The political interests of individuals are indelibly molded by various political events which they experience during their lifetime (Skowronek and Glassman 372). Throughout life, I have been socialized through various ways into politics, influencing my political ideas and views. The 1996 elections emerge as a formative political event since it was my first experience with politics. There are also other agents of socialization which have had a great impact on my views. First, the people who are always around me, especially my parents have had a tremendous impact on my political socialization. Secondly, the social groups to which I subscribe, have also predisposed how my political opinions and ideas have been advanced. Other aspects which have shaped my political socialization include my parent’s involvement in politics, the level with which politic is discussed, and even the media. All these information channels have had significant effects on my political views and ideas, however some have greater effect as compared to others.
With no doubt, the most important political event which shaped my political views is the 1996 election; being the first political event I can recall. During the election I was a teenager who was anxious to know the world and its role. Nonetheless, I recall my mother constantly discussing with her parents and siblings over the forthcoming elections. She deliberated on it as if the world would come to a standstill if Bill Clinton; the democrat candidate wins over Bob Dole; the republican candidate. As the fateful day of elections came, my parents went to vote. After they had voted, they came back, only to sit by the television watching nervously as each state declare their winner. Although I could not understand the dynamics of events, I could feel the tautness my parents had. They were strong supporters of the republican presidential candidate; thus, all the facts and opinions I was exposed to echoed their philosophies. As a consequence, I developed the perception that Clinton was diabolical fiend, and I proceeded on to associate it with the Democrats. The republican camp turned out to be symbolic hero; endeavoring for what is deemed to be right. Even though I have realized that there are both merits and demerits associated with each party, I am still somehow biased against the Democratic Party. The elections ended with Bill Clinton emerging as the president (Ceaser and Busch 45), which left my parents in a bitter mood.
Back at home, the exposure to politics which I get is minimal. I only get to hear petite information concerning the current political events which are going on, by tuning into the Fox news each morning. This broadcast is absolutely informational and enjoyable, and it assists me to keep up with the current events. For most part of interactions at home, politics are seldom discussed, with only intermittent remarks while I am completing my homework or during dinner. More so, the subjects which are discussed concern the current efforts of government in situations such as the Syrian case. The lack of interest in government which I find at home on most occasions, in one way forces me to be less concerned about politics. I have a feeling that certain events which could emerge later on, could pull me towards active involvement in politics. The favoritism my parents have towards the Republican Party over the Democratic Party on most occasions has also influence my political stance. Due to their strong support of the Republican camp, I think when my turn to vote beckons, I will possibly be inclined towards being a Republican too.
The other major agent of socialization which has impacted on my political stance and views is the groups am engaged in, such as the church. The church has had a significant effect on the way I perceive politics as a result of the teachings conducted. Among the teachings taught is that abortion is unacceptable, thus I will vote in a candidate who does not support abortion as I have been taught that it is not morally upright. Over the recent times, the Democrats have expressed themselves as pro-choice, thus it is unlikely I will vote in favor of the Democratic Party (Shani, “Born in the USA”). The only consideration which I may take is if they change their stance on the issue to have it pro-life.
The other socialization agent is the context I always find myself. The people around me affect my opinions and the rate with which I engage in politics. Majority of the people I interact with have little interest in politics, thus I rarely discuss political issues with them. As a result, I tend to be less interested and engaged with politics as well, since cannot engage people with little interest in politics, in political discussions. This is a similar case with school, as the only scenario where we happen to discuss politics is in the course of the political science class. When the class ends, the exposure to politics which get will be virtually reduced to zero.
In conclusion, though, the 1996 elections have had a momentous impact on my political stance, the lack of political discussions have forced me to think that politics is an insignificant issues as majority of the individual around me think. The media have also played a significant role in shaping my political views. Although these sources have been a major force in my socialization to politics, I feel I truly have the last decision on my stance. As I mentioned, the 1996 elections, act as an eye opener to me in the sense that it came known to me that the Republican Party was better than the Democratic Party, under the influence of my parents. I think this stance will remain for quite a while; however I am certain there will be additional ways in which I will gain my ideas and view on politics in the future.
Work cited
Ceaser, James W, and Andrew Busch. Losing to Win: The 1996 Elections and American Politics. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 1997. Print.
Shani, Danielle. "Born in the USA: Doubts about the Role of Formative Events in Developing Political Interest" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the APSA 2008 Annual Meeting, Hynes Convention Center, Boston, Massachusetts, 28 Aug. 2008. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.
Skowronek, Stephen and Glassman, Matthew. Formative Acts: American Politics in the Making. Univ of Pennsylvania Pr, 2008. Print.
