Though reduced to a single label at times- Democrat, Republican, Independent, progressive, liberal, conservative- our political identities are as complex as we are as human beings.
The sixteen conversations captured in How People Get Their Politics include how cancer, religion, race, and war shaped people's politics. There are powerful immigration stories. Two public servants share how their opposite, but equally passionate, views of what would be the best policies to move America forward.
These political shaping stories are unique, just like the millions of other American stories that need to be heard. Hearing American citizens’ political shaping stories will help mend the political divide we are suffering and the more of these stories we hear the better. We may not be able to change people's minds about their personal political views, but by listening we can bring humanity to the conversation.
The sixteen conversations captured in How People Get Their Politics include how cancer, religion, race, and war shaped people's politics. There are powerful immigration stories. Two public servants share how their opposite, but equally passionate, views of what would be the best policies to move America forward.
These political shaping stories are unique, just like the millions of other American stories that need to be heard. Hearing American citizens’ political shaping stories will help mend the political divide we are suffering and the more of these stories we hear the better. We may not be able to change people's minds about their personal political views, but by listening we can bring humanity to the conversation.
Beyond the Pages...
I continue to interview people about how they got their politics. Please email julieswrites@gmail.com if you would also like to share your story. Subscribe to my YouTube channel to hear more stories.
I continue to interview people about how they got their politics. Please email julieswrites@gmail.com if you would also like to share your story. Subscribe to my YouTube channel to hear more stories.
Praise for How People Get Their Politics
"Readers will find it nearly impossible not to reflect on their own shaping stories. Comparing them to the stories in this book, they may find a kindred spirit or have a new insight into an opposing view. At a minimum, they will see the complexity behind the one-dimensional labels."
"Lately I've been feeling so disenchanted with people and their politics but this book has given me a new perspective. I need to take a step back and see where people come from and maybe they are not as heartless as they seem on social media."
“This is a great read during these divided times!”
“Julie Samrick allows the reader to decide for his or herself their opinions on each political view, with her interview style coming across as disarming, critical without being pejorative, and leaving the audience craving more.”
"Lately I've been feeling so disenchanted with people and their politics but this book has given me a new perspective. I need to take a step back and see where people come from and maybe they are not as heartless as they seem on social media."
“This is a great read during these divided times!”
“Julie Samrick allows the reader to decide for his or herself their opinions on each political view, with her interview style coming across as disarming, critical without being pejorative, and leaving the audience craving more.”
Book excerpts
The experience (of living abroad) helped reinforce a feeling of pride, patriotism, and gratitude for our country even with all its shortcomings. - Steve, identifies as a liberal Republican
People tried to condition me to shed my differences (as a new immigrant to the U.S. from Taiwan). I got so much praise from teachers for learning English so fast and without an accent. People would say, "On the phone you sound just like an American," or, "I didn’t realize you aren’t white… You’re just like everyone else if no one sees you." - Teri, identifies as a progressive Democrat.
People tried to condition me to shed my differences (as a new immigrant to the U.S. from Taiwan). I got so much praise from teachers for learning English so fast and without an accent. People would say, "On the phone you sound just like an American," or, "I didn’t realize you aren’t white… You’re just like everyone else if no one sees you." - Teri, identifies as a progressive Democrat.
