Land of the Labels

Yes, I am a Republican. This doesn’t make me xenophobic, homophobic, misogynistic, racist, or prejudice. I grew up in a family that is made up of both Democrats and Republicans, so I am also not to be written off as an individual who is a product of my environment. I am an educated young man who has an enormous heart and cares about this country and its people very deeply. The ability to make my own decisions while composing my own moral compass has led me to my political beliefs many years ago. According to the PewResearchCenter, 44 percent of registered American voters are Republican. I am a part of this statistic and I believe that I embody the many individuals who are Republican that sincerely love America as well as all Americans. The United States is a country made up of  power and mystery, which makes me proud each day, even through tough times. Furthermore, I am not a robot that is a brainwashed to follow and believe everything that Republicans feel the need to say or fight for. The Washington Post states that 63 percent of the nation’s Democrats approve of their party's congressional members and only 34 percent of Republicans approve of theirs’. I am as level headed as the horizon on the ocean, and I can always look at an issue from multiple perspectives. I believe that we live in a fixed society where titles are alive more than ever, due to both sides of the aisle. Once someone announces their political party, numerous labels are attached to that individual. It is easier to put people into categories instead of having authentic conversations regarding who someone truly is, besides the political party they affiliate with on paper. Debate and questioning are a few of the things that make our country so unique, which is why I am always finding my own opinion on political topics instead of looking to Fox News to tell me what to think. Sure, I do support the Second Amendment, structured yet easy immigration, and a stronger military. I also support marriage equality and pro-choice stances. In a poll conducted by the Los Angeles Times, only 33 percent of millennials prefer the Republican party. I would have guessed an even smaller amount for this statistic due to the Liberal environment and agenda thriving on college campuses and other facets of young America. This point may be controversial, but it is something that I believe. I feel strongly about this due to my fear of even wearing a Young Republican shirt on my own college campus due to the possibility of ridicule from fellow classmates or being failed by a professor. I am sick and tired of having to hide my identity among society, inside of the classroom, and with friends. I am not a monster that is close minded or who hates marginalized groups, I want the best for Americans everywhere which will only lead to a stronger and even better country. It is time for our society to let go of political labels, and begin talking to each other instead of writing individuals off. I am done being written off.