How the Browning of America is Upending Both Political Parties
In the article, “How the Browning of America is Upending Both Political Parties” NPR writer Domenico Montanaro describes the changing voting patterns in various demographic groups and their effect on the Democratic and Republican parties. The shift in voting patterns has a direct impact on both parties, but the Democratic party has already “adapted to this demographic change, and is more diverse, more urban and more liberal than at any time in its history.” By 2044, there will not be a single racial majority in the United States of America. Even in this 2016 election, the changing demographic groups can lead to “gaps wider than ever” and change the direction of the election. In conclusion, this topic can't be taken lightly, as the changing demographics may influence the US now and in the future.
Connection: Polling and Public Opinion is heavily dependent on the population, and influences the actions taken by the government. As the demographics of the population changes, the ideology of the public will change as well.
Questions:
How does the “browning of America” affect the Democratic and Republican parties?
What effect does the decline of the White vote have on the election?
How will shifting demographics affect the United States in the future?
The Republican Party will have to modify their political platform due to demographic changes if they want to continue to be a major party. If they are incapable of becoming somewhat depolarized from the Democratic Party and making more centrist appeals to the diverse population, a new party will form in their place.
ReplyDeleteI disagree, I think the Republican party will come back stronger than ever with a new unifying factor pushing them toward a stronger political party. The republican party is very unlikely to fully disappear and be replaced with a new party because of their conservative approach. There are always going to be conservatives in this country who will want Americans to stick to traditions that have been established for decades. The Republican party will have to adjust their approach but they will never fully disappear.
DeleteShifting demographics will allow for further party polarization as the changing tides will make traditional conservatives uneasy. Fear of change and a return to familiar values is a common trend, and as the demographics continue to shift in America, it is likely that people will increase their loyalty to their parties. However, not all minorities vote in favor of the left, so the change in demographics could potentially diversify the two parties if the parties do not alienate potential members.
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DeleteI disagree that polarization will rise as demographics become more diversified. Because their voter base is being compromised, Republicans will be forced to appeal to people other than working class whites. As the Republicans begin to expand into policies that will benefit rising demographics such as latinos, the gap between Democrats and Republicans will narrow.
DeleteWith the "Browning of America", whites are no longer becoming a majority in the US. Instead, the US population will consist of overall minorities and no majority race. Due to this trend in population, parties must alter their ideas, support, and issues to more align with growing race populations in the electorate. In terms of the Democratic party, their issues and support already appeal to these current minority groups and will prove to be beneficial for the party in the future. However, Republicans, who depend on the white majority electorate will need to more cater their ideas for Latinos, Hispanics, and Asians, if they wish to become more competitive. Even though the Democratic party may be losing white votes, support from minority groups will in later times exponentially prove successful.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with your view regarding the republican party. I think the shift in demographics will cause more tension, making the republican party even more polarized. The republican party may lose popularity because of this, however I think it will be difficult to change their ideals as much of the party is very conservative.
DeleteAs the United States continues to grow and shift as the years pass by, so will the demographics that make up the country. Currently, the majority population of the US consists of whites, however, there has also been a steady increase of minorities over the years. In terms of politics, it is more likely that the growing minorities will support the democrats, as opposed to the more conservative republicans. Additionally, this will possibly cause an even greater amount of polarization between the two major political parties and cause gridlock.
ReplyDeleteBecause of the continuous change in demographics, both parties are going to have to appeal to more diverse cultures and perspectives. This has to do more with the Republican party, as they are more favorable to wealthy white people. The Democratic party tends to get the minority vote, but that doesn’t mean they should stop trying to reach the minority. As the country becomes more diverse, more people are going to want their voices heard, which is why I think we will start to see a change in both parties platforms.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Taylor. In today's society, diversity is more accepted than ever and I think that's why so many more people are leaning more towards the Republican party. The Republican party has always been more popular with the wealthy white and have finally realized that if they want to succeed, they are going to need to appeal more to minorities. Both parties are yielding to the new ways causing the shift.
DeleteI agree with Taylor. In today's society, diversity is more accepted than ever and I think that's why so many more people are leaning more towards the Republican party. The Republican party has always been more popular with the wealthy white and have finally realized that if they want to succeed, they are going to need to appeal more to minorities. Both parties are yielding to the new ways causing the shift.
DeleteThe browning of america affects both parties in that the majority of minorities vote democratic, so the republicans will have to find a way to sway over more minority voters in order to obtain their power and political influence. Especially over the past couple of years, Texas in particular has grown significantly in its latino population, which will soon tip over and start voting blue on the electoral map. This would mean a major loss for the republican party, and would force them to scramble to find an alternative.
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