13 Reasons Why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is an Inspiration (No Matter Your Politics)
This is a curated list of 13 reasons why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is an inspiration regardless of your political postures. More than highlighting her political agenda, I am dedicating this space to a Hispanic woman that has accomplished a position of power at, no less than, the US Congress.
Each and every one of these points remarks how she can serve as inspiration to young girls, especially Hispanic, who don’t see themselves as powerful. Her triumph at the elections is a reflection of the phrase she quotes from Marian Wright Edelman, “you can’t be what you can’t see.”
She has paved the way for many and inspired many more.
These 13 reasons are also the highlights of her biography so read ahead to find out how she has become the iconic politician she is today.
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or AOC is an American politician. She has served as a US congresswoman for the Democratic Party since 2019 for New York’s 14th district. This congressional district includes the Bronx, Queens, and Rikers Island partially. People also know her for her achievements as an activist for minority causes.
1. She Proves Anyone Can Get Anywhere
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was born in the neglected community of the South Bronx and so did her father. Her mother was born in Puerto Rico and was a school bus driver and house cleaner.
Her family story seemed fresh and inspiring to the general public so when she said “Women like me aren’t supposed to run for office,” she connected at a deeper level to her constituents rather than making herself small under the public eye.
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2. She Fights for Everyone’s Rights
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez believes in intersectionality—the interconnection of diverse categories such as gender, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, religion, and race with discrimination— and is very open to talking about it.
Watch her Women’s March New York City speech, where she speaks up and demands justice for all people.
3. Alexandria Is Always on the Move
While some politicians spend their days golfing, congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is always present at demonstrations and showing us how fighting for a better world or for your rights is something you do daily.
You can see everything she does, thinks and everywhere she goes through her social media. She is very active on both Twitter and Instagram, where you can read her fresh, funny, disruptive, and inspiring captions.
4. She Claps Back
In Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s words, “I am the representative of the Bronx and Queens; which means I represent not just my community’s interests, but I think I represent my community’s style […] clap backs.”
She has responded to her critics on Twitter and has also asked direct questions to the FBI, Mark Zuckerberg, presidential counselors, and representatives. She has also called them out at Congressional panels.
5. AOC Stands up for Herself
Even Congresswomen experience sexism and harassment at their jobs. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez felt humiliated after colleague representative Ted Yoho belittled her. AOC spoke back gracefully about the ill-treatment she has received. She expressed her views about what makes for decent behavior in men.
She is known for standing up for herself and explaining how the system is culturally broken, and that she will fight these circumstances not only for her but also for young American girls.
6. Alexandria Is Pro Environment
According to top UN scientists we had 12 years to revert global warming and reduce our carbon emissions in 2018 before it was too late. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a congressional resolution called the Green New Deal, which proposes to transition the USA to renewable, clean, zero-emissions kinds of energy.
On the other hand, it includes jobs sponsored by the government, workers’ rights, retirement security, increasing the worker class salary, adequate places to live in, quality education, upgrading infrastructure and transportation and universal health care.
You can learn more about some of these issues and be part of the solution by visiting AOC’s website.
7. AOC Talks to You in Your Language
The US government machine is quite difficult to understand, but Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has become famous for helping the American public understand how it works. She uses this method not only to inform but to highlight how it desperately needs to change. This point is one of today’s particularities behind AOC’s political personality since not many Congresspeople dedicate time to explain politics.
As you know from the previous point, one of her core proposals is The Green New Deal. You can watch this video where she explains it in detail in an inspiring way.
8. Her Unorthodox Ascend to Congress
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ascending to Congress seems like a fairy tale, and makes all of us sigh. From school to working with children to waiting tables to winning the primary for Congress. Just imagine the many talents the world has missed out by all of those people who weren’t able to pursue their dreams. I can only guess the kind of determination you need to have in order to get that far in such a short amount of time.
9. AOC Endures Criticism
One of the things Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is famous for is how she has endured criticism and never backs down in a debate, online or offline. The fact that she is now an icon has made her also a target of her opponents.
You would think that they would go after her due to her political agenda or ideology, but they can go as far as the way she dresses, the makeup she uses, how she danced in a video when she was in college, imitating Breakfast Club moves, and so on.
In the end, she always responds graciously, sometimes even in a funny way, and always lands on her feet. You can see her expertly answered repertoire on Twitter.
10. She Is Passionate
Of all of her qualities, AOC’s trademark has to be her passion. The way she explains, answers, and asks questions is contagious. She has a way to make people feel an urge to reason, and most importantly to participate.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s fresh outlook on politics has gone around the world in the form of articles, social media, and videos, and it’s hard not to notice her. If everyone had the same passion as her, this would be a different world.
11. Alexandria Is Relatable in Many Ways
Alexandria gave a memorable speech about the unfairness involved in student debts. She questions how a person who isn’t responsible enough to vote or to be in the military can get a USD250,000 debt. And how it was easier for her to be the youngest woman ever to make it to Congress than paying off her student debt.
She is not only relatable because of her fairy tale story, or that she shares the same debt with 42.9 million other Americans—she is relatable because she seems reachable. AOC could be your neighbor or school friend, as she displays on her platform.
She explains complex concepts while making dinner on her Instagram stories. She states she isn’t perfect—when she is talking, she sometimes misses a word or says the wrong thing and has to rewind. She makes you feel like you’ve known her all of your life and that she is talking directly and specifically to you.
12. She Made History
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest woman ever to be elected to the US Congress. You can guess this determined politician has a bright future ahead of her.
How old is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? She is 31 years old, and took office when she was 29 years of age.
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13. Her Ways of Managing Tough Situations
Alexandria could easily brag about her achievements. Yet, she has continuously proven her modesty, goodwill, and grace to face negative situations. She fights the good fight without throwing anyone under the bus or bouncing guilt around. AOC’s angle is to move forward and keep accomplishing things without using bad faith techniques.
Need More Inspiration?
In one interview, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez says that while she was an intern, she had the opportunity to work with many immigrant families. Why? Because she was the only one of her team who spoke Spanish. You never know the doors you will be able to open with such a tool like this.
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