World's Biggest Problems

1. Misunderstanding/Miscommunication of Gender Issues
People complain about minor issues that are not even problems, like the gender wage gap which has been debunked multiple times already, instead of showing and acting on concern for real, legitimate problems caused by gender inequality. The AC being too cold for female employees is not a problem of gender inequality. Women and girls getting acid splashed on their faces because they refuse to marry at the request of others is a problem.

This can be resolved by making it clear what is and isn't a problem. Actually do research and study the claims of supposed gender inequality, like gender wage gap myth. If research shows that it is not a problem, then it is not a problem. Also, look beyond your own community and see if there are gender issues that affect other people and groups more or less than you. See if there is any way you can raise awareness and help those in need.

2. Religion Freedom Being Stripped Away in the Name of "Tolerance"

Some people mistakenly think that expressing one's views, religious or otherwise, are a sign of intolerance if they do not fit a certain view of "tolerance". Tolerance is not accepting every person's views/beliefs, but respecting the person, regardless if whether or not you agree or disagree with said person. This is seen strongly against religious views, and people and groups are silenced at those who either do not want to hear any possible truth in faith or those who genuinely out of misguided compassion attempt to shut down what is considered to be unpopular views not seen as mainstream today in an attempt to protect individuals and groups. Some groups are even attempting to pass laws that will infringe on religious rights.

There are a number of ways this can be resolved. One is that people actually know the difference between expressing one's views and being intolerant towards. This can help people to discern and decide what course of action to take and stop signs of intolerance when it is actually seen and shown. Also, that we know and understand our rights, rights that everyone is entitled to, not just those we happen to agree with. 

3. Divisions Over How We Treat Refugees

People attack one another, usually due to extremes. One side could possible want all refugees to come, not even bothering to possibly check for any sign of danger, while another side pushes instead for banning all refugees, even if they are innocent victims of war. This has led to much division in America and surely other countries in the world. 

It is okay to have compassion for the refugees. It is even better to have both compassion and concern and make sure that there are no criminals following their victims so they can attempt to continue harming the refugees and the locals. That is why there are multiple groups working to check and make sure that those who claim to be refugees seeking sanctuary are what they claim to be. These background checks decrease the changes of criminals and terrorists coming through. Refugees can come to our homes, but criminals must never be allowed to harm us and our future neighbors fleeing from the horrors of war. 

4. Lack of Concern or Care for Children

There are over millions of cases a day of children being abused, neglected or being seen as burdens of society. People think it's okay to say, "I hate kids", but change kids with specific groups spoken of today, and those individuals will be shut down. Why do we hate children so much? They're not the reason this world has so many problems. We are.

We need to grow in realistically seeing children as they: great responsibilities with great potential, and above all, human and deserving of love. If we treat children with better care and respect, they in turn will grow up into adults who will live that way and who will hopefully pass down those views and actions to future generations. Our mind set towards children needs to change for the better.

5. Abuse of Trigger Warnings

Trigger warnings are being used when wanted, not when needed. They are meant for people with significant trauma who need accommodations to help them as they are growing through the process of healing and moving forward from said trauma. They are not to be used whenever someone says something you disagree with. 

Use trigger warnings when they are needed and are necessary for the overall wellbeing of the person, knowing at the same time said warning is temporary and is only a transitional tool for further healing and recovery. Educate people on what they are, why they are used, how they should be used, and ways we can respond when announced a trigger warning. 

6. Using Shame and Guilt Tactics for Sexual Assault Awareness

This is such a huge problem in that it strikes fear and not awareness and understanding to such a significant issue in our world. Certain groups eschew stats and frame the results in such ways that the distorted results lead to striking fear in people. Instead of actual education, some groups use fear, guilt and shame to gain supporters.

Give people the real facts. Educate us on the problems of our communities caused by sexual abuse. Stay away from fear and guilt tactics, because when people find out, they could possibly reject the cause and concern entirely due to feeling betrayed. Also, these bad tactics will only make things harder for real victims and survivors of sexual abuse. 

7. Discrimination Towards Those With Invisible Illnesses

There have been cases where people suffering from illnesses that cannot be seen with the human eye are treated as lazy or not hardworking in their lives, despite struggling daily with possible chronic illness. Even if those with special needs document their medical case and show it to those they need to, there is still the possible chance they might be treated poorly.

Education is key in this case. Documenting one's medical case(s) is a great step in this direction. Spreading awareness that there are illnesses not seen is also a good way to break down discrimination. 

8. The Media Twisting Everything

The media loves a good story, even it means more segregation and prejudice against different groups of people. Races are pitted against each other, religions are scrutinized and constantly misunderstood by the media, and both majority and minority groups are distorted in ways that push back their efforts instead of forward.

Since the media is unlikely to change itself, individuals must research on their own about important topics. Double checking and cross checking what mainstream media says will definitely increase better discussion and is more likely to prevent cases of prejudice and discrimination. 

9. Poor Foundation of History

Few people actually know what has really happened in history. Due to miscommunication, misunderstanding, and groups intentionally twisting historical facts, this affects all of us today in our current knowledge and treatment of others.

Read! Read and try to understand the difference between fact and fiction. History already has some bias in it because of recordings from human beings, but there is no need to make it worse in today's world. Try to read a book or two, or even some articles, on certain parts of history. If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. 

10. Books and Backpacks

I may have back problems because of what I dealt with in school, carrying heavy books in one backpack multiple times a day for years. It's not fair that students' health and overall wellbeing are endangered because the school demands they carry heavy books they may or may even use completely throughout the year. This can and has led to serious health issues with students.

Make everything online, have students purchase lighter books, and if push comes to shove, allow students to use rolling backpacks. These will decrease back problems for students in the future while still letting them have access to their education. Let students earn their education and not pay the price by suffering from spinal problems.