Today, America is divided into two huge groups: republican or democrat. Although there are hundreds of political parties to choose from, varying in religious bases, opinions and political views. If everyone in America took the time to search, there would be a political party for just about everyone, that they agreed with almost one hundred percent. So why, then, do the republican and democratic parties have so many supporters? If there is a better suited group out there for someone to put there vote towards, why would they compromise half of their beliefs to the republican or democrat parties?
The problem lies in the economic and historical support that these two massive parties have gained over the years. With so much support from benefactors, pouring money into their systems, these two parties have nothing stopping them with their billion dollar budgets as compared to the smaller parties with million dollar budgets at best. This problem of money bringing a group to the top is raised in Virginia Woolfs essays. In one chapter, she discusses the difference in the foundation of the mens college versus the foundation of the women's college. Basically, she says that historically, the men's college has always had economic support, and many people have and continue to invest their money into it because they trust it and know it. The men, therefore, get a good education, and the outcome of the investments is positive. The women's college on the other hand is newer and doesn't have the historical success that the men's college has, so investing money in the women's college is risky.
But is it so wrong to take a shot at helping the women's college, even though the outcome isn't sure? In a more modern sense, is it wrong to support a smaller political party that you agree with more, even if it means your vote and money may not be heard? I believe that the only way to truly exercise change is by supporting what you believe in no matter what. If everyone says they will compromise for something they don't totally agree with just because otherwise their vote won't count, then you'll end up with a lot of unhappy people. I think if some smaller parties were more largely advertised, people might agree between five or six major parties, rather than just two, and therefore would compromise less of their beliefs. So when it comes to supporting things just because they are popular, I'd say it's time to help out the little guys, and let minorities influence the polls a bit more.
Very good!
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