Alexandra Chia

Socialization Paper
Trying to remember exactly when I started having a political opinion seems like a blur in
my mind but I do know who influenced me the most; my dad. Ever since I was little I always
listened to my dad and his brothers talk about the presidential campaigns and elections. As a
young child I was curious about what they were talking about, like most children, so I would
randomly ask questions within their conversations and try to follow what they were saying. As I
grew older I began learning more and more about politics and how they really do affect peoples
lives; because of this is also why I became interested in the whole concept of politics.
My dad has always been a Republican and because of this I think it has influenced me
greatly on where I stand on the political spectrum. Again ever since I was little he would talk
about the news and what was occurring and as I grew older and was able to understand more
concepts we would both discuss issues in politics and how we felt about them. Most of the time I
would agree with him but, there were many times where we had opposing thoughts and argued
who was right. Because of the political surroundings around me I have always grown up to be
more on the Republican side. For one for most of my life Ive lived in Kentucky, more
specifically around this area, which is a big conservative state. When looking around and seeing
campaigning, most of it is republican campaigning. Another thing that opposes what side I stand
on is my demographics, more specifically my race. Because Im Hispanic the stereotype for
many Hispanics is leaning more towards the Democrat/liberal side; this can especially be seen
from those immigrants with temporary time in the U.S. or is illegal. Since I was little my dad
always taught me differently; he said that because we were citizens we shouldnt rely on help
from the government like most, but instead work hard for what we want and in turn a supposed
good life will come of it- this is like most thinking of republicans. My dad always told me that

Alexandra Chia

instead of the government giving money to those that arent doing anything the government
should focus more on the law and enforcement. Because of this, I believe it also influenced what
career I wanted to pursue as an adult Corporate and Commercial Lawyer.
The first agent of socialization is said to be Family because it is what most influences you
and where you get your first political attitude from. I completely agree with this; because of my
dad I was influenced to be more to the republican side of the scale than the democratic side.
Although it might not have been intentional and just my own curiosity I became more and more
interested in the politics behind the republican side and found that with many of their ideas and
opinions I agreed with. Even though I know nothing is set in stone and my opinions can change,
I see myself staying on this side of the spectrum not only because of the influences from my
childhood and surroundings but also because of what I know and agree with right now.