Last year’s election and political climate, with transitions into 2021, has dramatically influenced the perspective of students all over the United States. Given the strong division within the country, students, their families, and their friends have become extremely polarized. The cause of this division lies within the effect of the President Election.
This Election has allowed more students and youth to become more politically involved. Some have made a clear stand with their political ideologies and have reviewed the perspective of both political parties. When asked about the current political climate students have explicitly expressed their views towards a candidate and their views on public policy.
Michael Hernandez, an MLEC sophomore student in the Health academy, has shared a statement concerning his current political view. Michael has identified himself as a very liberal Republican who favors the Trump administration for their views towards increasing America’s economy. He has said that these views will be better for him and his family.
“I affiliate mainly with the Republican party but I have many liberal views such as marriage and abortion. If I were of age to vote I would’ve voted for the Republican party mainly for their economic changes.”
“If Biden wins taxes would be raised even those besides income tax and education. If I’m correct, Biden wanted free education, and in my opinion, I believe the economy will worsen with Biden‘s political administration,” he explained
Gabriela Maldonaldo, who is also a sophomore in the Health academy, has said something similar about their views on the economy. Gabriela doesn’t know too much about politics but has done research as to how certain politically-induced factors, such as a reset on minimum wages introduced by the Biden-Harris administration, will affect her and her family.
“I do think that the idea of a higher minimum wage will be bad for small businesses, and with my parents owning a small business, it will not be beneficial to them,” she said.
“I understand that many families will benefit from this, me personally knowing some but it could be detrimental for the economy but that’s me it’s the only topic that I heard about,” said Maldonaldo continued.
Maldonaldo and Hernandez share similar political standpoints, which calls against some of the policies that will be set in place by the upcoming executive administration. Helen Cordero, a Democrat-affiliated student at Barbara Goleman Senior High, thinks the opposite.
“…. I think the democrat party can make changes especially because of the unprecedented situation going in America. If I was the age to vote I would have definitely voted for Joe Biden, I will root for the democrat party because I know Joe Biden will have everything under control in this country and he will be the best leader to represent this country and unified everyone from the evil to good,” said Cordero.
“Joe Biden has said he will bring immigrant families back together and he will raise taxes for the wealthy people and cut taxes for the people who make less than $400,000. His views towards education include free college tuition for two years and to provide more resources and money for poor school districts.”
These students demonstrated how circumstantial elements — including family, gender, race, and as well as living conditions — goes into perspective to influence outlook. While the politically opposing remarks between them reflect on the diverse perspectives and reasoned views of tackling societal issues, it also provides a base for political discourse among the common people.
