Carlos Guzman
Media Counselor
As the candidates from both parties prepare for the debate tonight, staters everywhere are sharing their opinions of the candidates and politics.
The way people form their political identities is called political socialization. There are many spheres of influences that affect how one forms his or her political identity. The most influential and eminent sphere of influence is family. Fo
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Derek Thurston (Pershing Co.)[/caption]
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Aaron Simpson (Marshall Co.)[/caption]
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Jordan Waymaster (Seitz Co.)[/caption]
llowed by family are friends, religious communities, and schools.
Derek Thurston and Paul Copeland, both Nationalists from Pershing County, shared their stories of political socialization.
“I grew up with Republicans all around me,” Thurston said. He was consequently surprised when he was assigned to the Nationalist Party. “I thought my survey answers were conservative so it will be interesting to see things from another point of view.” Copeland on the other hand, “grew up in a liberal minded family.”
On the other end of the political spectrum, a few Federalists also recounted their political socialization experience. “I was raised in a Christian environment. I’m more agnostic now, but I still hold conservative beliefs.” Aaron Simpson of Marshall County said.
“I have more liberal beliefs, but they have been formed by a conservative frame of mind,” Jordan Waymaster of Seitz County said. Waymaster stated he was excited to experience politics from a different perspective. “We have an opportunity at Boys State to see if the grass is really greener on the other side.”]]>
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