Seen above, Christine Hallquist, first transgender nominee for governor from either major party.
As of lately you probably have realized you are seeing a lot more diversity in politics. This Tuesday Christine Hallquist, a Vermont Democrat made history by becoming the first transgender nominee for governor from either major party. Ms. Hallquist has opened many eyes in office and given hope to many people apart of the LGBTQ+ community. This breakthrough is a symbolic and substantial one that will open up many doors for transgender people who have been noticeably shut down from the highest levels of elected office. Along with voters who want to see a different fresh face.
Although important, this is not the first breakthrough of diversity within office. Governors like Oregon's Kate Brown have inspired and broke the ice for much more diversity in politics, which has been shown through the now nominated governors such as Lupe Valdez of Texas, Jared Polls of Colorado, and now Christine Hallquist of Vermont (All members of the LGBTQ+ community). Aside from just the LGBTQ+ community, in 2016 Jahana Hayes had become the first black democratic member of the state's congressional delegation. Different religions are even being incorporated in elections now that would have been impossible to be incorporated in years past. Which introduces a new group of candidates, which could essentially raise the voter percentage.
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Seen above, Oregon's openly bisexual governor, Kate Brown.
As for President Trumps involvement with this, ABC States, "I think when we look back not so many years from now, we will see that President Trump was an impetus to ushering in a new era of diversity and inclusion. Though this is not his intention, his words and actions are giving an incredible boost to emerging leaders who represent the country in all its wonderful difference and diversity."
"America is truly on the road towards becoming the first time in history a majority-minority country, and this is reflected in the number of Latinos, African-Americans, and Asians who hold office and as well as those running for office"
Discussion Questions
1. How important do you think it is for MORE different faces/people of all backgrounds in Elections?
2. Do you think this will raise the voter percentage?
3. What do you think President Trump feels about this, based on your past knowledge of him as a person?
4. Do you think there will be more backlash from all this information (protests and etc).
Links to Related Articles
https://newrepublic.com/minutes/150683/democrats-strongly-embrace-diversity-primarieshttps://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/15/us/politics/transgender-christine-hallquist-vermont.htmlhttps://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-ushering-era-greater-diversity-politics-column/story?id=57196323
I did this current event because I believe everyone of every religion, race, and sexuality deserves a chance to be heard and elected. I believe this will also raise more people to vote because they can chose someone who they relate with along with new, fresh, and unheard ideas. I think this new wave of diversity is great and gives different people the opportunity to make a change. This is also something that ties along with the upcoming elections, so it is relevant.
Alexa,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great job on your current event post! Well done!
I believe that this breakthrough is going to be an amazing way to increase the voting percentages. The new diversity in politics will make so many more people gain hope and want to be involved in voting for their country's politics. Christine Hallquist said on the New York Times video, Primary Wins Bring a Night of 'Firsts', that all the hardships she has come across and will continue to have to go through are worth it because with her running for governor she is able to support all groups in the marginalized community. She is not running for governor to simply represent the LGBTQ+ community, but instead she is supporting everyone that isn't supported or faces discrimination. This development will make so many people feel like they aren't alone. Hallquist's success, I believe, will most definitely boost the voting percentage because she wants to be involved in politics to represent those that may feel ignored and excluded from political decisions and issues. In the video, Jahana Hayes said, "Democrats across the district voted to bring a new voice and a fresh perspective to Washington D.C." Hayes won over a distinguished CT democrat by 62 percent. If that doesn't show how desperate this county is for new and diverse candidates I don't know what does. This is an ever evolving and advancing country and it needs its politicians to be that way as well. Having such diversity will make so many people want to get more involved in politics and voting but all the new voters may not be there for some of the right reasons. This is America and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but sadly some of those opinions are homophobic and racist. There is a huge chance of backlash and protests from communities across the world due to these new developments. Some people feel that these things are extremely wrong which is the sad truth, but eventually America will overcome these issues. Slavery was abolished in 1865 and there is no doubt that racism still remains but America is always improving and slavery nor racism are accepted. That is what America does, we face problems and hardships but like our national bird we rise and soar. These new improvements to the diversity in politics will drive more people to vote and drive many people to be angry, but it doesn't matter because everyone is equal.
ReplyDeleteWith there being much more and much different faces running for office is a great thing and very important to changing this country. I just hope that people who run are there to do the job they get elected to do rather than gain media interest because then they should not be running at all. Personally I do not think it will raise the voter percentage because the people who consistently vote will continue to do so and the people who choose not to will continue not to. I do not think that this will be a reason to get people to vote. I believe president Trump will not be opposed to this and will support it because it will show diversity in our nation and be good for the people. There will always be protests and or acts of support in all major things including this topic. People have their own opinions and have the right to express them how they want if it will be protest or support is up to them.
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