(a)
On almost every level, I should be
a Republican. I am a white protestant woman, a southerner, whose parents are
both registered republicans. So why do I not listen to Rush Limbaugh every time
I get in the car or have Mitt Romney stickers everywhere?
I’m
white. I don’t know any other way of putting it. I told my boss one time
that I used to be as white as Lorde. She said, “Used to be??” I’m white, and
that means I am inclined to be a republican.
Summers
are spent working at church camp. Sunday mornings are spent in church. At least
a few minutes every evening are spent studying my bible. I’m a protestant, and
I’m proud of it. This also means that I’m more likely to be a republican.
My dad
is a retired marine and when I was little we did our fair share of world
traveling. A decade ago we settled in Jacksonville. I do consider this my home
(for the next three months, at least), and I do consider myself a southerner. I
enjoy a trip through the Bojangles Drive-Thru as much as the next person and I’ll
listen to country music on an occasion. This means I should be a republican.
Are you seeing a pattern here?
Both my
parents are registered republicans. When my sister comes home from Chapel Hill
and starts talking about abortion or civil rights with my Dad I tend to leave
the room. It’s not pretty.
The
only part of me that said I should be a liberal is my gender. I am a woman. And
yet, that seems to have taken over because I am not a republican. I consider
myself a Post-Modern. While that is mostly in the middle, Post-Moderns tend to
lean to the left. How the heck that happened I have no idea, but this is who I
am. Take me or leave me, I don’t need you anyways.
(b)
Democracy—
My definition is the rule of the people (to some extent) by
voting. The textbook definition is very similar. Democracy is what we practice
and celebrate in America. What else is there to say?
Individualism—
My definition of individualism points out our first
amendment rights and the freedom that is protected by our armed forces. We can
be ourselves and do what we like for the most part. This comes to mind because
my dad fought to protect these rights for twenty-two years. The textbook
definition also points out that individual’s opinions are valued. This isn’t something that we typically think
about today because of the size of our government and the fact that it wasn’t
made to do exactly what the people want 24/7.
Rule of Law—
I immediately think of the constitution. It is the supreme
law that our government and our freedoms are founded on and protected by. The textbook
also says that the norms and rules in this country are based on a written law, not
the whims of a ruler. This didn’t even cross my mind. Americans are so
well-protected from crazy rulers that we don’t even consider it.
I like your definitions and explanations as to how they relate to you. I also agree with your thoughts on individualism, I think it is important that the rights of the people to be defended and that the development of our country depends on it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your first paragraph. It was very light-hearted! :) I agree with the whole "leaving the room thing". My dad is much more conservative since he is a avid churchgoer like yourself. My mom doesn't go to church but she likes to claim religiousness... Whenever they get to talking about politics, I know to leave because I usually get sucked into it. Kudos to you for being able to get out!
ReplyDeleteI really liked your first part of the reflection. My situation is similar, being that my family is one way and somehow I ended up being completely different. In addition, I also agree with yours and the textbook definitions of individualism. I think its important for peoples rights to be acknowledged and valued.
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