate the same neural pathways as addictive substances. Studies in animals have even shown rats continue to consume loaded sugar and fat foods, even if it means sacrificing other rewards, suggesting that the addictive potential of these foods is strong.

The “Food Addiction” Hypothesis

Some researchers have proposed the “food addiction” hypothesis, suggesting that highly processed foods can induce an addictive-like behaviour. People may develop a tolerance to the rewarding effects, meaning they need to consume larger quantities to feel the same level of satisfaction. This can lead to binge eating, unhealthy cravings, and an inability to control consumption.

Research has shown that foods high in sugar, fat, and salt can trigger compulsive eating behaviour. The addictive qualities of these foods can lead to repeated overeating, even in the face of negative consequences.

Why are these Foods So Hard to Resist?

  • Hyper-palatability: These foods combine ingredients in perfect amounts to create incredible flavour, making them incredibly hard to stop eating.
  • Convenience: Many of these foods are easy to grab and go. The convenience factor encourages frequent consumption.
  • Emotional and Social Triggers: These foods are often marked as comfort foods, associated with relaxation, reward, or celebration. Over time, emotional triggers can develop that make it harder to resist cravings.
  • Dopamine Response: These foods can lead to a dopamine rush and repeated stimulation can reinforce the desire to eat these foods again and again.
  • Marketing and Availability: These foods are widely available and aggressive advertising is specifically targeted to attract many people to purchase and consume these foods.

Is it Dangerous?

While researchers are still studying the addictive potential, they have identified undeniable risks associated with overconsumption. Frequent consumption contributes to obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

The combination of addictive properties and poor nutritional content creates a dangerous cycle of overeating, leading to long-term harm. Even if they aren’t technically “addictive”, the craving cycles they trigger can still lead to unhealthy patterns of consumption.

 

While experts still debate the term “addictive,” there’s no question that these foods significantly impact our brains. The way they affect our reward system, combined with their overwhelming convenience and taste, makes them hard to resist, leading to overeating and negative health outcomes.

Ultimately, a balanced diet, greater awareness, and mindful eating practices can help break the cycle of craving and consumption. This allows you to make healthier choices and regain control over your eating habits.

Sources:

Beyond the Fast – Ramadan in Western Media: Islam, Identity & Misrepresentation: Ep. 3

Areej C
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0
Beyond the Fast – Ramadan in Western Media: Islam, Identity & Misrepresentation: Ep. 3

Welcome to the third episode in this series, ‘Beyond The Fast’, that explains Ramadan for more than its stereotypes! Today’s blog post is aimed to allow you to understand the misrepresentation of Ramadan with specially western media, and allow for you to make the distinction between real and fake by giving you the real facts!

Why Is Ramadan Misrepresented?

Around the world, many practices, teachings, worldviews get distorted through the harsh and often sensitive filter called the Western Media. Their ignorance often lies in their false interpretation of cultural and religious practices, that narrowly views the rest of the world. Much of this stems from their preconceived notions about people from certain regions or their religion.

In particular to Ramadan, within the media the trend of misinterpretation and vilifying Islam, has caused those who may not have had any knowledge about the religion to develop assumptions or stereotypes about them. As a whole, Islam is associated with regions of the Middle East, and more specific regions of South Asia and Africa. Many times, Islam is noted within the media as a religion of terrorism due the “many extremists” that rise from the “fundamentals “ of Islam. Titles such as associating violence with Ramadan, or terrorism, strip many Muslims from the ability to fully celebrate their religion in the West. No one expects for everyone to celebrate with them, but to simply show tolerance and respect to those who engage in their individual religious freedom.

More Ways Western Media Represents Islam & Ramadan

Another misrepresentation is the way media portrays fasting. In Western articles and documentaries, Ramadan is often reduced to an extreme act of deprivation from a cruel god, with phrases like “Muslims starve themselves for a month” or “No food or water for 30 days”. This narrative makes it seem like fasting is a form of suffering when in reality, it is a structured and a total choice. If a Muslim chooses not to fast, no one should say anything to them, as it a personal choice and journey between them and God.

Similarly, mainstream media often isolate the practice of Ramadan, portraying it as a strange or outdated tradition rather than a deeply meaningful religious practice. Many articles even fixate on the physical aspect of fasting while ignoring the spiritual side. The result? Ramadan is misunderstood as an endurance challenge rather than a time of connection to God.

