International views on the election

In my Mass Media Seminar today, my professor singled out our International and Fulbright students to see what they thought it was like being in America during the election. They had some pretty interesting reactions:

• Shock about how much people brag about exercising their right to vote. 
• “I went to the car shop and the woman was wearing an I vote sticker, I was like, whoa.”
• Surprise at how excited we were for the outcome.
• "In Russia, every time there is an election it’s the disappointment. It’s like the black day."
• Amazement that we are allowed to vote on so many issues we may or may not be informed on, and how long the ballots are with judges. 
• “It would be a big mess in my country if people have to make so many decisions and have that long sheet of paper. So many decisions, one day, it’s crazy!” 
• Indifference at the idea of a new president, because America won't change.
• "I didn't even pay attention to the election coverage because I don't think the outcome of voting will change what actually happens in America." 

I can't even imagine what it would be like to be in another country with a different electoral system! 

Seeking validation from political social media statuses

As my roommate and I camped out in our living room last night watching election coverage last night, we were also engaged as to what journalists, our friends and classmates were sharing. Social media contributes such a quick flow of information - we were watching statistics being reported as they happened. As Laura had TweetDeck open, and I had Facebook and Twitter up, statuses were being posted by the second. A Pew Research Study titled "Politics on Social Networking Sites" conducted just this fall states that 25% of social network users say social networks are important to debating or discussing political issues with others, and 25% say they're important to finding other people who share their views. Based on my observations last night, these numbers skyrocketed and I project that these percentages will be much higher in the upcoming months.

I kept wondering, what motivates us to post about our political reactions on Facebook and Twitter? It appears that people are seeking validation for their viewpoints, and only some wish to argue with the opposers. Does posting your view reinforce the idea that you are educated and involved in political issues? Or do people post to accommodate for their lack of involvement and understanding of what's actually going on?

Needless to say, I was pretty fascinated at how much my Facebook friends' and Twitter following's viewpoints radically differed. With a variety of friends from Mizzou, Chicago, the Greek community and church, there was a huge variety of statements made. Check out some examples of posts I saw, with overarching themes including:

• Democrats, excited for Obama 
• Republicans, specifically focusing on economic suffering because of Romney's loss
• Rejoicing in the completion of election results, focusing on Ohio's close race
• Acting fed up that people even post so astronomically on social media sites

These are real statuses I saw last night, in the above categories:

Democrats

Viva Obama!

proud to have re-elected a president who values human rights!!!

WOO OBAMA!!!! SO PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!!! CELEBRATING FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA!!!!!!

Thank the good lord Barack Obama is my president again!!!

Republicans
Well I suppose I should go to sleep before I vomit everywhere.

Great. Another 4 years of being dirt poor.

GREAT...but we're still f***ed

Here's to another trillion dollars down the drain at least each year for the next 4 years... I'll drink to that, natty's of course, since that's all I'll be able to afford from this point out.

One Big Ass Mistake America...round two.

Trusting in the Lord that His plan will prevail over any politicians plan for this country. With that being said I will be making a very concerted effort to save money for my future and hope that after the next four years our government will be prosperous again.

Rejoicing in results- especially Ohio

God I love the people of Ohio!

Ohio is like the glen coco of all the states right now

WHAT UP OHIOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! THAT'S MY STATE AND MY PREZZZZZZZZZZZ

Fed up

Seriously, I don't want to see another election status until 2016.