Against the Grain

By Camille

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*Disclaimer* My experiences with conservatives in America do NOT represent how all conservatives are. I have respect for everyone’s ideas until they prove they are bigoted.

As we grow up, we start to learn things about ourselves. These things can range from our favorite food, our style, politics, all the way to what side of the bed we prefer. When we learn about ourselves, a big influence tends to be our surroundings. This can mean the people that are around us, to simply where we are. This explains why certain groups hold certain preferences in specific areas. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes some individuals hold different opinions and go against the majority. 

As for myself, I grew up constantly moving and was surrounded by different people. Out of the seven states that I have lived in, 6 of them were conservative at the time that I was living there. By definition, a conservative is someone who is against change and would rather hold traditional values. While I have provided a definition, this is to be taken with a grain of salt. Not every conservative holds the same values. Both of my parents are conservative and are not afraid to share their opinions on certain situations. It’s almost as if the universe wanted me to be a conservative by surrounding me with conservatives. 

From my experience, most conservatives I met are known for their devoutness to religion, more specifically, Christianity. There is absolutely no issue with celebrating your religion, but when that celebration becomes condemnation and hatred, maybe it is time for you to reevaluate why you are practicing a religion. 

Conservatives are also known for wanting to keep traditional values. These traditional values include marriage between a man and a woman, anti-abortion, cisgenderism, religion, etc. While I try to understand that everyone has values of their own, I absolutely refuse to associate myself with a group of people who have values that are deemed as hurtful and offensive to others. 

When I was younger, these opinions never bothered me. I was too naive to pay any mind to my environment. As I got older, however, I started listening to these views and reflecting on them later. Sadly, a lot of the views I heard were not inclusive to all and can be deemed as bigotry. Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community myself, I did not appreciate the harmful opinions others formed about us, therefore I sought after aligning myself with more open-minded people.

Needless to say, I formulated different opinions despite being surrounded by those of conservative values. While I don’t align with a label, I will say I am a leftist who seeks equality amongst everyone despite race, gender, sex, sexuality, and any other quality that might deem them different from the majority. By definition, a leftist is someone who holds left-wing political views. Left-wing politics support social equality and egalitarianism to some degree. Despite my environment basically shoving conservatism in my face, other aspects of my life have helped me shape my own political opinions. Below, I have compiled a list of ways that helped me formulate my own opinions:

• Talk with friends. My friends and I had similar social and political views and this helped me realize that I don’t have to follow in my environment’s footsteps. 
• Research about different political views. Read about different views and see if you can relate to any of them.
• Take a political test. You have to be sure to tell the complete truth for the most accurate votes. 
• Learn to become an independent thinker. While this is easier said than done, learning to think for yourself will help you formulate your own beliefs much easier. 

While it may be difficult living in an area with people of different values as you, it is essential for you to find what is right and fight for it. It may feel as though nobody is listening to you, especially if you are in the minority, but you must know that there are people out there who support the same things as you. It is important to form your individuality along with your own beliefs and values to shape who you are as a person. I hope you all find a place where people fully accept you and you all fight for what is right. 

While I don’t believe helplines would be the most helpful, below I have compiled websites to help you figure out who you are in terms of politics.

1. Political Compass
2. Youth Leadership Quiz
3. World’s Smallest Political Quiz