How Family Political Views Shaped My Worldview

Introduction

My political perspective is a complex mix of influences, including those from my family's environment. While I identify as liberal, my family members lean strongly towards conservatism. This essay explores how their viewpoints have shaped my understanding of the world and the principles I hold dear.

Conservative Traits and Myself

Like many young people, my family’s conservative leanings have had some impact on me. For instance, my father's strong military background and hawkish foreign policy views have influenced my position on these issues. I also hold more traditional economic views, valuing fiscal responsibility and a functional financial system.

Liberal Influences

Despite these conservative leanings, I remain highly liberal on social issues. My stance on reproductive rights, feminism, and social justice reflects my family's logical and analytical approach to issues. My parents' emphasis on rational thought and critical analysis has been invaluable in helping me articulate and defend my liberal ideals.

Unfavorable Family Viewpoints

However, not all aspects of my family's political views have had positive impacts on me. I did inherit certain aspects of their worldview, such as their conservative economic policies, but I also took a different path in my personal values and social outlook. My family's views on marginalized groups and political standpoints based on personal gain were particularly challenging for me. Their narrow way of thinking, which often led to bigoted and discriminatory attitudes towards those outside their political group, was deeply troubling.

Personal Growth and Change

As I grew older, I became increasingly disillusioned with these viewpoints. The hypocrisy, selfishness, and bigotry exhibited by my family during political discussions were not aligned with the principles I wanted to live by. I became determined to learn from alternative perspectives and challenge the narrow-mindedness that was prevalent in my family discussions.

Learning and Evolution

My parents, old as they are, still have a deep respect for them and their viewpoints. For example, my father often said, “If you want to vote for yourself, vote for Labour. But if you want to vote for the country, vote Tory.” This statement encapsulated the tension between personal gain and collective responsibility, a tension I increasingly see as outdated.

Current Perspective on Brexit

More recently, my personal stand has been tested by the Brexit vote. While I had initially supported the idea of independence from the European Union, the reality of its implementation has shown that Brexit is not beneficial for the country or its people. The current political climate and the actions of those who promoted it have further distanced me from the conservative stance. I now firmly believe that actions for the greater good, as opposed to personal gain, should be the guiding principle in politics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while my family's political views undoubtedly shaped my perspective on the world, they also pushed me towards a more liberal, inclusive, and rational viewpoint. Their influence has contributed to my personal growth, but it has also motivated me to challenge and reject the negative aspects of their beliefs. Today, I prioritize values that reflect a broader understanding and respect for all individuals and the collective well-being of society.