Ah, another political post on your news feed. I bet you're sick of seeing these, right? I was almost hesitant to even write a political article, but the fact that I was hesitant toward doing so proved exactly why I needed to. The all-too-real truth that we are scared to post our opinions because they may be different than someone else's goes against everything this country stands for.
Since when are we not allowed to disagree with someone? Why are we choosing to bash someone over whom they support? And why are we making assumptions that all Republicans support everything Trump says, and all Democrats are socialists? I would argue that most voters' views lie on a spectrum.
The reason I'm writing this article is in response to an article going around called "'Social' Conservatism: Why We Should Stop Pretending To Be Republicans." As a fellow writer for The Odyssey, I have to commend this young man on his work. He wrote about something relevant and it's getting lots of shares. I do not know this young man, and I'm not making a jab at him, but rather joining the larger conversation about the assumptions made about young Republicans today.
Yet, I am frustrated.
Although maybe not meant to, this article is a straight jab at young Republicans. To make the assumption that because I am Republican I am uninformed, trying to be cool or "frat," and taking for granted being an active participant in politics is completely bogus. Since when does having an elephant sticker on my car, or being patriotic make me uninformed? I've seen plenty of bumper stickers, hats and shirts from the Democratic Party being worn.
Another assumption being made in this article is that conservatives promote prejudiced behavior and think it is fashionable. This is the one that gets me most frustrated. Yes, I am conservative. Yes, I am a Republican; however, I am not a racist nor do I condone the prejudiced behavior of anyone by any means. I don't think that wearing my Lilly Pulitzer dress or my American flag bathing suit means I'm supporting prejudiced behavior.
In fact, hasty generalizations and stereotyping groups of people like this is what being prejudiced is based off of. Everyone's all about inclusion and fairness, until you mention the word Republican. I don't agree with everything every Democrat says, but I do hold some liberal views and agree with some of the ideas that Democrats support.
I think it's safe to say that there are some uninformed people out there who claim they are part of one political party over the other to be cool, but why say all of these people are conservative Republicans? Furthermore, the argument could be made that people are choosing to agree with liberal views because that is what is "cool" right now. I'm not saying they do, but just pointing out the argument could go in either direction.
I'll keep wearing my "preppy" clothes and being proud of the country I live in, and while I'm at it, I'll continue educating myself on the political matters of both Republicans and Democrats.
Oh, and when it comes time to vote, I will make full use of that right as I hope every young voter does.
