A Journey Through Political Communication: From Third-Grade Letters to Academic Pursuits

Reflections on Politics, Media, and Communication: A Journey to Understanding

As I embark on my Master’s program in Political Communication at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, I’ve been wrestling with a profound question: What draws me to the intricate dance of politics, media, and communication? To explore this, I asked ChatGPT to guide my reflection, leading me to revisit my earliest memories and significant moments that shaped my journey.

The Seed of Curiosity

In considering the past, I was transported back to third grade in New York, when I penned a handwritten letter to the President. As part of a classroom assignment, I aimed to propose solutions to the conflicts in the Middle East, unaware of the complexities that lay ahead of me. This moment, seemingly innocent, ignited a spark of curiosity and concern that has only grown over the years.

The letter began simply, “Dear Mr. President, How are you?” A typical child’s introduction, but the content revealed a budding awareness of global issues. In my youthful perspective, I recognized the need for peace, articulating my belief that ongoing wars needed to come to an end. I was already catching glimpses of media bias, interpreting what I saw on television from afar.

Unpacking Nuance and Complexity

Years later, during the Gaza War of 2014, I stumbled upon that childhood letter while visiting my parents. A red correction from my teacher stood out: “The Israelis should stop, too.” In that moment, I understood the importance of nuance and critical thinking. The insight from my teacher served as a reminder that political narratives often have layers, and a simplistic view can lead to misunderstanding and division.

This rediscovery seemed almost prophetic. It came at a time when I was learning firsthand about the power—and pitfalls—of communication in our digital age. The immediacy of online discourse can lead to snap judgments and polarized opinions, pulling apart the very fabric of constructive dialogue.

A Transformative Education

Fast forward to my current B.A. in Communication and Political Science. Each idea presented has forced me to reconsider my beliefs, offering new perspectives that challenge my worldview. Looking out at the evolving landscape of Israel-Palestine discussions in 2023, I felt the weight of my studies as I grappling with the events of October 7—the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust—that reshaped the political conversation.

As I write seminar papers exploring changes in public opinion and analyzing original survey data, I find myself immersed in a world where communication can serve as a tool for understanding—or a weapon for division. One of my papers, cheekily titled “My Button Is Bigger,” examined the cultural language surrounding weapons of mass destruction. The irony isn’t lost on me; there’s weight to our words, and they matter now more than ever.

A Lifelong Learning Journey

Amid these experiences, I’ve shared personal reflections on social media, and recently I celebrated being in the top 3% of my department while confessing, “I still have no idea what’s going on.” This balancing act of academic achievement amidst uncertainty exemplifies my love for learning.

In my exchanges with ChatGPT, it aptly summarized my motivations: “You study political communication because you’ve spent your whole life caught between messages—between nations, between narratives, between what’s said and what’s meant. You’re driven by a desire to understand how communication shapes conflict, identity, and influence.”

Bridging Understanding

As I navigate the labyrinth of political discourse, I seek to contribute to a dialogue that respects complexity and acknowledges different viewpoints. Communication is a powerful tool, and with it comes responsibility.

In this journey, I am reminded that the world is a tapestry of stories woven through varied experiences. Every conversation, every post, every piece of media is a thread in that broader narrative. As I continue my studies at Bar-Ilan University, I am committed to understanding and harnessing the power of communication—both to inform and to bridge divides.

Alongside my studies, I remain a passionate observer of our world, using photography and writing as mediums to capture the moments that matter. I am excited to see how my journey unfolds in the coming years and to contribute to the evolving landscape of political communication.

Shira Tamir is a passionate Israeli-American student pursuing her Master’s in Political Communication at Bar-Ilan University. When not immersed in her studies, she enjoys traveling, photography, and capturing the intricacies of communication in everyday life.