Kaplan University School Of Health Sciences People Power ✓ Solved
Kaplan University School of Health Sciences People, Power,
Now, you will turn your attention to yourself by determining your own political philosophy. Many Americans claim that they belong to a certain party or follow a certain ideology, without ever taking the time to figure out if that assessment is really accurate. For this project, you will want to explain the origins of the political ideology with which you are aligned. You will then consider how this ideology impacts you, and discuss its prospects for future political success.
When you consider the origins of the ideology you chose, you will want to explain when, how, and why you identify with this particular ideology. You will want to consider the following questions when writing your essay: Were you surprised by the political ideology to which you belong? Why or why not? What are the origins of that political ideology? What are your ideology’s prospects for future political success? Do you anticipate that the percentage of adults/registered voters aligned with the same political ideology as you are likely to increase or decrease in the near future? How might this ideological group impact political parties and elections?
Then, you will craft an essay that includes each of the following: A properly formatted (APA-style) title and reference; Parenthetical citations (APA-style), when appropriate; At least two double-spaced pages in the body of the paper (Times New Roman font/12 point size); At least three academic sources.
Paper For Above Instructions
In today's politically polarized environment, understanding one's political ideology is essential not only for personal development but also for meaningful participation in democratic processes. Political ideologies serve as frameworks that shape how individuals perceive government, society, and the responsibility of citizens. This paper seeks to explore the author's political ideology, its origins, implications for personal viewpoints, and its prospects for future success within American politics.
Understanding My Political Ideology
Upon examining my political beliefs, I find myself identifying with liberalism, which emphasizes liberty, equality, and social justice. My inclination towards this ideology is not surprising, given my upbringing in a progressive environment that fostered discussions about social issues. Growing up in a diverse community and being exposed to various social justice movements, such as those advocating for civil rights and gender equality, laid the groundwork for my liberal beliefs.
Historically, liberalism emerged in response to the oppressive structures of feudalism and absolute monarchies in the 17th and 18th centuries. Philosophers like John Locke, who argued for natural rights and government by consent, underpin the liberal tradition. In the modern era, liberalism has adapted to include a greater emphasis on individual rights, gender equality, and cultural diversity (Mounk, 2018).
In the context of contemporary American politics, liberalism expresses its views predominantly through the Democratic Party and associated movements. The socio-political landscape of the United States has continually shifted, influenced by events such as the Civil Rights Movement, the women's suffrage movement, and more recently, movements advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equity. Each of these movements signifies attempts to expand the understanding of individual rights, aligning with the core tenets of liberalism.
The Impact of Liberalism on My Perspectives
Identifying as a liberal, I am keenly aware of how my ideology shapes my perspectives on political issues. The belief in social justice drives my advocacy for policies that support education reform, healthcare access, and environmental protection. For instance, the ideologies surrounding climate change have propelled me towards championing legislation aimed at promoting green energy and reducing carbon emissions. Evidence suggests that public sentiment is increasingly aligning with environmental causes, indicating that my ideology resonates with a growing segment of the population (Leiserowitz, Maibach, Roser-Renouf, & Mertz, 2017).
However, identifying with liberalism also invites criticism. It often paints a target on those who advocate for progressive values amidst backlash from conservative factions. Yet, as a proponent of open dialogue and exchange of ideas, I find that the ability to engage with differing perspectives enriches my understanding of complex issues. This perspective emphasizes that political identities are not static. They evolve as the fabric of society shifts, reinforcing the notion that political philosophies must adapt to remain relevant.
Prospects for Future Political Success
The prospects for liberalism in the United States appear mixed, with varying opinions on whether those aligned with this ideology will increase or decrease in the forthcoming years. Data indicates a gradual shift of younger generations leaning more towards liberal values concerning social issues (Pew Research Center, 2020). As education levels rise and cultural diversity expands, the prospects for liberalism could position it favorably in the face of altering demographics.
However, the resurgence of populism and conservative backlash against progressive changes presents significant challenges to liberal ideologies. The 2016 presidential election epitomized a broader struggle wherein populist narratives responding to fears about globalization and cultural displacement gained traction (Inglehart & Norris, 2016). Thus, while the long-term trend may suggest an upward trajectory for liberalism, the immediate environment remains volatile.
Impact on Political Parties and Elections
Furthermore, the impact of liberalism on political parties and elections cannot be understated. The Democratic Party's embracement of liberal ideologies has transformed it into a party that both reflects and drives societal change. Policy debates surrounding issues like healthcare reform and climate change demonstrate the party's pivot towards progressive ideas in recent years. This shift has resulted in mobilizing various demographic groups, including younger voters, women, and racial minorities (Kotler, 2018).
The growing influence of progressive movements within the Democratic Party may lead to internal conflicts with more centrist factions. The rise of figures like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren showcases a willingness to expand the party's platform, which some argue is necessary to appeal to the masses. However, internal divisions can also weaken the party's cohesion, raising concerns about its overall effectiveness in implementing progressive policies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my identification with liberalism stems from a nuanced understanding of its history and principles. Liberalism's emphasis on equality and social justice resonates with my values and influences my perspectives on contemporary issues. While prospects for liberalism appear promising, especially among younger voters, numerous challenges remain as political dynamics shift. Ultimately, my ideology holds significant implications not only for my personal beliefs but also for the future of political discourse in the United States.
References
- Inglehart, R. & Norris, P. (2016). Trump, Brexit, and the Rise of Populism: Economic have-nots and Cultural Backlash. Harvard Kennedy School.
- Kotler, P. (2018). Marketing Management. Pearson.
- Leiserowitz, A., Maibach, E., Roser-Renouf, C., & Mertz, C. (2017). Climate Change in the American Mind. Yale University and George Mason University.
- Mounk, Y. (2018). The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It. Harvard University Press.
- Pew Research Center. (2020). Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes. Pew Research Center.
- Scruton, R. (2013). Modern culture. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- Cairns, D. (2011). Honour and shame: modern controversies and ancient values. Critical quarterly.
- Bhugra, D., Popelyuk, D., & McMullen, I. (2010). Paraphilias across cultures: Contexts and controversies. Journal of sex research.
- Gay, G. (2010). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice. Teachers College Press.
- Lincoln, Y. S., Lynham, S. A., & Guba, E. G. (2011). The Sage handbook of qualitative research.