Why I am an Arts major in an era of STEM

By Rida Warsi

Ever since high school I have been fascinated by politics.

I know what you are thinking. Why? 

“Politics are always corrupt. All politicians are lying and corrupt people who are in it for the money! Politics only brings out the worst in humanity.” 

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Gina Linetti (along many others) may think that politics is about lying and corruption. However, to me, politics involve more than government, laws, and policies. Politics refer to how people structure themselves in their societies, and the means of which people organize themselves around their identities and interests for their communities. 

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Politics involve the distribution of power among groups within society; we understand that power to be manifested, whether it is demonstrated as resources, the dominant narrative or money. If we understand this as politics, then everything is political. Yes, even your precious, objective science can be labelled as political.

So how can we be so cynical about the very concept our lives revolve around? Politics is not an inherently corrupt game and individuals abusing power are not inherent to any particular field. I believe that those who come from marginalized backgrounds have the most to invest in politics, since they are the ones who hold the least institutional power.

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I believe in civic engagement, community building, and political participation. I want to make a positive impression on the society I live in, and this is the method I have chosen. Coming from a marginalized background, I know how important politics are, and my experiences as a minority being a Muslim woman in Canada and in my parent’s home country of India inspire me to advocate for those who need it most. 

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I was influenced by our society that told me the only way to do good is to hold a reputable position in law, medicine or engineering. But, there is not simply one way to make a positive impact on society, nor is there a right one. There is just the way you’ve chosen. 

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