Democratic bias creates ignorance
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Daniel Schoenfeld, Opinion Editor
October 16, 2012
Filed under Opinion, Top Stories
Evanston’s lack of political diversity is unhealthy for students within the community.
Evanston, widely known for its supposed diversity, harbors a negative attitude toward the small percentage of students and community members who attempt to oppose its ultra-liberal ideas. The inability of the Democratic community of Evanston to accept an opposite opinion violates many of the fundamental ideas this country was built on.
America has always been a place that encourages two-sided political views. Debate and disagreement are what keeps the country balanced.
Lack of conversation causes problems fueled by ignorance. Many students say it’s not uncommon for conservative students to be attacked through social media for posting their opinions by their peers who think it’s okay to make broad assumptions about the party.
As Americans, it is our duty to make an informed choice with our vote. By only listening to one party, students lose the ability to do just that.
Evanston is a small bubble, and leaving it can come as a culture shock. Evanston’s politics make the rest of Illinois look like raging conservatives. By ignoring their opinions, students are distancing themselves from half of the country.
Students for Obama meets regularly, watching debates and discussing the election. While it may be a small crowd, a student club for those in favor of Mitt Romney would be a healthy addition to the school.
The ultra-liberal, one-sided take on politics inside Evanston is unhealthy for the community. It’s time for us Evanstonians to open our eyes and realize the importance of a balanced political view. But before opening our eyes, we must open our ears.
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This lack of diversity or “ignorance” you speak of is due to many Evanstonian values paralleling liberal values, I would also disagree that a lack of political diversity necessary is a bad thing. Looser gun control laws, cutting welfare, opposition to gay rights and marriage, opposition to federal college loans, disregard for the environmental issues, opposition to amnesty programs such as the “Dream Act”, these are examples of just some of conservative policies that clearly a community as progressive and diverse, both culutrally and socio-economically,as Evanston would clearly oppose. Strong opposition to Republican policies/ideals by Evanstonian’s is warranted.
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Daniel – props to you for speaking the true-true. I just ran for State Rep for Evanston and New Trier Townships on the Republican ticket and took second place (I prefer that to lost).
I ran because the Republicans could not get anyone to run against the incumbent – part of a Madigan run gang that has really hosed up this state – and threatened the futures of young people like you. I ran because I saw the dangers lurking all around us that the incumbents refused to accurately acknowledge.
I learned in the course of this election how really closed minded so many of the people in the district are. I like to say they have “outsourced their thinking” to the Democratic party.
It all became clear to me one day shortly before Nov 6 when the Rep candidate for State Senator, Glenn Farkas and I stood in front of the Lucky Platter on Main Street handing out our literature and trying to engage voters in a discussion about the economy. Voter after voter would instantly ask: “Which party are you?” When we told them “Republican” they’d refuse to talk and pull their hands back from the pamphlets we offered them like they were covered with some sort of virus. Finally, a couple stopped and talked to us, never asking the party question. It was a good conversation about the economy, pension reform, etc. We asked them if they would be voting for us: “No, we are from Rockford”. We should have known.
You are a critical thinker, Daniel. Keep it up. We need many more people who understand diversity doesn’t just mean religion, nationality or race. That kind of diversity is superficial – diversity of opinion and thought is deeply essential to a healthy society.
But, then, you already know that.
Best, Eric
[Reply]
Daniel,
Thanks for writing such a thought-provoking article, which inspired me to write a piece of my own: http://evanston.patch.com/articles/beyond-the-evanston-bubble
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