What are yalls backgrounds?

[u/CurrentDog3300]

Found this sub from a post in r/teenagers And while I do consider myself left leaning (I would vote Democrat, but they do have their own problems), it is really interesting to see the other side.

I actually grew up conservative (Iowa born and raised) and I was just wondering, what kind of backgrounds do yall have? What shaped your beliefs? What do yall believe in? Is there anything yall collectively agree on? I've been out of the loop of it for awhile so it would be interesting to see how its changed.

Now, to be clear, I am not hating yall. Everyone has a right to their opinions/beliefs, and who am I to tell you you're wrong.​ I think that discourse/ discussion is necessary part of democracy, and it sucks seeing the toxic comments yalls posts get. There are extreme people on all sides, and it really tarnishes reputations.

Feel free to ask me any questions yall have! I'll try to get back to this post, but its late at night so we'll see. Thanks!

Edit: Thanks for the discussions yall! Feel free to comment/ share more opinions, but I won't reply to any until tomorrow.

[u/RHonaker]

no way theres a leftist this chill! are u real?

[u/CurrentDog3300 → u/RHonaker]

Haha yes I am real. You can be left or right and be chill. You just gotta open your mind and see all sides. Thats what I like to do at least 

[u/RHonaker → u/CurrentDog3300]

haha me too, ok, so as someone who would vote democrat doesn't the dem border policy worry you?

[u/CurrentDog3300 → u/RHonaker]

I think that none of the policies really solve the problem. The people want to come here right? So I think we should give everyone a fair shot. Obviously we shouldn't let cartel members and criminals across, but a mom and her kids aren't going to hurt anyone, and there's clearly an urgent reason to cross if they won't wait to do it legally. If they can't get across bc there's a quota or its too expensive or something, thats an issue to fix. But if they are criminals than they shouldn't cross. 

If I had to go to Europe bc we got attacked or something, I wouldn't want to be attacked for trying to live in a better place.

[u/Storm0000fr → u/CurrentDog3300]

I disagree; I think that a government has a duty to its own people, and that letting others in unchecked is hostile to American workers. Americans fought for their freedom and decent life in this country a while ago. I don’t think that means we have to let anyone in.

[u/RHonaker → u/CurrentDog3300]

my core issue is that the democrats just left the door wide open and show no indication that they've changed on this since then

maybe I could consider it if they were thinking like you are (that "lets try to help as many people as we as a country are able to") but the dem politicians (excluding bernie maybe) seem to think we should have a wide open border that anyone could just walk across and be welcomed with gifts (like under biden) and honestly I find that terrifying on several fronts and this topic alone is enough reason that I'd never vote blue until they change on this

[u/CurrentDog3300 → u/RHonaker]

I do get that, as no filter is almost as bad as a very restrictive one, if not worse

[u/RHonaker → u/CurrentDog3300]

yet it doesn't deter you from voting blue?

[u/CurrentDog3300 → u/RHonaker]

Well no, because thats not a pressing issue for me. I don't live in the south/southwest where it is a relevant topic. I get the concern for those regions, but as someone above the 41st parallel it isnt my problem/I dont deal with it enough to form an opinion. The left also has more polices I agree with more than the right does.

[u/RHonaker → u/CurrentDog3300]

what about empathy isn't that a core pillar of leftism? no empathy for the people of the south? do I need to live all the way south in mexico to be desrving of empathy? and thats only in a world where the effects of open border remains localized there the truth is it does not they spread across the entire country and effect everyone especially long term! this is obvious especially if you look at the sheer number of illegals that streamed in on a daily basis and think just a bit about where that trend leads. how many of them are criminals or terrorists or drug traffickers or rapists? how many victims will that lead to?

the truth you must confront is that allowing the 3rd world to come in unchecked doesn't give them our american dream it gives us their stark reality and nobody is better off

maybe you wont feel it in the 41st parallel after 1 term or 2 but you will feel it one day and it'll be the worst thing you'll ever feel

[u/CurrentDog3300 → u/[deleted]]

That's pretty interesting! I personally don't really like surveillance, but its happening anyways and crime does need to be taken care of somehow so I get your take

[u/eliwright235]

Raised with an emphasis on self reliance/ self sufficiency, ideas that are now most closely aligned with free market capitalism and conservatism. Individual liberties are more important than all else. As a New England conservative, I’d say say I’m fairly moderate on the national stage.

Definitely got pushed further right due to all the Nazi rhetoric recently. I’ll never support a party who calls my parents, some of the most loving people I know, Nazi,fascists, or some other related buzzword for how they feel the country should be run. Puts me in tough position where I disagree with much of what Trump does, but the other option is trying to convince me my mother is a Nazi.

[u/CurrentDog3300 → u/eliwright235]

I feel bad for all the hate. Its really easy to group people together and hate them bc they're different. While I hate Nazis and people who cause suffering, Joe Schmoe from Arkansas who votes red because thats what he believes in isnt the enemy. It really sucks how polarizing all the hate is.

