Jamie Long
2/4/10
COMM 364
Political Socialization
While never pledging allegiance to one particular party, after reading Denton & Kuypers chapter on “Political Socialization and the Formation of Political Attitudes”, it was hard not to draw some truth from it and look how my political views (or lack, thereof) were formed. Though I am still fairly open (perhaps even reckless) with my political beliefs, it was interesting to be able to apply some of Denton & Kuypers theories to those around me. My parents, very democratic in nature, may call my brothers, sisters, and myself all democrats. Though my siblings and I were raised with democratic beliefs, while hearing friends/professors/others political views, it is hard for me not to see other peoples points of view either. Factors that have prevented me from forming a political affiliation could be any of the following: rebellion, apathy, and kindness. It may seem strange to relate these three personal traits to my view on politics, it is very necessary. By the end of the semester, I hope to possibly try to be able to believe in something more concrete that I have been.
Firstly, I say rebellion because it is what goes through many minds while growing up. When told to do one thing, there is a very good chance the person may do the opposite. Being told that my family was democratic made me want to ask not only why we were democratic, but what are the other people’s views on the situation. I could not understand that I could be told I represented an entire party without knowing what the whole party represented. Many may call my some of my views democratic. Many may call me liberal, or even conservative or independent. I would choose none of these words because I only know how I feel about individual people’s situations, and not the entire scheme of things as a whole.
My apathy for politics may come from anything, but it seems that people are still fighting over the same things as they always have been and nothing is ever going to be solved. Many of the same issues yelled across the room from podiums have made throats sore for the past 100 years, and will continue to do so until long after I am gone. I’d hate even to relate all of this “important stuff” to a television show, but South Parks episode “Douche and Turd” seems make itself very relevant to me while I play it back in my head. The episode was aired before the 2004 presidential election, and asks the question of “Who would you rather have in office: a douche or a turd?” While I’m not specifically calling George W. Bush or John Kerry a douche or turd, I have never felt the urge to vote for any of the people who are presented to me. I have heard countless times “Well, I need to choose one, so I’m voting _____”. This just seems like nonsense to me, and I want no part of it. I’d rather have my views on certain situations than choose someone who I don’t fully agree with.
Lastly, I am brought to my own kindness. Many may view this as a great trait, but in the political world, it has done everything to prevent me from voting in a political campaign. I feel I understand what Flash to some major political issues: immigration, gay rights, abortion, the economy, and war. We could talk literally for hundreds of years about these situations (and we already have), but I am always swayed based on whoever I am talking to and understanding the situation they are in. I could ask myself whether I feel we should close off the borders to immigrants and try to fix our own problems before allowing others into the country, regardless of legality. Or I could ask myself: “Aren’t we America? Aren’t we supposed to take your ‘tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free’?” Are we supposed to not allow gays to marry because it is not traditional of Christian values, or should real, true love be recognized regardless of sex and gender? These are things that people have been fighting about for a long time, and I’m too much of a sissy to do fight one way or another. I thought I had some viewpoints, yet am sympathetic to anyone in a bad situation. I thought I had my views on abortion down: anyone who did not plan to be a parent shouldn’t be forced to be one, and can do whatever they’d like to with their own body. Then, my 17 year old sister got pregnant and I found how pro-life she was, even though she admitted she didn’t feel ready. Her views: What if something happens to me and I can’t ever bear a child again? And I totally can agree with her rationality, as my aunt was made barren. My sisters choices are her own, and I am not going to even talk about what she should do in that situation because I have never been in it.
To conclude, my rebellion, apathy, and kindness have helped me as much as hurt me from ever being able to tie myself to a political affiliation. I do love hearing about politics from my friends, family, and professors, because these are important issues that need to be talked about. I consider myself more of a listener than anything. Catch me on the right day and I could argue either way. Perhaps this is why I am a Communications major. I could get my point across in a speech and (not to toot my own horn) but probably convince you to listen to me, there is no questioning that. But in the back of my mind, I think of all of those people I have known who are in bad situations and that feel opposite on some political issues. Then I’m swayed and all mixed up again. Does this make me upset? Should being able to use persuasion however and whenever I want to for things I might not necessarily believe in bother me? Yes, it absolutely does. There are issues that need to be resolved, but I don’t feel this resolution will happen in my life-time. Legally, there will probably be some laws passed on these issues. However, morally, people will always be in different situations, and I understand this. All I can do is be sympathetic to my audience.
