Shaping your political Identity

Have you ever thought about the reasons why you like a certain political party or candidate? Usually these preferences are shaped and influenced by some factors. Most of them create a very strong feeling which makes you decide your country future. To give you a more clear idea, I am going to tell you my experience in interviewing a person that I admire since this person is a real prove of success.  She is a high class woman who lives in Boston area. She grew up in California in a different environment, but her higher education, her professional experience and her socio economic level shaped her political values. Since education and the environment that surrounds you are the most relevant factors to choose the best governors.

This woman considers herself a conservative person; however she claims that to vote for a candidate is more important to take into account their previous work and political experience, their intelligence level, their view in key topics such as economy, entitlement programs, woman and gay’s rights and global views. For this reason, in the last election she voted for the liberal candidate since she felt that The U.S.A. needed a change and a different approach and because he seemed to be a less political insider. Nevertheless, this government imposed many regulations against her husband’s industry, raised their taxes and spent a lot of their tax dollars unwisely. After this, for future elections she is going to vote for the conservative candidate and she hopes this time he focuses more on the security of the nation not getting dragged into every world conflict making The U.S.A. strong again economically and in education technologically.

Conversely, my short experience and professional life have showed me that the conservative perspective is very far from what I want. I believe in fairness and fairness is to have the same opportunities for all no matter race, socio-economic level or sex.  However, only one political party is not going to change a country in some years.  What is really truth is that a country needs a government that wants the welfare of the whole and not only to fill up their pockets with the money can they get from the citizens. I’ll have to say I consider myself a liberal. I believe in the free will, in a better world, in a clean environment. I cannot think of war or be based in religious beliefs or an unfair health care. I think someone has to be in charge of solving problems and help the people. That is why I consider I am in Obama’s side.

Consequently,   in my opinion interviewing a person about her political view was a decisive fact given that by knowing other people’s views you can analyze and think about your own feelings. It also helps you to know that people vote for different parties because they have previous motivations such as their family, background and beliefs which have a bearing on their decisions. Furthermore, you can confirm your own perceptions and inclinations by listening to other’s preferences and the reason why they have chosen certain side.

 Questions

1.       What things you take into account when you are going to vote for someone?

2.       Is it relevant for you to belong to a certain political party?

3.       How did you vote in the last election?

4.       Do you consider yourself liberal, conservative or independent?

5.       What are the issues of your party that you do not agree with?

6.       What life experiences have shaped your political views?

7.       What key issues are more important to you, when it comes to US policy?

8.       What would you like your political or candidate to work on?

9.       How did the last candidate’s policies affect your social and professional life?

10.    Who will you vote for in the future? Are you happy with your party?