When I think “sexiness”, my mind does not automatically go towards politics. Recently, though, I saw an article come up on Facebook from one of my favorite political commentators. She mentioned that one of the theories as to why there aren’t many women in the Libertarian party is that the Libertarian men leave something to be desired. First, I’d like to state that this is completely false since *I* feel my Anchor is one of the most attractive men I know *and* just happens to be a brilliant-minded Libertarian. As a whole I can’t speak to this theory. I’m more interested in speaking about why this theory needs to exist at all.
I used to identify as a feminist. I don’t anymore. I lean more toward being a humanist with some feminist tendencies. Rather like being a 2 on the Kinsey scale: I could go either way. The fact that people think a political leaning would be determined by sexual attraction is one of the reasons feminists exist.
So… *are* Libertarians sexy? Are Republicans? Are Democrats? How about Liberals and people in the Constitution Party? Most importantly, why do we care?? Why this need to assign labels to everything?
Poll most people and I think you would find a lot of us like to fit into a group. And so we divide ourselves and each other into political parties. If you feel a certain way about social issues, you are labeled a “liberal” or a “social justice warrior”. If you don’t believe in raising the minimum wage you are labeled a “bigot” or a “hateful right-winger”. Maybe you don’t even identify with these groups that people are throwing you into. Maybe you do.
I do find it funny that any of these political parties would need, want, or deserve a “sexy” label. People are sexy! Humans are sexy! As I type this I’m smiling, thinking of all you gorgeous people reading this article and wondering what my point is.
My point is simply this – you don’t need a label unless you want one. Don’t let people label you. I have really discovered this while getting more and more involved in politics over the past couple years. I used to ignore politics completely. I used to be someone you would easily label as a “liberal social justice warrior feminist”. I may have beliefs that go that way nowadays, but most of them have changed through research and facts. One of the reasons I try to avoid labeling myself as anything beyond “Libertarian leaning” is that I often find myself quoting a Democratic candidate in the same post that I quote a Republican, both of whom made equally valid points. Sometimes they even make the same points!
If they can do it, so can we. Why bicker over what group you belong in or who is sexy? Instead, I want you to try an exercise. Take a cause you feel passionate about. Maybe it’s feminism. Maybe it’s raising the minimum wage. Maybe it’s racism, white privilege, police brutality. Pick just one of these things that you would argue vehemently for or against and then research the completely opposite side with an open mind. We are a people divided. Online especially you see the hatred and disagreements. There are actual facts behind these feelings. The next time someone posts a link for you to read, read it. The next time someone gets your hackles up in a debate, examine why you were offended. Often the things that offend us the most are the ones that are triggering us for whatever reason, telling us we need to look into them more.
Take it from this formerly rabid feminist… it’s amazing what happens when we open our minds to many beliefs, be it religion, politics, or any other moral or spiritual belief held by “the other side”.
I would love to hear people’s experiences with this experiment. Will you change your mind about an issue? Or perhaps become an even more staunch defender of it? Try and see. Labels can be divisive. Let’s all be humans instead.
Jessie Ivanowski
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