I found it very fitting that we cover the theme of leadership studies and the significance of works of popular culture given our campus environment. More than this, though, the readings and podcast provided me with additional tools to critically evaluate the messages both leaders and popular culture communicate to the larger society. From the Harvey reading, they identified and explained the seven fundamental questions groups and leaders must confront and answer to be insightful (starts on page 205). In reflecting on our Giving Games project, I remember seeing the answers to most of these questions on most charities’ websites. To an extent, as these questions become more ingrained into our global society’s culture, we can re-examine leadership, and the relationships leaders have with their followers. For instance, most of us grew up in households where we were told to defer authority- authority generally being men who held the most power in a group context. This also means that if we had any issues with how an individual in a high authoritative position was acting, we must keep those concerns to ourselves, or else we could face harsh reprimands or severe consequences. For all people who do not hold high authoritative positions in a group context, this means that we have internalized that our voice- our opinions, attitudes, and belief- and our identity as human beings is somehow unworthy of being recognized and addressed by leaders- this is especially true for communities of color. This inevitably keeps unfit leaders in positions of authority while marring the power each human being has when they speak out against systems of oppression and inequality.

So, I agree with Dr. Bezio that representation matters. While this question was not mentioned in the readings nor the podcast, I feel that it should be plainly stated: How can we, as the up and coming generation, influence popular culture today? Even though most of us are not- yet- qualified executives or civically engaged entrepreneurs, I feel that we all can start making a change in the spheres of our lives that we are the “experts” in. Whether that be speaking up and out more during our interactions with peers about the various -isms that plague our society or posting social media content that reflects messages meant to deconstruct systems of oppression and inequality, I believe that we all can start making a difference in the lives of others this very moment. This is not to say that change will happen overnight, but this is to say one thing: just because we’re young and at the moment, inexperienced in some elements of life, does not mean we have to wait to effect social change and justice.