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History and Politics are a perfect complementary combination of subjects. Above all else, the fluctuating nature of these subjects due to differing interpretations has garnered my passion.
Studying History has allowed me to gain knowledge on a wide range of periods varying from Stalin to the Tudors. Topics of such diversity have allowed me to procure a more holistic but by no means complete, idea of history. It's fascinating to see how global events in history and politics interlink. Nations, no matter how geographically distant, are all bound by socioeconomic and political conditions. Events have 'domino' effects on other places due to the effects of globalization that have made the world a more connected and interdependent place.
Political ideas in practice and the idea of a 'utopian' society fascinate me. My study of A-Level Politics allowed me to obtain a more accurate understanding of what each ideology entails. Since studying Politics, I've realized how perceptions of certain ideologies can be skewed by the people and media you are exposed to. By reading Marx and Engels 'The Communist Manifesto', I realize that the communist society as a form of utopia with complete social harmony is far from a reality. No country has implemented Communism as Marx intended. This research inspired my history coursework question of whether Stalin was just a continuation of Lenin. This led me to read the works of different historians including Figes' 'A People's Tragedy' and Service's biography on Lenin. I was encouraged to read this after hearing Robert Service speak on 'Revolution, Civil War and rise of Communism' in Russia. The article by Michael Shermer entitled 'Utopia is a dangerous ideal' argues that utopianism is dangerous as with the right factors, 'dreamers' become 'dystopian murderers. This rings true to me in the case of Stalin and Lenin. Through events like the Purges, I can see how they, in an attempt to gain a communist utopia, killed millions with little afterthought. Similarly, in Witch trials or the Holocaust, those leading wanted a more utopian way of life by eliminating those who were flawing society. The article proposes 'protopia' - a process of incremental progression towards improvement, not perfection. Shermer and others, by embracing 'protanopia', affirm the belief that utopia is unachievable and perhaps, given up on. Interest in adapting core values to fit into modern-day structures prompted me to write my EPQ titled 'Is there a place for the Royal Family in the future and why?' where I will research the historical and political significance of the Royals in the past to determine whether there is a place for them in an ever-changing, more progressive society.
I dislike mindlessly succumbing to what others believe. I enjoy debates and controversial conversations- disputes open the mind and there is no losing an argument if you're exposed to a new way of thinking. I have taken part in debating competitions, namely the 'Jack Petchey Speak Out' competition where I spoke about the false perceptions of life one may gain from the unrealistic portrayals of media. Under the University of Bristol's Writing Wrongs program, I produced an essay on the effects of ageism - the form of discrimination I deem to be the most prevalent yet most ignored.
A passion for helping has led me to a variety of opportunities such as volunteering at a vaccine clinic. I volunteered in a local church running weekly events as part of my Bronze and Silver DofE. I plan to do my Gold DofE to push my boundaries more. During the lockdowns, I tutored English GCSE students and worked for Fledgling- a company making post-sixth-form opportunities more accessible. I reviewed job descriptions to maximize the number of applicants. It's proven the way a job description is worded can limit those who apply as people may feel they aren't suited for the role due to the wording of sentences. I enjoyed this as it was a way to make a difference in a way that is overlooked by many people.
Ultimately, I want to be able to help people and make a difference. History encourages applying knowledge from the past to the future and politics renders a better understanding
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