Andres Cano (Arizona State University) on American Values
March 27, 2012
It seems our Founding Fathers had it wrong. The values we’ve followed since our inception have included the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. These values have historically been society’s way of letting Americans know they’re free—free to live openly without experiencing roadblocks from others along the way.
But in today’s politically charged world, does that philosophy still have merit? Ask Georgetown University law student Sandra Fluke, who made national headlines after being targeted in March for her congressional testimony in support of birth control.
What about state lawmakers? How often are they going against our nation’s guiding values? Just take a look at how New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a driving force within GOP, has promised to veto any law that offers marriage equality to folks in his state. Social issues serve as the reason for why American’s don’t share values. We’re too focused on demonizing those who aren’t like us, and we run fast when we don’t feel comfortable.
Our inability to share anything in common is by no means coming to an end anytime soon. CNN exit polls after Tuesday’s Republican primaries in Alabama and Mississippi show abortion rights, or for that matter restricting the right to abortion, was a key issue that got voters to the polls.
Almost a third of voters in both states said “abortion should be always illegal,” showing just how much disregard we’ve developed for letting Americans make their own decisions.
I’m not sure there’s a perfect remedy allowing us to share values. Honestly, I don’t think it can happen. We’re far too entrenched in our beliefs to meet each other half way.
Perhaps this mindset is the liberal in me. Maybe it’s the frustrated Gay in me.
I just ask one thing of those I can’t ever agree with: hear where I’m coming from.
Those like me, often in the minority of public opinion, have a broader view of the world. We don’t tell people how to live their lives. We know what it’s like to get fingers pointed at us.
It’s for those reasons that we’re able to have civil discourse. For me, it’s about exposure and acceptance.
If we can get people to be open about who they are and what they believe in, time will eventually allow us to share, even for just a second, a common denominator.
What about state lawmakers? How often are they going against our nation’s guiding values? Just take a look at how New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a driving force within GOP, has promised to veto any law that offers marriage equality to folks in his state. Social issues serve as the reason for why American’s don’t share values. We’re too focused on demonizing those who aren’t like us, and we run fast when we don’t feel comfortable.
Our inability to share anything in common is by no means coming to an end anytime soon. CNN exit polls after Tuesday’s Republican primaries in Alabama and Mississippi show abortion rights, or for that matter restricting the right to abortion, was a key issue that got voters to the polls.
Almost a third of voters in both states said “abortion should be always illegal,” showing just how much disregard we’ve developed for letting Americans make their own decisions.
I’m not sure there’s a perfect remedy allowing us to share values. Honestly, I don’t think it can happen. We’re far too entrenched in our beliefs to meet each other half way.
Perhaps this mindset is the liberal in me. Maybe it’s the frustrated Gay in me.
I just ask one thing of those I can’t ever agree with: hear where I’m coming from.
Those like me, often in the minority of public opinion, have a broader view of the world. We don’t tell people how to live their lives. We know what it’s like to get fingers pointed at us.
It’s for those reasons that we’re able to have civil discourse. For me, it’s about exposure and acceptance.
If we can get people to be open about who they are and what they believe in, time will eventually allow us to share, even for just a second, a common denominator.
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