Blogging Social Difference in L.A.: Week 6

Due to elections this week my blog will take a political focus, and I will be talking about my experience in District 39. District 39 is a congressional district comprises of parts of different neighborhoods including Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, La Habra, Buena Park, Fullerton, Placentia, Yorba Linda, and Chino Hills. This district is located about 36 miles away from UCLA, heading eastbound. 

My experience with the 39^th Congressional District has been much more interactive than with my previous my trips throughout Los Angeles. I decided to volunteer for a congressional campaign in that district, in order to gain another perspective into suburban life in Southern California, as well as to have to opportunity to be on a campaign. Since my participation was so close to Election Day, my role consisted of knocking on registered voters’ doors to remind them to vote.

The neighborhood I was assigned to was in a nice area, I would say of average income as the houses all seemed to own 1 or more cars yet they were not necessarily luxury vehicles. The neighborhood seemed quite safe, even at night, to be walking around from house to house. This area is more family oriented, however, the families I encountered ranged in age and ethnicity as well. There were young families in the area, with newborns to toddlers, as well as grandparents with their grandchildren and retirees couples living there. 

The ethnic makeup from my personal encounters consisted of Asian, Caucasian and Hispanic households. Some of them were first generation immigrants, while others seemed to be second or third generation. The reason for this observation is due to the limited or lack of language skill in some households when answering the door or when trying to communicate with the volunteers. There also seem to be a correlation between ethnicity and political party affiliation, which brings me to one of the most interesting observations made, which is the existence of extreme political views within the same neighborhood. Some families would refuse to hear us out when we tried to provide them any type of information, while some others were polite when discussing opposing views. This neighborhood also seemed a bit more involved with local politics. The people were aware of their voting location and were willing to compare different policies and platforms prior to making any decision. 

Interactions with each household were slightly different than the other. I recall a lady who was very private about her political decisions that made sure to tell me that the vote is confidential. Some voters were receptive to the information we were providing, while some were firm on their stance and beliefs, even if some of the information seem to have come from negative advertising and was not entirely accurate.  

This congressional election was special and important to the 39^th Congressional District because due to their recent redistricting there had been an addition of neighborhoods, creating a even more politically contrasting district. Now the 39^th district encompasses liberals and conservatives that support opposing policies, which will make it difficult for an even representation.  This concept led me to realize how through decisions made through electing representatives and stands on proposition shape many of the policies that will be implemented, and that also influences the movements society experiences. From reading Neil Brenner’ and Nik Theodores’ article, “Cities and Geographies,” it downed on me that neoliberalism being urbanized is consequence of shifts in policies and societal views. Therefore, the choices we are making during elections have indirect consequences in geography, economy, policy, social issues and more. Therefore, it is critical to have an understanding of our choices as these are the actions that can change or influence the issues we study in class.