"Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don't vote." - Christian Lange

Are voter rights under attack in the United States? In her segment, Empowerment and Equality, Express Yourself!™ radio host, Hannah Sahota, leads us through the history of American democracy, showcased through voting in elections. Voting is one of the most important rights in a democratic society because it is the fundamental tool that citizens can use to influence laws, elect leaders, and shape the future of their country. In the United States, however, the right to vote has not always been equally available to all people. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th Amendment granted citizenship and equal protection under the law, the 15th Amendment banned denying voting rights based on race, and the 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the constitutional right to vote. In response to the Civil Rights Movement, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, outlawing literacy tests and other discriminatory voting practices. The 24th Amendment banned poll taxes in federal elections, helping reduce economic barriers to voting. The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. Despite these advancements, voter suppression continues to exist in modern forms. Tune in to find out how to use your voice to demonstrate your desire for democracy, representation, and civil rights.

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"Become an active citizen through your wardrobe."

• Livia Firth

Today we're not talking about a bill, a ballot measure, or a party platform. We're talking about your closet. The fashion industry generates 92 million tons of textile waste annually. Host Julia Howe and reporter Hanna Yu tackle the tragedy of fast fashion and its environmental impact. Hanna focuses on the philosophy of this conspicuous consumption. Whose fault is it? Julia talks about TikTok Shop. What makes TikTok different from a regular shopping site is that its algorithm not only understands shopping habits. It understands attention. One e-commerce consultant quoted by CNBC explained that every pause, click, swipe, and moment of engagement teaches the algorithm more about what to show you next. Real style develops slowly. TikTok style often moves in the opposite direction. Our lives are already full of things asking to be bought, worn, displayed, replaced, upgraded, optimized, and aestheticized.

Think slowly in a world that wants you to scroll fast. Be mindful of your consumption, invest in our planet.

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Hosted by Hannah Sahota, this episode of Express Yourself! invites listeners into a thought-provoking exploration of how online rhetoric shapes the world we live in today. In her segment, "Empowerment and Equality," Hannah breaks down how viral posts, influencers, and algorithm-driven platforms like TikTok and Instagram are no longer just sources of entertainment, but powerful forces that influence identity, consumer behavior, and social norms. Through engaging commentary and real-world examples, she examines both the positive and harmful impacts of digital communication from the rise of online communities and evolving language like "algospeak," to the spread of misinformation, performative activism, and algorithmic bias. With a balance of insight and personal perspective, Hannah challenges listeners to reflect on their own online habits and consider the deeper impact of every like, share, and comment.

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