Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Being a Democrat at BYU

Today I decided to sport my Obama shirt to school.There was a democrat-liberation debate and I wanted to support my party. Last week was disability awareness week, and every student was encouraged to adopt a disability for a few hours. I lost my right arm. People stared at me, opened doors for me, and even chuckled as I tried to do Water Aerobics, homework, and other things with only one arm. The attention I got from that experience doesn't compare to today.
I've gotten a thousand glares, a bunch of groans, a few smirks, and lots of negative jokes. Some kid coughed into his arm something that suspiciously sounded like "commie." I've always heard the crazy conversative stories from BYU, but in my heart of hearts I dared not believe it. I hoped that I would come down here and find open-minded regular college students. It stuns me to find out how hated I am here.
But alas, there is that one in a thousand who checks out my shirt, makes eye contact and shows a hint of a smile, quickly to look away and hurry off, trying to mask their difference. And for that one student, I stay hopeful.

4 comments:

Anthony said...

Well duh, everyone knows Democrats came out of Hell itself! Haven't you read the bible?

That's actually pretty funny. Welcome to me saying I'm a conservative throughout my entire highschool life. No, actually lets go further- welcome to me saying I support even the slightest thing to do with George Bush throughout my highschool life :) It happens.

Anastasia said...

WOW! I can't even imagine what that would be like! I mean I kind of know, just because when I've worn Veggie shirts and people freak and give me looks, but to feel so rejected for what you believe in, I wish I was walking along side you sporting a liberal shirt just so you wouldn't be alone... Why can't people just accept everyone for who they are, instead of expecting them to conform to their own beliefs. ARRGG!

Anonymous said...

I have a CCCP (USSR in Russian) jacket you can borrow. Just kidding! Ron Paul, Ralph Nader, and Dennis Kucinich '08!

Jocelyn said...

I am so proud of you! OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA