By Tahlia Terhune
We are still making history in the U.S. today. The latest election both nationally and locally, provided diversity for U.S. government and marks a triumphant step for diversity in politics.
We need diversity in politics. The U.S. is a democratic government, meaning we elect representatives to voice our opinions in the House, Senate and local government. To fully represent the people you need a proper representation of the American public.
This goes to say that a typical mid-forties, white, male politician should no longer be the only representative.
We need diversity to reflect the true American public. We need older and wise, younger and creative, male and female, multiple ethnicities and differing religions.
This blend of who we are as a country must be reflected in our political leaders to offer new approaches, ideas and solutions.
This election year we moved one step closer to becoming a more diverse government. From Utah, Mia Love became the first black Republican woman to be elected to Congress, according to the Washington Post.
It’s 2014 and we are still making history.
There were nine major firsts in the 2014 midterm elections according to NY Daily News.
First…
Black senator elected by popular vote in the South: Tim Scott, R-S.C.
Black Republican woman elected to the House: Mia Love, R-Utah
Iraq War combat veteran elected to the Senate: Tom Cotton, R-Ark.
Female veteran elected to the Senate: Joni Ernst, R-Iowa
Female senators for Iowa and West Virginia. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.VA.
U.S. governor in a wheelchair in the 21st century: Greg Abbott, R-Texas.
Openly gay state attorney general: Maura Healey, D-Mass.
Youngest woman elected to Congress: Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.
Each of the firsts represents an opportunity for new voices to be heard in politics. Each individual elected, while still maintaining to represent the public as a whole, brings a unique approach to government.
“It’s important in order for all ethnicities and backgrounds to be represented” Junior Cory Nelson said.
If we tend to keep a like group of people in government, we miss opportunities to represent the entire public properly.
If our perspectives shape reality, we need multiple perspectives to view legislature, initiatives and more from multiple standpoints.
We have the opportunity as a young generation to voice our opinions. Voting is our primary way to make sure we feel well represented. Next time elections come around, remember you have the opportunity to make history.
