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A teen's perspective on politics
As I mentioned earlier this week, my son and I attended the Obama Rally in Houston on Tuesday, and last night we attended the debate in Austin. My son wrote about the debate from his perspective and I thought I would share some of what he wrote with you.I attended the debate tonight. I wasn't sure if I would understand what all they said because sometimes they use a lot of big words I don't understand. My mom wants me to pay attention this year because she calls this election historical. She told me that I should remember this year when I'm older.
A reporter from a TV station in Austin saw me with my mom in the press room and asked me why I was there. I told her that I was helping my mom and also writing for my school newspaper. She asked me what I thought of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. I told her I liked both of them but that I cannot vote this year. She asked me who I would vote for if I could vote and I told her probably Barack Obama. I don't really know who would make the best president. I like Barack Obama because he is biracial like me. I sometimes feel like I don't fit in and people ask me my race. I tell them that I am mixed and they don't know what that means. My dad was black and my mom is white. I think Barack Obama is like me because I can relate to my mom, who is white, and also to my dad, who was black. My mom told me that makes me fit into both races but I sometimes feel like it means I can't fit in anywhere. Barack Obama makes me feel like I can fit in and maybe one day be president, too.
I have ADHD and sometimes people think I'm not smart or that I need extra help doing things. My mom told me that it means my mind just works a little different from everyone else and I have to make sure I pay attention when I want to daydream. People say that Barack Obama is different and can't be president because he's not like everyone else. I think that maybe he just thinks differently from everyone else and his mind works like mine. That doesn't mean he's not smart and can't do a good job if he's elected president.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
RobMonroe 2-22-2008 @ 1:40PM
Thanks for sharing this. Kudos to your son for being so honest when talking to a reporter. And kudos to you for getting him involved where he feels like he fits in!
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jane 2-22-2008 @ 2:24PM
While I applaud you for taking your son to this and teaching him about politics, I’m starting to get very confused this year. Historical, yes but who are we supposed to vote for? Should I vote for Clinton because she and I are both woman and can therefore “relate?” So then should my husband vote for McCain because he’s a “white male?” What about African American women?? Who do they vote for the woman or the African American man? It seems to me it shouldn’t be about this. I’m so mad at my best girlfriend, she’s pushing for Clinton JUST because she’s a woman and she has a 7 year old daughter who, I feel, she’s brainwashed because to her, it's only because she's a "girl." I have no idea who to vote for this time because I don’t personally feel it’s about a man or woman or about race though I’m very happy a woman CAN and a black PERSON can. It means we can all do what we want to do in this world. FINALLY.
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trish 2-22-2008 @ 2:40PM
Jane, I do agree with you. Actually, I am not an Obama supporter. I am not AGAINST him, but I am not encouraging my son because he happens to be my candidate. I think this election is historical for the reasons you gave: We have a choice this year other than the same faces that have always been in politics. I don't think anyone should vote for someone because of their gender or their race, but it is encouraging to me to see other role models for children to look to when thinking about their own future.
jane 2-22-2008 @ 3:11PM
Thank you Trish. I half expected to get really blasted for that comment when I'm seriously, totally confused. I have no idea who I'm voting for. Plus this change in politics is really encouraging for me too. I just hope people place the vote where it should be an not who they "think" they should vote for. I think your son is wonderful and he could come live with me anyday. He had me with the carnations.
queenoqueens 2-23-2008 @ 11:04PM
Trish, thanks for sharing that. I was very curious from your previous post what your sons impression would be.
As for the confusion on voting, from my research so far (albeit lacking) it actually seems like Hillary and Obama are very similar on most issues. In some sense, it *almost can* come down to which battle you want to fight (proving that a woman can fulfill the role or that a male of color can). Also, when the issues involved are so complex (who among us laymen really understand all the dynamics of the economy and what REALLY works) it's easier to decide based on these more concrete issues. But just because it's easier, doesn't mean we should let that be our final criteria. The candidates stances are worth examining.
I am very happy though that we have candidates such as these that help in the fight against sexism/racism simply by their existence.
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