It's election time again! Today people voted for senators, governors and House of Representative members. Living in a country ruled by democracy, everyone is subject to his or her own opinion. Many people take it upon themselves to express that opinion strongly.
While the United States is seen as a "melting pot," it can also be seen as a land of contrasts in opinion and expression. Voting and political views more often than not create a divide among societies and groups of people. Rather than creating a sense of unity and cohesion, they allow for individual expression and thought.
However by having the ability to express our own opinions and by eliciting in people the desire to make their voices heard, are we fostering a society of contrasts or are we hoping that everyone will converge on a common ground? Perhaps we are learning to accept the diversities and differences that people have through our differing political views.
Do people feel a sense of communal unity when they are voting or a sense of anger and frustration? USA Today discusses the range of emotions that were felt on this election day (http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2010-11-02-voters-election-day-mood_N.htm). We are allowing people to be frustrated and upset with our government. Therefore are we fostering a disconnect between the American government and the American citizens? In general the United States government aims to create nationalism and community among the American people; but do our political practices disagree with that?
See the election results at http://www.cbsnews.com/election2010/?tag=contentBody;quickLinks.
No comments:
Post a Comment