California: A State Split in Half

Having seen the last presidential election, as well as the one before that i have come to notice a rather interesting pattern. Most states across the nation are a sure win for either democrats or republicans, but California is not. Our state tends to always be split down the middle, with our decisions and every election is a toss up. I feel like this represents how diverse the people who live here are, there is no majority in the election, it is pretty even. This also talks about the "California dream", in which everyone is able to express their individual beliefs without feeling any pressure or discrimination. Throughout the current election there are signs and protesters everywhere expressing both sides of the vote, and i haven't seen any more or any less of either side. Although this is just about on issue, it speaks about topics that are beyond the vote. This idea can be related to almost anything in California, when thinking about how people here come from all different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, political views etc.

Comments

[Sarah Weiford]

Throughout this entire election, I have thought the same thing. Like you said about this election seeming like such a toss up in California, I definitely see what you mean. California really is an extreme state and it is hard to put us into one category of red or blue, democrat or republican, liberal or conservative. I think this diversity is a reason that draws so many people to California. Like you said, people here feel comfortable expressing their individual beliefs without fear. I guess that is just one of many great things about California!

[Carol Felldin]

I think this is a very good point. What the “stats” also say about this great state is that so many of our citizens are educated. We have a very liberal educational system. This word is carelessly used by up-tight conservatives (oops is my liberalism showing?). Our educational facilitators teach their students to think and judge for themselves. This is a common topic for me because I have witnessed so many friends being influenced by the media without checking out the real facts. I am just so glad to be back in this state of diversity, bar the crowds.

[Taylor Gordon]

People often say that California is the "melting pot" of our country. It glorifies the dream of diversity, and encourages new ideas. This election did indeed bring that to life. However, there was also violence, and hateful acts to display people's believe. People went to great pains to be heard--even at the price of safety and civility. This may seem ridiculous, but is it possible to be so diverse, that no one gets heard? Sometimes, i feel like California sacrifices unity and clarity for diversity.