Overview
This is the first discussion i need a reply to:
I believe my scores were right on the money! Economic Left/Right: -6.63 and Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -3.74. So, based on these scores I am a left-libertarian. The political compass test is designed to show us our political stance on economic and social matters. On our graph, all the way to the right represents 100% capitalism while all the way to the left represents 100% socialism, while the top represents authoritarianism and the bottom liberalism.
The liberal view is concerned with minority rights, and belief in the basic goodness of humans. "Originally liberalism meant support of freedom from state intervention in social and economic life" (Malka & Lelkes, 2010). As Magstadt (2017) tells us, liberals side with public assistance programs, cuts in military spending, a tax system that imposes higher taxes on the rich and government regulation is big industries, and the responsibility of the government to help the less fortunate. On the other hand, conservatives favor more military, less government in big business and fewer taxes on the rich, and a decrease in public assistance. Which one am I and do I believe the political compass test? Well, I believe it is mostly right. I do believe in a strong military, but I don't believe in a "fend for yourself" society. People come under circumstances that are oftentimes beyond their control, and we should help our neighbors and live by the "golden rule". I believe everyone is created equal and people are mostly a product of their environment. If there is a way we can help someone out of a bad situation, then we should. So I would agree with the political compass test, mostly.
This has been one of my favorite classes. It has taught me not only about myself but about the differences in political views and how those views came about. Mostly it has taught me about the importance of being politically aware and engaged. As nurses we are many, and our voice is important. From my personal and professional experience, most nurses don't want to get involved in the politics of things, but I see how important it is for not only the advancement of our careers but for the country. I used to think ignorance was bliss and if I didn't turn on the television or watch politics then politics had no bearing on me. Well, I was gravely wrong. I had started to get involved in politics more this year already, but this class only solidifies that getting involved is crucial and taking that first step is not as painful as I had imagined.
This class has been engaging and even when I thought maybe I can't post this, I did because I was always shown kindness and respect. Thank you, professor and classmates, for a great experience, and good luck to everyone in their educational journey.
Catherine
References:
Magstadt, T. (2017). Understand Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues. (12th ed.). Boston, MA. Cengage.
Malka, A., & Lelkes, Y. (2010). More than Ideology: Conservative–Liberal Identity and Receptivity to Political Cues. Social Justice Research, 23(2/3), 156–188. https://doi-org.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org...
This is the second discussion post:
s expected, my results were: economic -5.75, and social -4.62. Meaning I lean more left/libertarian. I was surprised on how libertarian I leaned but overall agree with the result. Parella (2019) argues, "Beginning in the 18th and 19th centuries, liberalism reinforces the natural rights of man to life, liberty and property, and has transformed the world in ways that have improved the material and social circumstances of humankind" (p. 87). I have always leaned towards the left as I think that healthcare workers in general do. I care more about the individual person and advocating for their rights. I often see that many people are victim to their circumstances by no fault of their own and believe that our country would be a better place with a larger middle class instead of the wealthy becoming even more rich. I believe that empathy, understanding, caring and kindness are the most beautiful aspects of human nature and I think these aspects shine more on the left - in my opinion.
Magstadt (2017) states "For any democracy to succeed in the long run, it is vital that citizens pay attention, learn to think for themselves, and vote intelligently" (p. ). I think this course has made me become more informed about politics in general without the anger/ offensiveness that usually goes along with the topic. I legitimately enjoyed the homework where it required me to learn more about the world around me and how it functions. I came into this class worried on how opinionated it might be and wondering on what learning would be done in such a controversial subject but I was glad to be proven wrong. I will use this information in every day life and practice in work for example, learning about the resources available to the people and how those resources are effected by the political climate. The discussions showed me that people with different opinions can be shared without hostility and politics in general has much to be learned from. I feel more knowledgeable and feel more of a responsible voter because of this class and I am thankful for that.
Thank you for the wonderful experience,
Elizabeth Mckechnie
References:
Magstadt, T. (2017). Understanding politics: Ideas, institutions, and issues (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Parella, J. F. (2019). The Decline of Liberalism in Europe and how to Revive it. Comparative Economic Research, 22(1), 87–106. doi: 10.2478/cer-2019-0006