Discussing politics/political issues in SOP?

[MSDubbs]

I've been experiencing a massive block trying to write my SOP. Leave it to a sleepless night and thinking about a conversation I had recently to get me free-writing at 2:30am

Getting to the point, I am thinking of beginning with a conversation I had about the discriminatory practices of the Red Cross, specifically with their screening processes that prevent gay men from donating blood. I am hoping to start with this story and the way the conversation went, institutionalized homophobia, etc. and discuss how it relates to my experiences in organizing and with social justice, and to my motivations for pursuing a macro social work degree.

I think I can make it work, but am concerned about bringing a political issue to an audience I am unfamiliar with. Many programs ask applicants to address a particular social issue, and I know I could work some of these points into that. I am looking for a program that is social justice minded and queer friendly, but is discussing something so loaded a risky choice?

Thanks for any feedback!

[amlobo]

I really think it depends on how you phrase it. I think an introduction like the one you mentioned can be a good way to delve into your interests and give a real-life example of the kind of work you want to do. I think it's a matter of keeping your tone more "objective" and academic rather than "politically charged" in some way. You may be passionately against this practice of the Red Cross, but I think it would serve you well to discuss it in a more formal approach. Basically, discuss the subject in a detached manner and not as if you are writing a personal essay imposing "your" views on the matter. Just frame it as you said - as an example of institutionalized homophobia - and relate it to the kind of research or work you want to accomplish with your degree. It's not like you are applying for an English program and talking about a political issue - I see that you are applying to MSW programs, which are inherently concerned with social justice. Basically, just approach it as an issue of academic inquiry and not as a "pundit" might. I hope that makes sense.

Edited September 20, 2012 by amlobo

[MSDubbs]

Thanks, amlobo. That does make sense. I'll try to be as careful as possible, or scratch the idea if it's too charged =)

[amlobo]

I had a similar problem with my SOP - I wanted to use an example but worried someone might have a personal connection to it and be offended. So, I just generalized it a bit and took out the more specific references I had originally planned to make. The good thing is that I think the example still serves the purpose and conveys the message I wanted, but without any chance of offending someone. Good luck!

[MSDubbs]

That's good! Good luck to you too! Out of curiosity, where are you applying?

[amlobo]

Brace yourself... I'm applying WIDE. I'm basically applying to all of the schools that fit my interests and are in places where I can live (I need a decent-sized town for the hubby to find a job). Ok, here it is: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Harvard, Princeton, NYU, Penn, Yale, Texas, Rice, UCSD, UCLA, UC-Irvine, Stanford, Berkeley, Notre Dame. All are Sociology PhD apps, except Harvard and Princeton, where I am applying to dual Sociology/Social Policy PhD programs. Yeah, that's 15 schools... yikes!

[MSDubbs]

Wow, that is a lot of schools! I'm trying to pare down my list, but as of right now, mine's about the same amount. yeeeks.

[amlobo]

I figure if I'm willing to put in the time and can afford the fees, why not just apply to as many as I want? PhD programs are so competitive, too! Believe it or not, that IS the pared-down list. Lol. Where are you looking?

[rising_star]

amlobo's advice is good. But, I think you probably could go a bit more politically charged with it since many MSW programs explicitly state an interest in social justice, which your interest definitely touches on. Just something to think about.

[MSDubbs]

amlobo's advice is good. But, I think you probably could go a bit more politically charged with it since many MSW programs explicitly state an interest in social justice, which your interest definitely touches on. Just something to think about.

Thanks, rising_star! I'm mostly trying to figure out if that's a compelling enough story and segue into my other points, given that I suppose I could potentially easily offend someone. I mean, I'd surely never say the red cross is terrible and horrible and donating blood isn't important. I'm sure everyone has known someone (or at least realizes there are many people) who benefited from blood donation. Thank you both for your input!

Amlobo: I'm looking at MSW programs and mostly trying to pare down my list to a smaller one because the cost of applying does hinder me a bit. I am interested in potentially pursuing a phD later too, so I'm also trying to find schools with a strong research focus and that would be up for letting a masters student help out on some projects. So far, I've got UMich, BU, UW, Pitt, UConn, UIC, and then a longer list of some I'm trying to do more research on before deciding.