must be seen as insufferable and extreme. It is this and other themes in American culture that decide which problems are worthy of public sympathy and support. Situations that are not exigent in nature, while they may well be sociological problems are often not considered social problems in the mind of the public. Problems can be brought to the attention of governmental decision-makers in various fashions. Most often, indicators (such as statistics collected from studies) bring a problem to the forefront. These indicators allow government the ability to not only assess a problem but also to track shifts or changes in a particular area. The trouble with relying on statistics as indicators of social problems and their fluctuations is that data can be manipulated to favor a particular viewpoint. Another way a problem is frequently brought to the forefront is by way of a catastrophe or disaster also referred to as a focusing event. Feedback, both direct and indirect, can also bring a problem into focus. As fast as problems are brought to light, the concern they generate seems to be able to fade just as quickly. This happens for a variety of reasons. Government may believe that the problem is solved and sometimes this may actually be the case (at least to some extent). Another reason a problem may fade is the dwindling of public support and interest when the amount of time, cost and effort necessary to rectify the situation becomes evident. The fact remains; those in power have the power. The rest of us are relegated to just show up every four years and vote. In a democracy, we need a free flow of information in order to evaluate the situations going on around us. But as long as big business and government symbiotically control the media well only see what they want us to see. If things are ever to change with our present system it must start at the grass roots level. The people must challenge the system if they want a c...