For individuals to follow their chosen religion, and follow their ideas of what God has said for them do, is a choice that extends past a decade or time, it is a lifestyle that must be respected. Whether this is Ramadan for Muslims, or Lent for Christians, we must respect each and their right to choose.

Western consumer culture also plays a role in how Ramadan is portrayed. Companies eager to profit from cultural events have commercialized Ramadan and other religious holidays. Unlike Christmas, which is often shown as joyful and generous, Ramadan is sometimes depicted as a struggle. This double standard makes non-Western religious practices seem difficult or extreme, while Western traditions are seen as positive and normal. Both should be seen as positive expressions of religious freedom

The Impact of Media on Public Perception

So, why does all of this matter? Because the media shapes public perception. When Ramadan is misrepresented, non-Muslims may develop biased views, leading to ignorance, microaggressions, or even Islamophobia. It also affects young Muslims growing up in the West who have to constantly correct misconceptions about their own faith.

To truly understand Ramadan, we must look beyond the headlines and stereotypes. Instead of relying on misinformed sources, engage with Muslims directly. Read books and articles written by Muslim scholars and journalists. And most importantly, ask questions, because a conversation is always better than a false assumption.

 

Thank you all for reading Ep. 3 of the ‘Beyond The Fast’ series, and I hope you’ve enjoyed! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, and even if you don’t fast, explore this month, however you want, with 1.9 billion Muslims around the world!

See you next time for more insights and reflections!

Beyond the Fast – Busting Ramadan Misconceptions & Answering FAQ: Ep. 2

Areej C
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Beyond the Fast – Busting Ramadan Misconceptions & Answering FAQ: Ep. 2

Week 2 of 2025 Ramadan is underway, and today’s post is to tackle common misconceptions and phrases that get tossed around during this holy month! For those looking to learn about Ramadan, and often even Muslims themselves, we get trapped within the narrative of viewing this month as simply a time to starve and be thirsty, but not for its true intended purpose to reconnect yourself with God, and build those healthy habits for the rest of the year.

At its core, Ramadan is not just a month of abstaining from food and drink; it’s about abstaining from harmful habits and distractions, like smoking or vaping. It’s about developing patience, building self-discipline, and reconnecting with God.

Through fasting, Muslims learn to appreciate the blessings they often overlook, especially the simple gift of food, something many take for granted. Ramadan encourages you to be more mindful, grateful, and spiritually aware, not just of what you consume, but of the larger picture of what sustains you in life.

If you still want to understand a bit more about the month of Ramadan itself, and what it means to Muslims around the world, remember to check out Ep. 1 to this series!

 

Common Misconceptions & Stereotypes

Ramadan is JUST starving – As we touched on prior, the main misconception of Ramadan is that it’s simply starving yourself. As we addressed, it is much more than such, and by abstaining from food, Muslims learn to isolate themselves from ‘worldly’ matters; basically common mistakes or bad habits we develop throughout our lives, to focus on God and his message.

Not Even Water?? – This may be the most asked question people who fast are asked, and the answer is yes! Not even water is allowed during a fast, although it may sound challenging, remember Muslims don’t fast to test their endurance, but to learn the patience required in not drinking or eating. Humans, biologically, can go very few days continuously without water, but remember Muslims may eat before sunrise and after sunset, so there is plenty of time to hydrate!

You fast for 30 whole days straight! – NOT TRUE. As mentioned before, you may eat before sunrise and after sunset. It is impossible to survive and not eat and drink for such extended periods of time. This is a method to develop patience, not die for God.

Everyone HAS to fast all the time: Once again, this claim proves to be inaccurate. As per Muslims’ holy book, the Quran, women on their menstrual cycle or pregnant, the sick, the elderly, or traveling are not obligated to fast. Overall, the consensus from Islamic scholars is that if your fast will impact you negatively, harm, or weaken you, you are not mandated to fast.

 

FAQ’S

Now, many times when speaking to individuals who are fasting, or in general, we as humans are naturally curious, but are scared to ask questions. I actually encourage you to ask anyone you know who’s fasting questions, as they are more than likely happy to share their own individual experiences with you! But the goal of this post is to address questions, misconceptions, and stereotypes of Ramadan. Here are some questions and conversations I’ve encountered that may answer some of YOUR questions!

