One of the frequently asked college student-to-college student questions is, "So, are you a liberal or a conservative?" I've always sort of despised this question. It's like your peers are trying to trap you in some sort of political box where you will be stowed away pending interrogation. Scary, right? It's especially scary when you're just figuring out what you think about the world. It may seem like your friends will judge you for not choosing to buy into polarized American politics when you say you're a moderate. Here's the thing: I'm a young debater who reads CNN every morning. I'm educated. My political decisions are not final. And I am totally comfortable with saying I'm a moderate. Accepting that has taught me lots of things -- here are a few.
1. To Read
OK, not literally, but it has definitely taught me to read every news source I can get my hands on. If you are only basing your political opinion on your own feelings, then you're not doing it right. American politics are becoming more of a demagogue (meaning they're based on emotions), but that does not mean that our political decisions should not analyze facts and precedents as well. The more I read, the more I realize my opinions are not consistent on any two issues.
2. To Respect
People in America are different from you. Their skin may be a different color, their income may be different than yours and they may pray to a different God than you do. People vote in a way that they perceive to be in their own best interest. Expecting them to vote in a way that you think is in your own best interest is like expecting an infant to walk just because it is inconvenient for you to carry them. I really want to meet people who did not grow up like I did. I want to hear their opinions because they're worth it.
3. To Regurgitate
Ask anyone in my political science class, I am the queen of "what someone else said." I have learned that if you're going to quote Chief Justice Roberts, you better be able to quote Justice Ginsburg as well. Lots of college students only care about giving their opinion. The truth is, your opinion is important, but it won't be found in any history book. Sometimes, you have to put your own thoughts aside and treat politics like a mathematical equation.
4. To Relate
The government can solve problems, but so can I. If you see someone in need of help, why is it not a no-brainer to help them? No government will put its own interests aside fully, but we can. We can spend a day volunteering at a soup kitchen or helping those willing to learn English. Politics isn't a person. It's just an idea. It cannot love, or reach out a helping hand, but we can.
The change starts today.
