Writer’s note: I would like to preface this by stating that for those of you who haven’t read my first article, I would strongly recommend that you do so before reading on. It is largely applicable to this one and I believe in reading it, this article will make even more sense, given in stems from the aforementioned. Thank you!! :)
Despite Washington’s plea within his farewell address (stressing the detrimental outcome of dual party political system) we have maintained a two party political system and in doing so, we have suffered its consequences... Poor George is rolling over in his grave. Unfortunately, to his dismay, our country is largely divided due to these divisive political doctrines. Most of the defining issues requiring equality should not even be political issues… But that’s a story for another day…
The first piece of information I was told regarding the recent attack in Virginia was the man’s political beliefs. He happened to share the same as mine, yet unlike me he was evidently disturbed and didn’t wholeheartedly believe in peace (as the majority of us Bernie supporters do). The individual who told me about the attack acted as though the most vital piece of information (spoken with a tinge of haughtiness as if to say that the supposed ‘good’ side I leaned towards had a serious element of darkness to it.) Anyway, that interaction proved my point regarding the problems that arise from such polarizing, arbitrarily defined political categories. These labels over-define our sense of self and ultimately divide us. The problem isn't the existence of the labels, it's our inability to look beyond them and see the humanity in one another. Regardless, the attack is not the focal point of this article, but rather America’s staunch absolutist viewpoints that perpetuates this dissonance between American citizens.
When I was in high school, there was a girl with really strong political (Republican) opinions. Let’s call her Jill… So Jill, was a very blunt individual. I said I loved a former history teacher of mine (shout out to Mrs.Morel! Thank you for being awesome!) and that’s when Jill interrogated me about her. I lost respect for Jill when she rudely asked “Well, what is she? A democrat or a republican??” In her delusional mind, Democrats are ALWAYS evil and Republicans are ALWAYS right. (the logic is problematic in reverse as clearly indicated by logic of the man referenced in my previous example regarding the shooting). My reply not only shocked Jill, but left her speechless. I said, “Why does that matter, Jill? She’s a great teacher and better yet a great person…Besides, most teachers (like the one I was referencing) do not like sharing their political views (for that very reason...because of people like Jill!)” Fortunately, my next example gives me hope for a better future.
In one of my classes, Voice and Diction, we had to give speeches or monologues. My speech was Sarah Silverman’s Speech at the DNC Convention in 2016. Another student shared a speech from a more conservative perspective on guns. Before he even spoke, he felt the need to ask for our respect given the fact that the majority of people in our class were liberal or independent minded, such as myself evidently. Contrary to how people would expect a dominantly liberal classroom to act, we all were amazed but what he said (but not for the reason you think). After class, a few students commended him for sharing the piece that he did. They admitted they did not necessarily agree (they agreed more with my speech), but they were opened to hearing what he had to say. They were opened to hearing out the other side (which is crucial when initiating dialogue between members with starkly contrasting opinions).
Although real life politics are messy and not as idyllic as a civilized a classroom setting, I believe my experience indicates a need for each party to come together in solidarity, respect one another’s opposing views, and overall, as a nation, we must ‘agree to disagree.’ Lastly, I want to point out one remark this student (who is a poli-sci major / aspiring politician) told me that resonated with me which was, “I will always fight for your right to speak!” I found this comment to be immensely mature as well as a prominent instance of people momentarily setting their differences aside in order to hear what the other side has to say.
Reiterating my point from my first paper as a concluding statement, I would render the notion that if our country had a cohesive mentality of coexistence, I sincerely believe we would be more prosperous as a nation. Conclusively, it shouldn’t be about who is 'right'; the Democrats or the Republican. Instead, it should be about rising up against perceived corporal evils in order to promote a sustainable life for every civilian, regardless of his or her’s race, class, religion, sexuality, or any other marginalized member of our society. Because all in all, both parties are guilty of the exploitation of the working middle class, which is why we the people must rise up and say no to this injustice.
Just to clarify, I'm not asking to completely obliterate or abandon these parties, but rather I feel that overall they are both in need of reform. Ultimately, I do believe at the moment both parties need to learn how to reevaluate their actions, swallow their pride in order to have a dialogue about various prevalent topics, and to most importantly, coexist despite their apparent differences.
