by Allison Lee
As Getting It Strait publishes its November issue, we are synchronously celebrating the zine’s six-month birthday. We would like to thank the team’s continuous content-creating and you, the reader’s, unceasing support. GIS has been an outlet for us all to stay sane and afloat amidst these trying times, and we hope we have done our best to provide you solace as well.
In Malaysia, November called for yet another wave of CMCO. May this serve as a reminder to stay home unless there is an imperative need to head out. Vaccines from Oxford and Pfizer are well on their way once logistics are figured out, so it won’t be long before there is noise on the streets again. But, until then, for your own sake and the sake of those around you, wear your masks, take precautions, and stay safe.
This additional quarantine has once again allowed for more time to stay abreast about global events, the most pivotal of which was the U.S. Presidential Election that concluded early November. As politics took center stage, we all bore witness and were nudged to pay closer attention to the movements and decisions that would ultimately affect us, the people. In light of that, our theme for this month is based on what is arguably the most popular form of government: DEMO(N)CRACY.
Aside from relatable artwork and news about international advancements, this issue functions much like a Politics 101 course, inviting everyone to put more effort into the subject matter, to ponder the problems and solutions to modern democracy, and assess the future that awaits us on the other end of the rainbow.
While the world might seem relatively quiet this month, it doesn’t mean peace. In countries like Peru and Thailand, streets have seen—and are still seeing—protests, young people fighting for their rights and their tomorrows. In our home country, a case of police brutality has arisen, as well as rental racism. These events have proven that like it or not, decisions made behind closed doors still have a way of reaching your life.
As we near the end of this disastrous commencement of a decade, it’s a good time to reflect on the following questions:
Are you doing your part to combat bigotry and injustice?
Are you aware of political events going on in your country?
Are you putting in 100% to secure your future?
Are you doing the best you can to stay mentally healthy and be kind to others?