Peer Responses
This was the initial discussion post instructions. I just need the responses – the initial discussion post instructions are included to give you the background information.
Discussion 1 – What does it mean to be a citizen?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7_sxbCgYkc&feature=emb_imp_woyt
Step 1: Watch the video I post.
Step 2: Your Post: Your initial post will be in response to a video that I post in the Discussion Board. My video will introduce a topic related to that week’s material and at the end I will ask a question. I will repeat the question but if you need to refer to it, write it down. Your initial post should be 250-300 word and end with a question. This step must be completed by Wednesday at 11:59pm to receive full credit.
Step 3: Your Response to Others’ Posts: Once you have made your initial post, read through and/or watch your classmate’s initial posts. Their posts will all end with a question; engage with them and answer it! Your reply should be 150-200 words or a 30-60 second video and must end with a question.
Step 4: Your Response to Other’s Posts to Your Post: Your classmates will be engaging you on your initial post. You must respond to at least one person who has replied to your initial post. This should be 150-200 words or a 30-60 second video and end with another question of your own. *If none of your classmates have responded to your initial post, replying to any other post will count.
Peer Response 1
I agree with the ancient Greeks’ way of thinking in that to truly be considered as a citizen of their country, one must both have knowledge and take action. I believe it to be true because in order to engage in politics, it’s important to be well informed about the decisions you are making and the causes you are advocating. It’s important to understand what each politician values and it’s especially important to be well aware of the agenda of the politician you intend to vote for. It’s important to know the beliefs of even those you disagree with in situations where you would be lobbying, so that you may be more successful in persuading them into supporting your cause. And as I was mentioning prior, it’s important to take action in order to bring about the change that you desire. It’s important to vote, not just in presidential elections but also in elections for your local government, since those are likely to be impacting you and your community much more closely. It’s important to be willing to fight for your cause, via lobbying, protesting, etc. It’s important to just be active in your community, since that’s what will improve your community.
I believe that natural born citizens of the United States should be required to take a similar test to the citizenship exam prior to being allowed to register to vote. I believe this because it’s important to understand the roots of the country you live in and the beliefs it was founded on before making decisions that will impact it. I say that it’s important to understand the foundations your country was built on because if the country was built on the idea of freedom to its citizens and you vote for someone that will be setting limits on the citizens’ freedoms, you would be working against the very founders of your country. An example of this is the topic of abortion. The country was founded on freedoms– freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of religion. Freedom of choosing what one can do with their body should be included. Where do you stand on the topic of abortion?
Peer Response 2
To define what it means to be a citizen, you must consider that there are responsibilities that go hand and hand with citizenship. Yes, if you are born into this country you are a citizen, and you can also apply for citizenship while immigrating to the US. Nevertheless, to be a citizen you are educated on the history of this country, and you’re educated on what the three branches of government are and how they function. You should be up to date and constantly looking out for/staying informed about events that are taking place across the country and the world. You personally should be invested in being a part of your community, perform civic duties and be able to participate in elections and other political responsibilities through the pathway of action. Being a citizen also means coexisting/respecting each other and finding ways to peacefully resolve issues, no matter the amount of pressure being put on you or the community. You must obey the laws and respect the constitution while maintaining a form of patriotism and pride for the country and community you reside in. I personally believe that all-natural born citizens should take a citizenship test in order to participate in statewide and national elections. This is because you should have some underlying understanding of the issues being presented, and which issues and causes the candidates/governmental figures represent. There are many factors, such as our current state of affairs and our history that should be understood before being able to vote for public officials or running for an elected office. Do you believe that participating in a national election without having an understanding of how our government works, and the issues/causes of both candidates could be dangerous?
