I'm Just A Girl Somewhere Between An Elephant And A Donkey
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

I'm Just A Girl Somewhere Between An Elephant And A Donkey

Too liberal for my parents, too conservative for my professors.

613
I'm Just A Girl Somewhere Between An Elephant And A Donkey
Emma King

I was raised Catholic in a small rural town in Kentucky: it would be pretty difficult for me to not be Republican. For a long time, it was hard for me to even begin to understand any other view other than the ones that I continually heard from my parents, reaffirmed by my friends, and harped on during church.

I was surrounded by moral, kind-hearted people that all believed generally the same things.

Everyone I knew hunted, or had some connection to someone else who hunted; everyone supports the fourth amendment.

Everyone I knew was undoubtedly a Christian; prayer and God were naturally intertwined in our public school system, and no one would’ve dreamed of speaking out against it.

Welfare is a four letter word where I’m from; few people supported government programs. Diversity is not our strong suit, and my town is overwhelmingly white, which further causes some bias.

One of my friends has a poster hanging in her kitchen for as long as I can remember that says, “The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.”

It was only until recently that I even realized what it really meant. Conservatism is just that ingrained in my hometown.

Then I came to college. People had told me that I would meet people of all different views and personalities once I went to college, but I brushed it off.

“I’m going to UK,” I thought, “How different could these people really be?”

To my surprise, more often than not, I am in the minority for my political views. Whether in the classroom or just hanging out with friends, I have learned to hold my tongue when politics are brought up.


Especially my freshman year, with the election of 2016 in the works, people felt very strongly one way or another, and it was often just easier to stay quiet rather than launch into a long argument defending the other side.

But as I listened to their point of view, and as I met new people with different stories, I found myself inching away from being a staunch Republican.

I still don’t agree with everything my liberal counterparts say, but I can at least understand why they might feel that way.

There are some issues that I have done a 180 since coming to college, and that’s okay.

Then there are other issues that I feel strongly about, but because I actually believe in them, and not because I am parroting what other people have told me all my life. And that’s okay too.

Now I am in this position to where I don’t know how to identify politically because I don’t entirely agree with either side.

I’ve talked to some of my other friends from home, and they have felt similarly. It begs the question as to whether the time for “Republican,” and “Democrat,” are outdated and dividing terminology.

This is the generation of acceptance and change. Can’t we be the generation that reevaluates the necessity of two, polarizing political parties?

I know I can’t be the only one that feels that they are too liberal for their parent's liking, and too conservative for some of their professors.

Maybe I’m stuck in the clouds, and idealizing an unrealistic future as a naive college kid. But maybe this generation can be the generation that gets rid of labels so that we focus on our common goals and actual change.

I know I’m not the first one to suggest this, and it was actually George Washington who first advised us to not create political parties, after which we immediately created two political parties.

The political atmosphere is just about perfect for this change, given the, *ahem,* current controversial administration, and now is the time when we can all come together and finally take good old Georgie's advice.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

105691
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

45181
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Unleash Inspiration: 15 Relatable Disney Lyrics!

Leave it to Disney to write lyrics that kids of all ages can relate to.

83487
The 15 most inspiring Disney songs

Disney songs are some of the most relatable and inspiring songs not only because of the lovable characters who sing them, but also because of their well-written song lyrics. While some lyrics make more sense with knowledge of the movie's story line that they were written for, other Disney lyrics are very relatable and inspiring for any listener.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments