Blog #2 Mia Meitin
This public speaking class focused on ever-relevant topics of U.S. elections through a group project, where each team was assigned a specific policy issue. My group focused on immigration policies, while other groups explored education policies, the electoral college, and gender equality. As I listened to the presentations, I realized just how much these topics are affiliated with the larger political standpoint, and how each policy impacts not just the election process but also the lives of everyday citizens. Through the immigration policy presentation, I gained a deeper understanding of the current debates surrounding border control, visa programs, and the pathway to citizenship. Our group had the chance to explore the moral, economic, and legal implications of immigration reform, an issue that has been at the forefront of national politics in recent years. The other groups’ presentations also broadened my perspective in equally valuable ways. The education policies group highlighted the growing disparities in access to quality education across the nation, and the challenges in addressing these inequalities at the voting booth. The electoral college discussion illuminated the ways in which our electoral system can sometimes work against the principle of "one person, one vote," sparking important conversations about democratic representation. Finally, the gender equality group shed light on the ongoing struggle for equal rights, particularly in terms of pay, political representation, and reproductive rights.
Starting off with with group 1, which was my group, I was very excited to be researching on this topic. We started off by talking about the evolution of the U.S. immigration policy. Here it was very interesting to learn more about the history and overview on immigration policies. Next we talked about more research devoted to the topic. We provided statistics on the percentage of immigrants in the U.S. and the top birthplaces for U.S. immigrants. Then, we touched on what each political party supports. This was a great way to get more educated on each political party and their beliefs. The last part of this project was interviews. Victoria and I were able to interview family members to get their view on immigration policies. I interviewed my mom, she was able to provide me with great information not only on positive views, but also the negative side. Victoria interviewed Mary and William, they also gave great answers and provided informative standpoints when answering Victorias questions.
Group 2 talked about gender equality. This topic was an eye opener when it came too the treatment of women in sports. Here they talked about the history of women in sports. They also talked about the income of male and female sports. This was the most interesting point they spoke about. The difference in income was very large and questionable. They elaborated on mens sports income and why men get paid more. They provided a chart that showed the athletes earning the most from endorsements. They also talked about where does the difference of treatment come from. Another major topic point was abortion rights and women’s voting rights. Both pro choice and pro life view. This topic was also a great topic and I learned a lot from group 2’s presentation.
Group 3 talked about the electorate and election process. They started off with the historical background and the evolution. They talked about how did the electoral process begin and why was the election process and electorate started. Their main points with this were representation, legitimacy, citizen participation, protection of rights, accountability, social change, stability and order. When talking about the evolution of the electoral process they showed a timeline. Next, they talked about the role of media democracy. The key function were exposes corruption and misconduct, facilities public debates, provides crucial information to citizens. The medias influence on voting was another topic discussed. The 3 main points here were bias, emotional impact, and framing issues. They told us the importance on voting, which I agree to be very crucial as a citizen. It's gives us a voice and protects and strengthens democracy.
Lastly group 4 talked about education policies. First they started with the no child left behind act. George W. Bush introduced a strict accountability through standardized testing. This act often influences voter preferences. As education becomes a significant campaign issue,
with candidates either supporting or criticizing federal involvement in schools. Another act talked about was the every student succeeds act that replaced the no child left behind. This act aimed to provide states with more flexibility in setting education standards while maintaining accountability for improving students outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged students. They also talked about each political parties educational polices.
Reflecting on this project, I realize just how much I've learned from each group’s presentation, and how these topics shape our understanding of U.S. elections. Each team presented a crucial issue that not only impacts the election process but also affects the lives of citizens across the country. From immigration policies to education, gender equality, and the electoral college, these topics are interconnected and influence the political discourse in ways I hadn’t fully understood before.
Through my group’s work on immigration policies, I expanded my knowledge of the issues surrounding border control, visa programs, and the legal and moral debates on immigration reform. This research, along with insights from interviews, helped me appreciate the diversity of perspectives on the issue. The presentations from the other groups were equally informative. Group 2’s focus on gender equality shed light on ongoing disparities, particularly in the realm of sports, pay, and reproductive rights, prompting me to consider how policies can address these inequalities. Group 3’s project of the electoral process made me reflect on the importance of voting and the role media plays in shaping public opinion. Lastly, Group 4’s discussion of education policies helped me grasp the tension between federal and state involvement in schools and how education impacts both policy and voters' priorities.
Overall, this assignment has been a valuable learning experience, not just for understanding individual policies but also for recognizing the broader implications of these issues in shaping our political landscape. It has made me more aware of how essential it is to stay informed and actively engaged in the democratic process.
Excellent reflection and writing. Yup...stay involved!
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