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The Politics of Politics
"Even though I myself am a liberal, the insults hurled at conservatives disgust me. "
By Emma Din
As I observe the political environment at my school, the phrase "united we stand, divided we fall" pops into my head. I believed that after the presidential election was over, the animosity between students of different political parties would calm down.
To my dismay, instead of making the best of things after President Bush won, people only seem more divided. Whenever we discuss politics, my friends turn into beasts and attack anyone with opposing views. Generally open-minded friends become reactionary and myopic. Even though I myself am a liberal, the insults hurled at conservatives disgust me. I don’t expect bipartisanship in Congress, but acceptance between students would be nice.
In my French class for example, politics comes up constantly. One of the only conservatives in the class is frequently forced to defend herself. It amazes me to see how many classmates insult her intelligence for supporting Bush. I often sit aside and watch as conservative students are persecuted and mocked for their beliefs or who they support.
A student's political party should not be a label and it shouldn’t affect who they can socialize with in school. I support engaging in the political process and voicing one's opinion, but right now I feel like politics has become a taboo subject.
- Youth Radio Atlanta is produced in cooperation with WABE and funded in part by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
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