“As the 2024 election approaches, voters across the country are grappling with their choices and deciding how to cast their ballots. In Arizona, photographer Sama Alshaibi has found herself at the center of the political battleground, with Democratic canvassers knocking on her door multiple times a day. However, Alshaibi, an Iraqi-Palestinian, feels overlooked in the neck-and-neck race in her state.
Alshaibi, who became eligible to vote in 2004, is considering voting for Green Party candidate Jill Stein, whose platform explicitly opposes Israel’s war on Gaza. Feeling disillusioned with the binary choice between red and blue candidates, Alshaibi is one of many voters opting to go third-party or focus solely on local elections.
In a recent survey conducted by Hyperallergic, six artists shared their thoughts on the candidates and issues that matter most to them in this election. Some artists expressed their intent to abstain from voting in the presidential race due to concerns about Democratic candidate Kamala Harris’s support for Israel. Others plan to vote blue to protect civil liberties and prevent the return of former President Donald Trump.
Key issues influencing artists’ votes include funding for the Israeli military, immigrants’ rights, reproductive freedoms, and Russia’s war on Ukraine. Alshaibi, for instance, is closely following Arizona’s Senate race and ballot measures like Proposition 139, which would protect abortion rights in the state’s constitution.
Meanwhile, in Lower Manhattan, photographer and community aid organizer William Chan is taking a stand based on his experiences serving in the US invasion of Iraq. Chan, who voted for Biden in 2020, is choosing not to support candidates who align with Israel, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
As a former veteran who witnessed the suffering of Iraqi civilians during the invasion, Chan is considering writing in “Gaza” or the name of a murdered Palestinian child on his ballot. He believes that voting is an opportunity to voice his conscience and prevent others from enduring the same hardships he witnessed in Iraq.
In a time of political polarization and complex global issues, voters like Alshaibi and Chan are navigating their choices carefully, reflecting on their values and experiences as they prepare to cast their ballots in the upcoming election.” In a recent statement, Celeste Viv Ly expressed their concern about the suffering of Iraqi civilians and drew parallels to the current situation in Gaza. As a queer Cantonese-American interdisciplinary artist based in London and New York City, they emphasized the need for transformative vision to address the complexities of the modern world. Ly highlighted their decision not to vote in the upcoming election as a form of resistance against endorsing candidates that do not align with their values.
Kenny Rivero, a Dominican-American painter and assistant professor at Columbia University, shared his perspective on voting and activism. While some of his family members choose not to vote, Rivero leans towards voting Democrat due to his support for key issues such as reproductive rights, incarceration, and immigration reform. He also mentioned the importance of voter enfranchisement and the impact it has on marginalized communities.
Alicia Grullón, an artist and activist from the Bronx, discussed her plans to vote in the election but expressed skepticism about the limited options on the ballot. She highlighted the significance of the six propositions, particularly Proposition 1, which focuses on the Equal Rights Amendment and protections against discrimination. Grullón also raised concerns about mass deportations and the allocation of taxpayer money to Israel.
Adama Delphine Fawundu, a Brooklyn artist, shared her thoughts on voting for Kamala Harris while acknowledging the frustration of choosing between the “lesser evil” in elections. Her video performance work, “In the Face of History Freedom Cape,” reflects on the complexities of voting in the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter protests. Fawundu emphasized the importance of researching local candidates and staying engaged with elected officials beyond election cycles.
Overall, these artists and activists bring attention to the intersection of art, activism, and politics, highlighting the need for critical engagement with electoral processes and ongoing social issues. Their perspectives offer valuable insights into the complexities of voting and the importance of advocating for meaningful change in society. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting and rapidly growing areas of technology is artificial intelligence. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work, with applications in everything from healthcare to finance to transportation.
One of the key areas where AI is making a big impact is in healthcare. AI-powered tools and algorithms are being used to analyze medical images, diagnose diseases, and even assist in surgery. For example, AI can help radiologists detect cancerous tumors in x-rays and MRIs more accurately and quickly than ever before. This can lead to earlier detection and treatment, ultimately saving lives.
In addition to diagnosis, AI is also being used to personalize treatment plans for patients. By analyzing large amounts of patient data, AI can help doctors predict how a patient will respond to a particular treatment, allowing for more targeted and effective care. This can lead to better outcomes for patients and reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
AI is also being used in drug discovery and development. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can identify potential drug candidates much more quickly than traditional methods. This has the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry, making the process of developing new drugs faster, cheaper, and more efficient.
Outside of healthcare, AI is also being used to improve efficiency and productivity in a wide range of industries. For example, in finance, AI-powered algorithms are being used to analyze market trends and make investment decisions. In transportation, AI is being used to optimize traffic flow and improve safety on the roads. And in manufacturing, AI-powered robots are being used to automate repetitive tasks and increase production efficiency.
However, as with any new technology, there are also challenges and ethical considerations to consider when it comes to AI. One of the biggest concerns is the potential for bias in AI algorithms. If these algorithms are trained on biased data, they can perpetuate and even amplify existing biases in society. It’s crucial for developers to be mindful of these issues and work to mitigate bias in their algorithms.
Overall, AI has the potential to transform the way we live and work in profound ways. From healthcare to finance to transportation, AI-powered tools and algorithms are already making a big impact. As the technology continues to advance, it will be important for developers, policymakers, and society as a whole to work together to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically for the benefit of all. Title: The Benefits of Regular Exercise for Overall Health
Introduction
Regular exercise is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. It not only helps to keep your body in shape, but also has numerous other benefits that contribute to a healthier lifestyle. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which regular exercise can positively impact your health.
Physical Health Benefits
One of the most obvious benefits of regular exercise is its impact on physical health. Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis can help to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and boost the immune system. Exercise also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and can reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Mental Health Benefits
In addition to its physical benefits, regular exercise can also have a positive impact on mental health. Physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and boost self-confidence. Exercise also helps to reduce stress levels and can improve sleep quality, leading to better overall mental well-being.
Weight Management
Regular exercise is an important component of weight management. By burning calories through physical activity, you can help to maintain a healthy weight and prevent weight gain. Exercise also helps to increase metabolism, making it easier to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight over time.
Improved Energy Levels
Regular exercise can also help to increase energy levels and combat feelings of fatigue. Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, which are hormones that help to boost mood and energy levels. By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can feel more energized throughout the day and improve your overall quality of life.
Longevity
Studies have shown that regular exercise is associated with a longer lifespan. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, you can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases and improve overall longevity. Exercise also helps to improve mobility and flexibility, making it easier to maintain independence as you age.
Conclusion
In conclusion, regular exercise offers numerous benefits for overall health and well-being. From improving physical health and mental well-being to aiding in weight management and increasing energy levels, exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, you can enjoy a higher quality of life and improve your overall health in the long term.
