<p>Okay, I am a very conservative, religious person. I am thinking about going to a pretty liberal, all female school in Boston. They offer a good education, plus a scholarship.</p>
<p>However, what are the chances of being shunned and shut down because of my views in such a highly liberal environment? Not just the school, but in Boston, generally. Trust me when I say that I am open to hear anyone's views, and I will not try to shove any of my beliefs down anyone's throat.</p>
<p>However, I am afraid that I will stick out like a sore thumb, and won't make friend, because of our different views. I know, obviously, we won't be talking about politics and religion all the time, but it will probably come up, especially in a college environment.</p>
<p>I grew up in a small town in Louisiana. Probably 95% of the population was conservative/registered Republican. My entire family is Republican. I happened to be a liberal and only knew of one other student in my high school that was a liberal/Democrat. All of my best friends were conservative. These were the people that I went out with on the weekends, sat with during lunch, shared some pretty awesome memories with. </p>
<p>We didn’t let our differing political ideologies drive us apart. Sure, we got into some political arguments every now and then, but you shouldn’t have a problem making friends. This is college - not high school; people shouldn’t and more than likely aren’t going to “bully” you over your beliefs. </p>
<p>The very definition of liberal is “open to new behavior or opinions.” You can do it, stick to your beliefs.</p>
<p>If you’re concerned, don’t bring up your religious beliefs. </p>
<p>If the people you’re with “bully” you, walk away. </p>
<p>I’m about as far on the left as you can get and yet one of my best friends is conservative. How do we do it? We avoid politics :). Plus, out of my group of friends (not close friends but regular friends), we don’t really talk politics. I could tell you the religion of some of them and probably take a guess as to their political leanings but really, it just doesn’t come up.</p>
<p>One of the best things about getting to know people with very different political views is that you realize how much you do have in common. Most people want and value similar things - family, education, finding friends that are honest and loyal, etc. The worst thing about the polarization of this country is that we’re encouraged not just to disagree with those of other political views, but to hate and fear them. We’re supposed to think they hate America or have no morals. It isn’t true. People disagree with how to accomplish certain things, but that doesn’t mean they don’t share important values.</p>
<p>You sound like a reasonable person who knows there is more to life and relationships than politics. I think you’ll find others like you at college, even if they vote for someone different than you.</p>
<p>I think people get the wrong idea about these schools, and Boston schools in general. Yeah, people are pretty liberal, and there are a lot of open homosexual relationships going on, but nobody’s gonna go out of their way to BULLY anyone. If anything, you will be shunned for bad grades or not color-coordinating your handbag and your shoes (I see you, Wellesley), not for your political/religious views.</p>
<p>I mean, I’m in the gayest city in America right now, and whereas the conservative tent at the activities fair had like -1 members compared to the stampede around the democrat tent, small pockets of religious people and conservatives are alive and kicking.</p>
<p>If they give you trouble, remind them that diversity of thought is as important as diversity of skin color and ask them when intolerance became a liberal value.</p>
<p>One of the great things about liberals (at least, most of the ones I know) is that we’re very accepting of people. I’m very liberal and living in Alabama, dating a conservative. Is it an issue? It could be if we made it one. I think you’ll probably find that you have more in common with these people than you think. </p>
<p>But never start talking politics with someone you’ve just met, as a general rule.</p>
<p>It really depends what you mean by “conservative”. Are you just fiscally conservative? Most liberals won’t care. Are you socially conservative? Some liberals may be put off by that. But who knows, maybe going to a liberal college would be beneficial; it’s sometimes a good idea to go outside your comfort zone.</p>
<p>@RacinReaver, yes he is. If it sounded like I’m putting down all conservatives everywhere, I apologize as that was definitely not my meaning. </p>
<p>I have experience with both areas- being a conservative in a liberal area (by living in a liberal area and having lots of conservative friends), and vice versa. I think overall most people are fairly accepting of people that are different from them.</p>
<p>I agree with JeSuis from experience. Most liberal minded people won’t care if you’re a fiscal conservative very much, but I tend to think less of social conservatives myself. If you think homosexuality, abortion, etc. is repulsive then you should probably only voice your opinions with good friends, and even then be careful. I can say that my opinion of a high acquaintance/low friend took a dive when I heard him voice his opinions gloatingly. Keep quite about them and nobody will care. Nobody will care if you’re religious either as long as you aren’t part of some religious cult</p>
<p>You’ll be fine. People care a whole lot less than you might think. Also, it is not like Bostonians will be confused or suprized to see a conservative. We just had a Republican Senator and had Magic Mitt Romney for Governor. In other words, it’s not like its anything new
You won’t be run out of town
Or hung
Or tarred and feather</p>
<p>I just realized that we have done a lot of inexplicably hostile things in this state </p>
<p>I’m at Bard, which is certainly as liberal as any Boston school, and I do have a conservative friend who says she’s felt a little alienated on campus.
But no one’s ever put her down for it, and I strongly doubt anyone will do the same to you unless you’re very pushy with your beliefs. I think you’ll be fine.</p>