Ideology... My Take...

Ideology is an expression of ones thoughts and vision on life as a whole. When someone takes a philosophical or political position, their personal ideology is the basis of that individuals thought process. I must ask, "Where does one get an ideology from in the first place?"

Ideology is not something you can be born with. It is an acquired intellectual stance on a various array of subjects set by a persons up bringing, environment, country, religion, and many other natural influences one may encounter in their lifetime.

I believe western culture as a whole, more specifically American culture has a stigma for having very distinct religious, political, and social ideologies. For instance, we believe freedom is a God given right. We the people, believe in a democratic process of choosing leadership. Most of us also believe it is a right to bear arms and to also choose to practice any type of religion without persecution. These are some of our most basic ideologies.

It is interesting to note that ideologies change over time just like anything else. Take for example our stance on social issues in this fine country. For the first time in our history, it is socially acceptable to be openly gay. Furthermore, as a society we have basically compartmentalized and have formed a comprehensive ideology. For the most part we are now all mostly open or accepting to woman's rights; particularly her right to abort a unborn child at her discretion. Before the past few decades, it was an disgrace to even murmur either one of the last two hot-button issues that were previously mentioned in this very paragraph.

Moreover, I believe ideologies are ever changing but some feel they are not changing fast enough. In our discussions in class we have explored very interesting scenarios that challenge ones morals and values. It is often very hard to find where to draw the line between right and wrong. I find that some people do feel very strongly about their ideologies. Most politicians for instance, take their personal ideologies or their constituencies' ideologies into great consideration when making policy or taking a stance on a tough issue. Either way, I would like to just see some common sense logic drive peoples ideals and decisions but I know that ideology will always stand in ones way. Either good or bad, it is something we must all live with.