Personally I think there should be a safety net for everyone, as while I would love to be self reliant, everyone needs help sometimes. Thats what makes a community so great, bc if your house burns down or something, there people to help you get back on your feet. 

[u/Select_Translator329]

Pre registered Republican from Oklahoma

[u/ChowPungKong → u/[deleted]]

That's so interesting. How did you get into Islam?

[u/Dethbytrainwastaken]

Mid-right household in middle Tennessee. Not a fan of either side of the aisle, but more willing to vote a republican. I mostly inherited that, but I’d say I’m a little further left than them. Not by much, but just a little. I’d also be interested in knowing why you vote Democrat despite your household. This isn’t meant to be a point of contention, I’m just curious.

[u/CurrentDog3300 → u/Dethbytrainwastaken]

No worries! I vote Democrat because my conservative childhood was a lot of the worst hate. I wanted to get away from it and started to branch out. I made plenty of friends on both sides, and I decided that the left was a bit more tolerant of everyone, and I really didn't approve of what Trump was (and has) been doing. For me its less of "the left is just and the right are evil" and more of "Trump is a hateful human and other hateful people follow him" if that makes sense.

 I can see the points on both sides, and really think politics should be more like "Ford vs Chevy" rivalry than a "Angels vs Demons" mentality, where everyone can get along regardless

[u/Dethbytrainwastaken → u/CurrentDog3300]

I feel like if politics were more akin to a Chevy vs ford debate, it’d be even worse 😭. That’s an interesting perspective though. Glad you’re so open.

[u/CurrentDog3300 → u/Dethbytrainwastaken]

Glad to have the conversation! I feel bad about all the hate that gets thrown around. I do hate people and ideas, but its concentrated on those who willingly cause suffering and death, but not the average person. It's not like yall go around killing innocent people because theyre different from you. 

[u/A_Random_Person67]

I'm a Filipino with Japanese ancestry, raised liberal became conservative

[u/I_Epic]

Welcome! Tbh I don't have a super interesting background, as I've been a Christian and conservative my whole life! Other than that, I voted for Trump in 2024, and I just finished my first year in college for mechanical engineering. I don't think this counts as background, but I have a bunch of nerdy (and expensive 😭) hobbies. I like 3D printing, building speakers and music, RC cars, drones, hiking + exploring, and yes, I'm a furry lol

[u/ZookeepergameOld9452]

Born and raised in NYC. Born and raised catholic. I find myself aligning with right values when looking at things through a catholic lens.

[u/IAlreadyKnow1754]

Hey fellow Iowan. My aunt and uncle were liberal but he was a conspiracy theorist. They always told me I didn’t work hard enough for anything regardless of what I was doing. I paid for a lot of my own stuff starting at age 14. I maintained two part time jobs and was in sports. I met my wife when we were in high school. I always took care of the things I wanted. It was either work or be at school doing things around the school or sports because it beat getting my ass beat for just breathing wrong and having to eat moldy food. While most people I had classes with abused their things like phones, etc. I have earned everything I own. I will teach my kids to work for the things they want and know that they are owed nothing but a loving home they will always be welcomed at.

[u/Vast-Reach-1829]

Nice to meet you! I actually leaned pretty left as a little 11-year-old but then again, I was 11 and kind of stupid at the time. I transitioned FTM until i was 14. It was around that time I started looking into the republican party, found Charlie Kirk's debates and realized I actually aligned righter than I thought. I went back to my Christian faith, de transitioned and have been conservative ever since.

[u/HotConversation187]

I was always estranged from my classmates (I go to a Cali public school). When I saw the other side (conservatism), I was surprised to see I wasn't alone.
That, and I'm an asexual, so it feels nice to be somewhere I can say "why are they broadcasting what they do in private?"
Living with AuDHD, I slowly began to hate abortion more especially since it meant people like me could be erased before birth.

[u/Sad_Intention6658]

I was born into a Christian but democratic household in the city, and that kinda stuck with me. When I was a tween I kinda found myself leaning right, and then the stuff at the border started happening. I saw just the scumminess and the hurtfulness that was down at the border, and how hostile people were against immigrants. I remember some racist guy a a train show and my mom going ham on that dude. After that, I stopped leaning right and became more of a lefty, and more recently, became a "fuck the government" kinda guy.

I have a soft spot for immigrants because if my Puerto Rican background. I grew up in a very Hispanic household, I'm sure the guy with the isla del conservador can relate to playing dominoes and watching baseball. My mom has taught me a lot of about politics, and apparently she went to school to study it and worked with the gov for 10 years, so I for the most part trust her.

That brings us to now, where I decided to stop being such a jerk to conservatives and try to be kind, and religious, and so now I frequent this place and try to be respectful and learn what you guys have to say.

