Conservative Ideology

My Ideology

Over the years, when examining my own ideology, I found that I could not determine whether or not I am a liberal or conservative person. I had often found myself relating to the beliefs similar to those of the Liberal side of the political spectrum. Yet despite this familiarity, I also hold myself steadfast to some conservative values. Recently, I perceived that my opinions on both the social and economic policy, as it pertains to liberals and conservatives, varies on many matters. Upon reflection, I concluded that perhaps, as of yet, the best interpretation of my current ideology would be more inclined to liberal perspectives.
In my examination of my ideology, I found that we, as an American society, all seek to achieve the

same goals and ambitions in life. Whether it be the traditional American Dream of wealth and prosperity or other subtle aspirations of normalcy, we desire the tangible aspects of freedom, opportunity, equality, and liberty. The resounding argument is how to achieve them. As a liberal, I find that my beliefs and values are centered upon the ideals of liberty and equality.Though I do agree with conservatives on most other issues, I also believe that the government should take an active role in ensuring that the welfare of the American people prevail over other issues such as initiating War on Terrorism. I feel that it is the government’s duty to help alleviate any ailments within the American community and to protect, maintain, and carry out the civil liberties and individual and human rights upon it’s citizens.
Although contrary to my liberal viewpoints on governmental issues such as Welfare, I find that in reality, if I were put in a precarious position regarding my beliefs on controversial matters such as abortion or same sex marriage, I would be more inclined to side with conservative standpoints.

However, despite my resolute if not passionate feelings towards my ideals, I would not be adamant about actively participating in politics of any kind. I would rather leave those quarrels other political voices and remain on the sidelines of the political process as a bystander than anything else. This is of course of choice and, currently, a by product of not being eligible to participate in public political affairs such as voting. This currently remains and will remain my choice in the matter, much to my peers dismay, because it coincides with my religious beliefs and family

values.
Cultural matters such as religion has greatly influenced my position on the political spectrum.

As a Jehovah’s Witness, I have grown up with the aspect of political neutrality and with the reluctance of avidly participating in political affairs. I was raised on the preference of taking “no part in this world”, to not take sides in political issues, and to not in any way campaign against or for political elections. However, as I grew up, my political neutrality and conservative values began to change when I started high school. One experience, for example, was when I met one of my very good friends. This friend just so happened to be an avid supporter of the Pro-Choice issue in regards to abortion. Although I do not condone the issue of abortion and feel that human life begins at conception, I also feel very strongly about the aspect of women having a choice on whether or not to have the

operation.
My ideology also began to change when I became thoroughly introduced to the subject of ‘separation of church and state’. I do not agree with the conservative’s belief that religion should (or can) be acknowledged in public schools and government buildings. I feel that any symbols or implications of the Christian heritage in public and government locations should be removed because, through personal experience, it can be highly oppressive, offensive, and imposing on people with other religious affiliations than Christianity. I feel this way because, as I am a Jehovah’s Witness, I am often a victim to prejudice and opposition from people of other religious groups.
My religion, family, and friends influence my ideals and behaviors in many ways. My religion, in my opinion, serves as a foundation and as an outline for my morals and beliefs. My family influences those beliefs and values by shaping them and friends either reinforces them or introduces me to new ones. I also feel that our community has have a big impact on them as well. I have, unfortunately, always been one to want to ‘fit in’ and go along with the status quo. Because of this, I feel that our relatively conservative state yet my local and very liberal-proned school has had conflicting impacts on the development of my ideology.
I also believe that my families financial status also has had a major impact on my point of view as well. As I was raised on a relatively low income, my family is very dependent on the government’s welfare programs. I know that, from experience, the conservative belief that “if one wants to be successful in life they need to work hard to achieve it” is not necessarily held true. To be successful in this life, you need to have an education, but in order to have an education you need money. If someone cannot pay for an education, then they cannot move out of the endless cycle that plagues poverty. Although the conservative belief that people need to ‘climb the ladder to success’ on their own and the opportunity to get there is present, the journey there is based on circumstance, and not everyone can get make it. Welfare programs can generally be very beneficial to those who need it, and I feel strongly on the maintenance on it.
As I feel strongly about equality and liberty, another issue that I am passionate about in my liberal perspective is immigration. I do not agree with the conservatives belief in opposing any amnesty for people who have entered the U.S illegally and have long since built a stable home here. I would be willing to compromise on rejecting any amnesty for those who have ‘recently’ arrived here illegally. I understand their belief in that those who enter the U.S. illegally don't reserve the right to have the same rights as those who entered legally, but I feel that it is unfair to arrest millions of undocumented immigrants, especially those who have been present for years and have no family or outside connections within their homeland. I feel that they should be allowed to stay and have the same privileges as American citizens. However, I also feel that, because they broke the law, they be penalized and should be required to undergo the same process of gaining citizenship that others have had to do legally.