I wanted to shift my topic slightly for this post, you know switch things up. In the beginning of the semester Ben (Professor Henderson) asked the class to free write for two minutes. Do you remember what the topic was? It was civic engagement online. Looking back, I admit I had only the slightest idea what was really being asked of me.
After reading the text book and through class discussions I was able to understand: first what civic life is and secondly how it was related to rhetoric.
Civic life is when one is involved with there community with the intention to make a change. Becoming a rhetor is one of the biggest ways to participate in the civic life within ones community, but I have come to realized it is not the only way.
Seeing as I just turned 18 a month ago, I will be able to vote in the upcoming Presidential elections. Legally turning an adult in this society allows me the opportunity to have my voice heard in an effort to strive for the changes I want to see. I mean after all I am the people and this country is a democracy.
After thinking about how I am looking forward to casting my first vote, my mind drifted to how many individuals in this country do not vote. The lack of civic engagement from us, “the people,” takes away from our democratic government. I mean we all have things to say about the U.S. government, good or bad, and there is always improvements that can be made... but we all need to get involved!
As an African American woman in America, I have now made a promise to myself that I would vote and have my opinion heard. I am a part of a double minority. Someone who has had millions before me fight and even die for me to say I am a citizen and I have the right to vote.
It is not even a question whether I will become civically engaged.
I remember how I felt when i turned 18 last year and voted for the local government positions. I was so excited that I got to the polls early and waited for them to open. I felt the same way you felt, but once I got there and saw the list of canidates I realized i did know who they were. When you go vote study the canditates so you can make an informed discussion.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point... I think all Americans have a responsibility to stay informed (at least a little bit) about what is happening in our country and to vote for our leaders. I like your regard for those who have fought and even died for women, espeically African American women, to have the right to vote... sometimes we forget how lucky we are to have that privilige. What drives me crazy are all of the people who complain about the quality of our government and then fail to vote themselves. They are giving up their say in our country's affairs and therefore are also giving up their right to critize our leaders.
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