Captain Obvious would say emotions are running strong in this political climate right now. So yes, let’s all agree on that.
theSkimm’s mission is to make it easier to be smarter. We truly don’t care who you voted for but we care that you voted. And we care that you will vote again, and again, and again. And that you will understand the issues that you are voting on.
theSkimm is also non-partisan. theSkimm’s foundation rests on objectivity and journalistic integrity. Our distinctive voice calls BS on the world. That means everyone is fair game.
This is what we have observed recently.
On November 9, people woke up in their own echo chamber. There were expressions of, “Finally, I was heard!” Or, “Omg, the world is ending and I never realized how big of a bubble I lived in.”
People see what they want to believe. These are some of the responses we got from the same top story we wrote on inauguration day:
- “Thank you for stating the lies and falsehoods from this new administration.”
- “Your daily news is AMAZING! It remains truly neutral, and your writers are able to make it lighthearted and funny and allow me to click for the more serious tones.”
- “Keep it real ladies and check your facts before reporting. Some of us like Trump and bashing will get you dumped from inboxed! You lean left and presented ‘fake’ news in the past, but today’s news was totally left and unfounded.”
- “Of course Fox invested in you [editor’s note: so did the New York Times], you’re just another conservative arm!”
People assume because we cater to millennials, they all share the same political views. That is not the case.
Half of our audience identifies as liberal… the majority of the rest are conservative or independent. Our Skimm’bassador group mirrors this as well.
So what happens now?
Recognize your bubble. Don’t sink into it. That means don’t unfriend people who don’t agree with you or shut them down before you listen to them.
Activism isn’t just something that happens when you are especially impassioned. Activism isn’t just about screaming the loudest.
The best form of activism is VOTING. If you didn’t vote, we don’t want to hear you complain.
You can’t vote if you don’t understand the issues. There is NO EXCUSE not to take at least 5 minutes (such an odd coincidence… that’s how long it takes to read theSkimm) and pay attention to the world around you.
And there is NO EXCUSE not to vote.
More on No Excuses to come…
