The Year of the Woman
We the People...
A large part of America's democracy revolves around the dissemination of and the ability to have and hold free speech. Americans are allowed to share their ideas thoughts, and opinions freely without fear of censorship which plays a huge role in politics. The idea of democracy resides with the people; what does the majority want and have to say? This is how officials are elected. The majority has a say in who is put into office which reflects what the preponderance feels is, hopefully, best for the country and its future.
This idea of a marketplace of ideas theorizes that the best of ideas will rise above the others, however, the only way this will effectively work is to discuss the issues as well as hear what other have to say. Even if opinions differ, everyone has a right to their own opinion and the freedom to share it. One way to form one's own opinion or to better understand the issue or topic, is to listen to what others have to say, though experts or those familiar with the field of study can be the best sources for this.
To better understand this wave of women in the 2018 elections, known as the Year of the Woman, below are several unique voices who have different approaches to this issue.
Professors
Below are the thoughts of two professors from Ouachita Baptist University who teach on the subjects of politics and women's suffrage and feel passionately about this topic, bringing a unique, but academic approach to the subject.
Dr. Kevin Motl
Dr. Motl is an Associate Professor at Ouachita Baptist University who teaches a course in women's studies and gave his dissertation on women's suffrage.
Dr. Myra Houser
Dr. Houser is an assistant professor and coordinator at OBU who has a degree in Social Justice and teaches several classes on this subject.
Interns From 'The Hill'
Below are the thoughts of two students at Ouachita Baptist University who interned with senators over the summer where they witnessed firsthand politics at play in Congress at Capital Hill.
Julie Williams
Williams is a senior Political Science and Mass Communications double major at OBU who spent her summer interning in D.C. Williams has been interested in politics since she could first remember and is involved with the College Republican Club on campus.
Brittany Parker
Parker is a senior English major at OBU who interned on the Hill with representative Westerman and Senator Cotton over the summer. Parker grew up in a house passionate about politics and is part of the College Republicans Club.