Political Socialization Don Mashak once said, It is not Democrat v Republican nor Conservative verse Liberal nor Rich

verse Poor; it is WE THE PEOPLE verse Corrupt Politicians (Mashak). Every four years around November, the United States of America transforms into the Red or Blue states of America. Peoples passion for politics becomes a source of division. Although everyone would like to believe in the words of Don Mashak, it is simply not true. Most people vote synonymous as the social institutions that shape their life-this is a concept called political socialization. Take me for example, due to certain factors in my life: my religion, my friends, and my parents, I vote Democrat. My religion plays a main role in how I vote. Although some of the beliefs do conflict with one another, many are the same. Democrats do not want to stay in Iraq and work to bring peace to the Middle East. The Middle East is my home and contains my Holy Land. This party does a lot to protect this region and many Democrats have openly spoken out against the American wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through the news and internet, I have witnessed their distaste for these wars and their willingness to end the silent treatment and begin negotiations with the dictators of these countries. Historically, Democrats have been more open to accepting minorities and believing in their potential by funding programs the benefit them-such as food stamps, welfare, and financial aid. My religion teaches to help those who are not as fortunate. These reasons are how my religion has shaped my vote. My peers are another reason why I vote Democrat. My friends and I hang out just about every day of the week. We go to the same gym, school, and lounges together. Naturally, politics does come up in conversation every once in awhile-especially in November. I would have to say most of my friends vote the same way that I do. They reinforce my beliefs, making me believe

that they are the correct way of life. My friends and I discuss about different issues that both we and the Democratic Party believe in. These conversations allow my confidence in this party to deepen and secure my vote every November. My whole life I have believed in the values of the Democratic Party. I believe in abolishing the death penalty, government health care, also taxing corporations and the wealthy. Why do I believe in this? The number one reason is I was raised to. I grew up in a household where my parents always voted Democrat. As a young child they explained to me how the Democratic Party was fighting to keep food stamps and welfare-which we needed. Growing up I was always taught that it was the Democrats that were helping out my family. Their party was putting food on our table when my dad lost his job. They were fighting to help us pay the bills so my family could stay in our house. Since my parents have always explained to me that the Democratic Party helped out my family, I always believed that they were the better party and deserved my vote. In conclusion, political socialization is why I vote democrat. In a perfect world, people would vote against corrupt politicians instead of down party lines. They would be able to see issues not as democrat or republican but as helpful or unhelpful. However, we do not live in that world. Since we are born we are subjected to ideals and beliefs that we reflect. The biggest components in shaping who we are include: parents, friends, schools, and other social institutions (religion, schools, etc.). Without these, we would not have a formed our unique opinion about the world. Since my family votes democrat, they have instilled in me the belief to do so. Since my friends discuss how this party helps them, they have convinced me I should do too. Finally, since my religion is based in the Middle East and the Democrats would like to see peace there, I give them my vote. Political socialization has formed my vote and reinforces it.

Reference Mashak, Don. "START A BILL TO PLACE ALL POLITICIANS ON SOCIAL SECURITY ." Don Mashak's Harris County Texas. USA Free Press, 24 Aug. 2009. Web. 16 Feb. 2011. Ideology, Public Opinion, and Media Glossary. University of Texas, 2011. Web. 16 Feb. 2011.