I tend to have differing political views than most New Yorkers (well, at least those New Yorkers that I come into contact with at work and at school). For instance, I did not (gasp!) vote for Obama in the recent presidential election and I am not enamored with him — not as a man and certainly not as the president. Nevertheless, I don’t attack those who adore him, and I never did. I never asked his supporters how they had the nerve to support him and his views. I never insinuated that a vote for him is a vote for the downfall of America. The other side all too often failed to reciprocate, and I typically didn’t care. Until…
I was having dinner with friends a few weeks ago and, for better or worse, the conversation strayed into the land of politics. Someone relatively new to the group (or at least new to me) asked me something about a recent political event — I don’t particularly remember the topic — and before I could muster a response, another group member (a closer friend) blurted out “don’t you know, he’s a republican!” This led to exasperation and about five minutes of questioning. I let them know that I am, in fact, not a republican or a democrat and that I run with who I think will do the best job running the country. I am conservative but also believe in gay marriage and stem cell research, am pro-choice, etc. Ultimately, frustrated, I changed the conversation, and that was that.
Later, I got to thinking how being a republican/conservative (or at least not being a liberal/democrat) in New York City is now deemed morally reprehensible. Despite being an obvious part of the U.S., our NYC culture — or at least my NYC culture — has become a one-trick political pony and the great citizens of NYC seem to think it is acceptable. Obviously, I disagree, but feel like I’m in the minority.
-Colin F.
