Hello everyone! My name is Allison and I’m a sophomore at Arkansas Tech University majoring in Political Science, Broadcast Journalism and Criminal Justice. I’m so excited to be in D.C. for the presidential inauguration and to share my experiences while I’m here! You can learn more about The Washington Center and the Inauguration Seminar by clicking here. Thanks for the read and I hope you enjoy!
We have always been taught to avoid talking politics. Maybe that’s why there is such a disconnect between not only the political parties in our country, but also individuals with opposing political viewpoints. Why is it so difficult to discuss our views with tolerance and respect for those who believe otherwise? My first day in D.C. centered around this topic completely.
Julie Winokur, the director of Talking Eyes Media, introduced us to her mission in understanding and tolerance in the political arena earlier today. Her documentary titled, “Bring It to the Table”, showed her travelling around the country speaking to individuals of various backgrounds, races, ages, religions, and financial situations. Each person had to define him or herself as liberal, conservative or neutral. When asked controversial questions about abortion, gun control, social programs and other issues that swayed their political identity, many explained their reasoning due to personal experiences.
Coming from our own situations and circumstances, it is easy to forget that what is best for ourselves may not be best for others. Sometimes we are afraid of what we do not understand and it can be difficult to wrap one’s mind around another’s way of thinking. One reason such misunderstanding and lack of communication exists is because of the affirmation loop. We tend to surround ourselves with those whose views and morals correlate to ours. We tend to only view the media that reports the news we want to hear rather than unbiased facts. It can be so easy to forget the other side of issues if we are only coming at them from one direction. After all, how can we expect legislative bodies such as Congress to cooperate with each other when we as American citizens are constantly separating and labeling ourselves?
We should want to be as informed as possible before making a decision or taking a stance on any issue. We are so passionate about our beliefs that we forget that we learn more by listening then we ever could by talking. Not just listening in the sense that we are waiting for the other person to stop talking so we can tell them why they are “wrong”, but actually hearing them and asking WHY.
On a fun note, we took a bus tour around the city today to see the White House, Capitol, Korean War Veterans Memorial, FDR Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, Abraham Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. The amazing thing about D.C. is that there is a reason for every building and monument here. Everything has such a detailed history and it is incredible to learn the meaning behind these phenomenal structures we always see on movies and TV. In person, they are so much more massive and meaningful.
As a political science major, it is a great advantage to be familiarized with the history of our country and the terminology of politics which allows me to understand and appreciate this city even more! Since the inauguration is less than two weeks away, the city is bustling with tourists and workers trying to set up all of the stages and viewing areas. In just eleven days, the Capitol Mall will packed with a million or more people trying to get a glimpse of the new president. Let the countdown begin!