Santorum's exchange as a good example of changing times (and minds) vs. conservatism
I'm sure by now everyone on DU has read or watched Santorum's heated exchange with a group of students at New England College’s College Convention 2012 that ended with the Senator leaving the stage to boos. If not you can watch 13 minutes of the back and forth at the link below.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/01/05/santorum-gets-booed-after-claiming-same-sex-marriage-justifies-polygamy/
What stood out to me, other than his blatant homophobia, was that the exchange served as a good example of the divergence between the mindset of many in Santorum's generation and those in mine (I'm a 21 year old university student). While obviously there are still young people who are socially conservative and homophobic, the numbers seem to be decreasing, thanks in part to information dissemination and the ability of someone like myself, a young person who grew up in the conservative deep south, to experience more liberal ideas and culture via the media and internet. That being said, there is still a long way to go.
What bothered me further about Santorum's exchange was his inability to respect the questions and opinions of the students. That goes beyond difference in opinion and world-view. Change is scary to many and nothing represents change more than the youth. A candidate like Santorum will find it hard to gain the support of young people, not just because of his conservative obstinate world-view, but also because of his attitude towards the young and progressive of this country, namely his inability to listen or be questioned.
Then again, who are we kidding? Santorum doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of being elected anyways.
= new reply since forum marked as read
