Ashley Mendoza- Reflection #2
ELECTIONS MATTER
Honestly, this experience was something I did not expect. Initially, I thought, we would just be practicing speech in-class. Or reading from a text book, then practicing. But performing on the steps to some people outside our own class was quite refreshing and engaging. It does help you gain actual experience, I feel, and It wasn't nerve-wracking for me more like a fun day. Performing a speech like this, and often, would definitely get rid of my jitters because I tend to sound a little nervous when I speak. But I noticed I sounded less nervous which was great!
When we first got our topic, we thought, "oooh... this is gonna be hard." But, not only did we pull through, I feel like for the first time I actually learnt what the Electoral College (EC) even is. Having to really research, again and again, to try to manage an explanation of it really works. I mean, I have to teach it to god knows how many people, so I need to know what it is. I found amazing videos, specifically that mostly was able to help me understand the EC. It put it in a picture, and a straightforward way. Went into detail about how exactly the EC votes are chosen for each state, etc. Here it is:
In the end, my opinion is that I truly feel like my vote doesn't matter. Yes, it's important to go out and vote to root for your candidate to win-- but when they don't win your state? What now? It's like I never voted, because all the EC votes go to that candidate. Not only that, but in the end, it is the leaders of the EC that vote for the presidential candidate regardless of EC or popular vote results. Hmm... I don't know, really doesn't feel right.
As for protecting the smaller states? How? By giving Wyoming 3 electoral votes? That's barely anything. And all the states have different votes, some have soooo much more and of course the candidates will campaign in those! So, honestly, why have the system if they will just campaign in 10 battleground states the most? Get rid of it, keep popular vote.
But anyway, the presentations went great. Much better than I expected. I thought they would be good, but not spectacular. I really was proud of them. Just seemed like a big bunch of educated young individuals.
Group 1 had immigration as their topic, and I don't think many other groups could've handled that as well as they did. It's awesome how they included personal experiences, and even went a step further by including personal interviews. It was definitely a well-rounded presentation and left the audience thinking this is not just some project they did for a grade, but something that actually had intention and effort put into. I appreciated that presentation, along with the others.
Group 2 did awesome as well, speaking on Women's rights. I appreciate how everybody did their research, and even the guys spoke well on the subject. I'd argue the guys were more informed which is ironic. They came in with statistics, and another came in with just a lot of emotional support and logical arguments defending women. I have to say, I really enjoyed the way that the guys specifically in this group were very engaging with the audience. It inspired me to ask the audience how their day has been, even though I still didn't engage, just read, 'cause it was too sudden and i wouldn't know what else to do! But I see now how much more interesting it is when you connect with your audience- rather than just read something off a page or recite from your mind and just go on- and on.
As for myyyy group! Group 3! To continue with my point of engaging with the audience, I really enjoyed the way Alberto passed around the Cuban dollar when we practiced in class. It would've been interesting if he did that again. Maybe he got nervous. But anyway, we all spoke clearly which is great. I'm glad we all mostly understood the topic and were able to deliver a good speech. I think that the project manager at the end telling everyone we aren't making them choose a certain candidate just trying to inform them- was very professional.
Last but not least, Group 4 had education policies. I found it quite dedicated that despite some members not making it they still did not skimp out on their work. They made sure they got it done which is quite admirable. At the event, they did amazingly. They went into detail and explained everything the audience would need to know. They did a good job emphasizing how important the topic is, since, if we do not have proper teachers and enough teachers (because there is a shortage due to the horrible education policies we have) then we will not receive a good education for the adults of the future. Teachers need good pay, education needs to be protected, etc.
If not? We will all grow up to not be able to think for ourselves, or maybe even think the wrong things. Making it that easy for candidates to persuade our minds, the uninformed mind. Things such as banning critical race theory in highschool (the idea that race is a construct, and racism is literally just a taught behavior), or sex education (protection, how the sexual organs work, etc) in middle school is insane to me. Education needs to be protected, it is a human right, something we should all be proud we have access to and very grateful. When they take it away, that's how hatred and an easily controlled society ensues.
Whether or not you agree with Amendment 4, (the right to an abortion, only your doctor can determine whether it's for your well-being or not, no governmental interference besides the limit regulation) one thing is clear- people didn't even understand the amendment. In the ballot, even, it says that minors cannot have an abortion without parental consent still. Yet, so many people, voted no because they think it is the opposite. Furthermore, people voted no on abortion, thinking it would actually protect abortion rights- even though, voting yes, would protect them. Just because they didn't bother to read a little more. Media literacy, literacy skills in general, are haunting America citizens.
In the end, voting is crucial and being informed is crucial. And I'm glad the presentations went well like they did.
Absolutely so interesting Ashley. I can see what you mean with the electoral college and the other topics.
ReplyDelete