My senior year I took a course that changed my outlook on the political world. Since I was young, I always remember my parents and my entire extended family as being die-hard republicans. Whenever anyone asked about my political views, I always would say that I was a republican as well, just because that was what I was expected to say. I never really thought about my perspective on the political world until I took Mrs. Thompsons government class. She proved to be a great teacher by always listing the facts and never preaching her own opinions. She allowed us to form our own ideas by challenging the class to think about what we believed was right and wrong. After studying different aspects of government and what I believe our politicians should be doing, I realized that not all of my political views coincided with the views of my family.
Mrs. Thompson not only challenged me to think about my political viewpoints, but she taught me a very valuable lesson. I learned that I should never affiliate myself with a viewpoint or idea without fully understanding that concept first. Without realizing it, I was associating myself with a standpoint that I did not completely believe in. Another lesson that I learned was to not agree with someone on a matter just because you trust his or her judgment. You must discover things for yourself and decide whether it is for you or not. After government class, I was blessed with a little bit of wisdom that has helped me to make my own decisions.
I completely agree with your post. I'm the same way. My family is die- hard democrat and after taking a history class in high school i realized that I did not agree with everything my parents did and was taught how to form my own political ideas.
ReplyDeleteWhen people hold a view, especially rigid political views, sometimes they are not open to exploring any information that appears to align with the opposite view. Kudos for critically thinking and weighing what you learned in school against what you had simply accepted as the truth. That being said, teachers are people too so their opinions can be bias as well. However, it seems like you have formed your own opinions, and I look forward to reading about how you came to do so in your paper.
ReplyDeleteI went through a very similar experience. My mom is very republican, but after doing a bit of my own research, I realized I did not agree with my mom at all. I feel like most kids grow up this way. It's unfortunate that not everyone goes through the stage where they realize they can have their own opinions.
ReplyDelete