G'day team,

Today I thought I'd write about something that's a little out of my usual field, and is more tied to my experiences here on Steemit.

Specifically, I want to chat about how the Steem network allows many of us from advantaged nations to learn about the lives and hardships faced by people who're less advantaged than us. By learning from, listening to, supporting and spreading the voices of the disadvantaged we not only help overcome prejudice and ignorance but thanks to the mechanisms of remuneration on Steemit, actively combat the problem!

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Let me give you an example!

Yesterday while scrolling through #introduceyourself I found this introductory post by @saifuddin07. I'll leave you to read it yourself, but Saifuddin's story is one of determination in the face of constant hardship and setback.

This is not a story I would hear every day. In fact, before the Steem network, this is not a story I would ever have been in contact with, short of actually traveling to Aceh. What's more is the #introduceyourself tag is full of stories such as this. An real insight into the world beyond our own doorstep. There is no longer an excuse to remain ignorant of the advantages that those of us in the first world have. Through steemit we're able to hear everyone's story, not just the ones the mainstream media decide to report.

What's more is that through upvotes we're able to actively support people who're less advantaged or facing hardship. Ultimately financial security is an incredibly important part of any healthy lifestyle and a small amount of security allows people to stop searching for work and settle down to build their lives, families and education. All of which adds to not only their wealth but the wealth of their communities. Through Steemit we can avoid the self-aggrandisement that so often comes with active charitable contributions and simply fairly reward people for the work they are putting in and content they are creating!

Networking and Learning

Steemit is a platform for sharing and spreading stories, knowledge, and information. But unlike other forms of social media which promote popularity and are open to manipulation by political and financially motivated players, Steemit's community has thus far protected the network from extreme outside influence.

On this platform, we're not only able to hear the stories of those from developing nations, but of other often marginalized or oppressed individuals and groups too. Whether it be gender, sexuality, religion or political affiliation we live in a world that often pushes aside certain sections of our community. On the Steem network these people share their stories and allow us real insight into life on the other side of the fence.

It's for the reasons outlined above that Steemit works as an incredibly useful tool for not only broadening our horizons but actively networking internationally with people who share our interests or work in the same areas of expertise. As a medical student, I can reach out to understand what healthcare is like in Mumbai, or how infectious disease is combatted in rural China. There is no end to the learning possibilities that Steemit presents!

So! I encourage everyone to head over to the #introduceyourself section of steemit and read some of the first posts that people make. It is here that I've found people really pour out who they are and speak about their lives, their culture and their passions!

Thanks

Thanks for reading team and I really hope everyone takes the opportunity to explore outside their comfort zone and make the most of the potential of this amazing platform.

Thanks

-tfc