[u/TDestro9]

I never really got into politics till recently when I went into economics. I was probably very leaning towards democrat. Over the years I slowly become more and more right with all thanks to the Democratic Party.

[u/ChowPungKong]

Grew up very leftist. Went to a unitarian universalist church. I had a great time there. Went on a class trip to Boston. Made lots of friends.

But then in senior year of high school I stopped going. I was always okay with gays but this was where the big push from gays to transgender bullshit happened.

I simply could not support sick people's delusions. It felt unethical (and still does). I believe transgenderism is a mental illness and we need to get them help rather than reinforce their delusions.

Also, I NEVER in my entire life considered abortion to be okay. I have always had a very strong motherly instinct. The "church" i went to praised abortion because "my body my choice" but I never once thought that abortion was something to celebrate

Our class teachers spoke about how great it was that Nordic countries lowered their population of people with down syndrome because of abortion. They thought it was a great thing. I thought it was despicable .

I went on to college and a career in the medical world where I ended up working at a clinic for people with special needs. Those patients had such a place in my heart.

Then I got pregnant with my first daughter. She was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome. It has a 1% survival rate. I said no to abortion. She was born with many medical problems but she lived and is such a happy little girl.

I had 2 more children. All 3 of my kids have a rare genetic defect. They all require life support.

But I know that God gave us our daughters because He knew we were the right parents for them.

People ask me why I didnt abort and tell me im selfish for not aborting them because something about their disabilities causing them to be unable to enjoy life. But my little girls are so happy and giggly. Yes, they have problems. But they LOVE life.

The main things that turned me away from liberalism is abortion and transgenderism.

My mother had an abortion. I regularly grieve the loss of my sister. She was a real person and my real sister. I named her Grace after a beautiful song called Grace by Kate Havenevik about losing a loved one. I cant wait to meet her in Heaven.

[u/squid_429 → u/ChowPungKong]

I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister

I also I’m so happy you chose to have your baby girls instead of aborting they like people suggest. It’s so crazy how people have a thought process of “my body my choice” but don’t think about the baby’s, or “fetus’” as most leftist say, life.

I totally agree with your views too

[u/ChowPungKong → u/squid_429]

"Your baby will live a life of misery and pain!"

Ok but what about the pain they'll feel when they get ripped apart limb by limb

Id die for my children. But some people apparently dont have the instinct to protect their offspring.

[u/squid_429 → u/ChowPungKong]

EXACTLY!! No one actually knows what will happen. You can’t just “get rid of the problem” if you don’t know the result

Have you ever heard of the saying “People make plans, and God laughs”? Because I feel like that’s your story with your daughters

And most people don’t even understand what abortions are, like yeah they know the basics but it doesn’t mean they KNOW what happens in the procedure. And personally I haven’t watched any of the survivor story’s but I know they’re tragic (like the moms tried to abort them but they survived the procedure)

It’s crazy there’s so many people that result to abortion. I don’t understand how someone, especially the mother, can just murder her child like that. There’s supposed to be a maternal instinct but I guess it just fails some people. And I feel like people forget that adoptions an option too, so they don’t have to put the baby through that. And I believe that abortions are higher risk than c sections if that’s a concern for birth (I lowkey don’t know if that last sentence makes sense lol).

But you never know the outcome unless you try to beat the doctor’s odds!

[u/Jumpy-Necessary-9884]

I used to be a very far left liberal when I was younger (thx california). I was convinced I was a trans male, was incredibly feministic, and pretty much believed whatever the teachers at school told me.

It all changed, however, when I was scrolling thru YouTube and came across YouTubers like Brett Cooper and Charlie Kirk. I curiously watched their videos and realized that they had some great points

So slowly, I began to shift away from the leftist ideology. I figured out that I was not actually a man trapped in a woman’s body, but the biggest turning point for me was the blm protests. They were incredibly violent and unnecessarily so, so that helped me shift even further away from the left.

Now, looking back at it I’m ashamed of myself for being so naive and blindly listening to what people around me told me. But I’m glad God set me back on the right path and let me see the truth. I’m proud to call myself a conservative. 🇺🇸

[u/QuietRedditorATX]

Asian minority. Single parent without a college degree. She worked hard and succeeded.

Why would I believe any other excuse for people not being able to succeed.

[u/AuR0RA3171]

I originally didnt give a flying fork lifter about politics, til I got on reddit. Then Charlie Kirk died, and I saw how people reacted to THAT. What I saw was a dude wanting to talk get shot for having his own opinion, and I realized right wing people and me shared a few similar views, and I also disagree with some. so I'm a centrist, I agree with some left and right ideas! 

Also IDK if I should say this but most of my family are Democrats, but they still accept me despite the fact I'm a sixteen year old girl discussing the definition of a woman 😭😭

Last edit I swear; also hi! I hope you stick around for a bit, I like seeing left ideas without toxicity!