Discussion: Learning Politics
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
• Textbook: Chapter 6, 10
Magstadt, T. M. (2017). Understanding politics: Ideas, institutions, and issues. Australia: Cengage Learning.
Initial Post Instructions
Think about conversations around politics when you were in primary school (around age 10). What were some of the ways you learned about the political establishment through family members and friends? How were you politically socialized as a child? Use evidence (cite sources) to support your response from assigned readings or online lessons, and at least one outside scholarly source.
Post:
When I was around ten years old, Ronald Reagan was President. I remember listening to my parents complain about the fact that my grandparents had become Reagan Democrats. I also remember listening to their records (Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, Tom Lehrer, etc.). I remember listening to songs like this.
"Tom Lehrer - Pollution" (Youtube Video)
then this
"Bob Dylan The Times They Are A Changin' 1964" (Youtube Video)
and this
"Joan Baez - Where have All The Flowers Gone" (Youtube Video)
Did all of this act as a constraint on me once I turned 18? Did it shape my politics? Or was it not as important as the fact that I grew up in a 'liberal' Christian Church (UCC) in a manufactyring town (Flint) as the grandchild of autoworkers? Or was the influence of my favorite teacher, and leader of the Model United Nations program at my high school, more important ... or was it less important than my "total educational experience" (Magstadt, 306) in a magnet/gifted education program? Or did none of this really matter, except that it got me on a path to an education and the tools to move past the constraints of my upbringing?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.