Take 2

Democratic ideals & writers block.

I’m late. I know it. But I do want to welcome those who are just joining on this journey.

I’m spending a lot of time grappling with the objective of my writing.

Which is:

To lay the groundwork for an extensive, rigorous critique of American politics, government, and liberalism.

And look, I’m not a scholar; But I thoroughly enjoy the philosophy of politics and observing the implementation of political thought - putting words to it, describing it, expanding my understanding, debating on politics, and so forth…

There are impressions on my mind that I am striving to articulate. I consumed most of this week in an examination of ideas of democratic paragons.

One of the principal questions I am asking is how do notions of identity influence how citizens associate with various institutions? Particularly the institutions that are that constitute democracy.

These, below;

• Liberty

• Equality

• Justice

I do not want to explore if these ideals are available to everyone as much as I would like to explore how one’s own conception of identity affects their ability to access the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice. I think arguments of equity are a separate discussion that will inherently come up again down the road.

I’m not saying there aren’t other factors that enhance or inhibit one’s own ability to pursue liberty, equality, and justice. But I do want to consider the role that identity plays. Certainly, it must have an impact on individuals’ interactions with democratic ideals.

I think what’s been most challenging as I ask questions, research, write, think, talk to friends and family is that I’m contending with my own personal conceptions of identity in a new way that I think will be enlightening… But uncomfortable, to say the least.

This pursuit is important to me for a few reasons.

I want to vocalize my understanding.

For all I know, my observations of interactions inside of political systems can highlight opportunity practitioners and professionals who interact with political systems directly or indirectly.

I want to explore some personal experiences through multiple lenses and gain insights into what influences my own quest for answers.

There is an opportunity to improve certain minority groups’ conception of identity, especially to achieve group interests more frequently.

I don’t think improvements to groups’ interests in society have to exist within a zero-sum structure. Still, it seems that it is frequently communicated this way in media and other relevant contexts.

So who knows!! Maybe I’m barking up the wrong tree. I’ll adjust as I go, and we’ll explore American politics, government, and liberalism together.

- Talk soon