I take these surveys, online. They come into my inbox, I open a link, answer some questions, and gain points that I can redeem for cash. I originally signed up to make an extra buck or two; I had just graduated college and was actively searching for a job. As time went on I got the hang of blandly answering questions about every aspect of my life, but eventually something else began to emerge. Questions like, what television channel do I watch the most? Do I search for coupons before I go shopping? How many purchases do I make on my mobile phone? Do I even own a mobile phone? What brand names do I trust? How many sexual partners have I had? How do I feel about fracking? Besides the obvious consumerism mentality, these questions dive deep. Really deep. When you sign up to be a "survey taker", and really stick with it, you gain a unique sense of foresight - or forewarning, however you may take it You'll answer questions on your political beliefs, only to see yourself waved about by a misguided politician a year or so later. During major crises, I sometimes receive surveys asking how I feel about government involvement. Do I strongly agree? Somewhat disagree? Or perhaps I neither agree nor disagree. In any case, I later see the President addressing the country from his cushy, stress-laden office, confidently stating whichever opinion the survey says is the "majority". Today, they asked me about ISIS. Should our government interfere? Umm, Neither agree nor disagree. Next question please. Seeing this makes me think a bit harder during each survey. People look at these numbers and trust them. Powerful people. They stand on these numbers, the stats become a platform from which they spew their rhetoric. And so I question myself. Do I have a voice here? I consider myself someone that goes against the grain. More accurately, I avoid the grain at all costs. Do my non-traditional views impact the world in all the ways a ballot could not? :::: Greesust ::::
