Socialization is the procedure by which a person learns the beliefs and norms within their society. TO become politically socialized is not only to understand the importance of government and politics, but also to develop individual opinions. Within the boundaries of this specified socialization, is the feeling of efficacy, or how important one feels their opinion effects government. Every person undergoes a different process of political socialization and therefore renders a different level of efficacy. Thought my political exposure has been minimal, my want of participation is great and with such has come an understanding of democracy. As society grows the level of participation from generation to generation lessens. With this knowledge one question remains to be asked. As societal participation diminishes, can the American government remain a democracy?.
And now for something completely different.
A poem written to describe my emotions on September 11, 2001.
Tuesday was the eleventh day of the ninth month in the year 2001 (September 11, 2001.) Forever in history shall this day be remembered as the day innocent lives were taken at liberty by the hands of those who wished to play God. Humility overcame our nation as American hearts were filled iwth desperation and confusion.
Fresh in my mind remain the images of that colossal 767 crashing into the World Trade Center. I can not even begin to comprehend what it must have felt like to receive that last call, to be able to only hear those sweet words of love one last time before whomever it was, knowing they were to die, ended the connection leaving me powerless against all. THought my heart reaches out to all that are in need I am incapapble of truly doing anything, that is except to care. Why does that word seem so odd to say? Is it because we no longer possess the ability to do such or that because we have all become so hardened that we are fearful to show our true concern? As a race we can be taught to abhor one another but are instead birthed with the instinct of love.