“I feel so bad eating in front of you”

This one is quite common, and please don’t think if someone has shared their journey of fasting with you, you cannot eat in front of them. Please do, those who fast must know the world doesn’t all fast, so it is inappropriate for someone to expect you not to eat. Muslims fast by choice, and if they are offended by someone else eating, they must remember it’s not a social obligation and to create some patience if they are affected by someone eating in front of them.

“Why can’t you break your fast when you’re hungry?”

Great question! The point of Ramadan is for one to be hungry to develop the characteristics and habits I mentioned before. Now, for Ramadan, there are timings to follow, so unless you are faced with unforeseen circumstances such as some I’ve listed above, you actually aren’t allowed to as it illegitimizes your fast of the day, so we wait until sunset, also called by Muslims as “Iftar.”

“Do you still have to pray in Ramadan, if you’re tired because of the fast?”

Muslims outside of Ramadan are mandated to pray five times a day, which are called: Fajr, Zohr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. This actually extends through Ramadan too, and for many Muslims, this may be the time where they are more consistent, as they are trying to better their habits. Many times Muslims in Ramadan even go for extra prayers after breaking their fast, called ‘Taraweeh’.

 

Thank you all for reading Ep. 2 of the ‘Beyond The Fast’ series, and I hope you’ve enjoyed! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments, and even if you don’t fast, explore this month, however you want, with 1.9 billion Muslims around the world!

See you next week for more insights and reflections!

5 Societal Norms That Influences Us

Crystal Lattice
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0
5 Societal Norms That Influences Us
What Are Societal Norms?

Societal Norms are usually unwritten rules that draws what actions are appropriate and acceptable. They are all around us, acting as a glue that holds society closer together. From afar, Societal Norms grasps a wide range of expectations, starting from the simplest of everyday behavior to our conscience of cultural and moral values. These Societal Norms exist because they circulate throughout society as we learn and reinforce them from family, those around you, and social media. In this blog post, we will go over 5 of these Societal Norms and explore how these are usually the appropriate behavior.

 

1. Saying “Please” and “Thank you”

Saying your “please” and “thank you” are societal norms that are likely first learned from family. This is a norm because it exhibits politeness between people. These are commonly used when asking for something and expressing gratitude to someone. For example, when on a bus, saying “please” when asking for a bus transfer ticket, and “thank you” when leaving the bus, makes the bus driver feel more recognized, leaving yourself more grateful. These are polite gestures that make others more comfortable and appreciated.

Thank you note
Image by S K from Pixabay

2. Blessing Others When they Sneeze

When someone sneezes, societal norms have made “bless you” a common response to that. In my opinion, that societal norms gives us something to say when someone sneezes. However, more importanly, that saying is also another way of being polite. It allows for other people to be validated, avoiding an awkward moment.

Woman Sneezing
Image by Htc Erl from Pixabay

3. Being On Time

As a modern society, being on time is a way to respect others’ time. Usually, running late can ignite stress in an individual, but that is normal in the society level because it is a norm. The concept of being on time is usually introduced from school and reinforced in the workplace.

Time management
Image by Nick K from Pixabay

4. Taking Shoes Off Before Entering Someone’s House

With this norm, it is a way to be mindful of someone else’s house. It shows an understanding that someone is taking care of the house and taking off your shoes, especially dirty ones, shows respect to that.

Shoes
Image by Piyapong Saydaung from Pixabay

5. Treating Others With Kindness And Respect

Lastly, the Golden Rule, a moral code, is part of the societal norms. The rule reminds us to “treat others the way your want to be treated”. In that sense, would you rather be treated with kindness or inferiority? Understand that while you do have an answer for that, everyone else has to answer that everyday question and act upon it. This last norm is one of the many morals in Societal Norms, deviating away from the simpler ones. In everyday life, our behavior is likely mimicked by others, and is therefore an important moral, underlying a respectful and kind society.

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay
The Role Of Societal Norms

Societal Norms can range from the simplest of all to the ones that are tied to cultural and moral values. Of course, these norms operate very frequently in our day to day lives as they are essentially unspoken rules that maintain harmony in society. While some basic ones are mentioned today, there are certainly at least ten, if not hundreds, of societal norms that we go through every day. They are our main formula to show respect to one another.

Sources: 1 , 2 , 3

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