Picture this: You’re scrolling through Instagram, sipping an oat milk latte, when you stumble upon yet another Bernie Sanders meme. (You know the one, him in those mittens, looking both cozy and over it.) And it hits you: Do I actually align with Bernie’s political views, or do I just like his vibe?
Well, young adult extraordinaire, buckle up, because today we’re diving into Bernie Sanders’ policy hot takes and how they might sync up with your worldview. Spoiler alert: there might even be some handy tech tools to help you figure it out.
Step 1: Test the Waters with a Quiz
Before we deep dive into Medicare for All and free college, let’s make this fun. Grab your phone (like it’s not already in your hand) and check out websites like iSideWith. This quiz is basically Tinder for your political beliefs: swipe right on policies you love, and swipe left (mentally, of course) on the ones you don’t. By the end, you’ll get a match percentage with various political figures, Bernie included.
It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s a lot less awkward than discussing politics at Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, you can share your results on social media for maximum clout. Who doesn’t want to flex their 97% alignment with Bernie in their Instagram Stories?
Step 2: Swipe Through Bernie’s Greatest Hits
Okay, so you’ve taken the quiz. Now, let’s see how Bernie’s policies stack up against your own priorities. Here’s a TL;DR of his most iconic stances:
- Medicare for All: Bernie’s all about universal healthcare. If you’ve ever cried looking at a medical bill or dodged the doctor’s office like it’s the plague (oh wait, we just had one of those), this might be up your alley.
- Free College: Bernie thinks your student loans are a scam, and honestly, who doesn’t? If you’re still haunted by Sallie Mae emails, you’re probably nodding vigorously right now.
- Climate Action: He’s been yelling about saving the planet since before it was cool. If you’re into electric scooters, reusable water bottles, and apps like Ecosia (the search engine that plants trees), Bernie’s your guy.
- Income Inequality: Bernie’s catchphrase might as well be: “Tax the billionaires!” If the idea of Jeff Bezos paying more taxes makes your heart sing, you’re in good company.
Step 3: Tech for the Modern Activist
If you’re vibing with Bernie’s policies, it might be time to put your beliefs into action. And guess what? There’s an app for that. (Actually, there are several.)
- Countable: This app lets you track legislation and send messages to your representatives. It’s like sliding into their DMs but for democracy.
- Good On You: Want to shop sustainably while sticking it to Big Corporations? This app rates brands based on their ethics, so you can avoid supporting companies with questionable practices.
- Buycott: This app helps you boycott brands that don’t align with your values. Scan a barcode, get the deets, and decide if your dollars are going to a cause you believe in.
Step 4: Have Some Fun with It
Listen, politics doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Make it social! Host a Bernie-themed movie night featuring docs like Knock Down the House on Netflix. Or organize a trivia night with questions about progressive policies. (Pro tip: Have snacks. People will literally show up for snacks.)
You can also engage in some friendly debates on Twitter or Reddit. But remember, the goal is to share ideas, not create enemies. Nobody likes that one friend who takes political disagreements personally.
Step 5: Keep the Momentum Going
Aligning with Bernie isn’t just about voting every four years; it’s about walking the walk. Start small:
- Volunteer for causes you care about. Apps like Volunteermatch make it easy to find opportunities near you.
- Get involved in local elections. Check out Ballot Ready to learn about candidates and issues in your area.
- Share what you’ve learned. TikTok is full of short, punchy political content. Why not create your own?
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to agree with Bernie Sanders on everything to appreciate his dedication to shaking up the status quo. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just Bernie-curious, exploring his policies is a great way to clarify your own values and start meaningful conversations.
So, are your political views aligned with Bernie’s? Only you can decide. But hey, if nothing else, we can all agree on one thing: Those mittens deserved a medal.
