Title: Why is Virginia becoming so liberal? - Quora
Headings: Why is Virginia becoming so liberal?
Why is Virginia becoming so liberal?
Content: As people in those urban areas come to know neighbors, coworkers, and friends who are different from themselves, they become less fearful of those differences and develop greater empathy for people and points of view that differ from their own. A much larger percentage of these urban areas are populated by people who were originally from other places. Virginia's high concentration of military personnel along with northern Virginia's high tech
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The eastern crescent of Virginia, running from Northern Virginia through Richmond and down to Virginia Beach, has become much more urban and more diverse. As people in those urban areas come to know neighbors, coworkers, and friends who are different from themselves, they become less fearful of those differences and develop greater empathy for people and points of view that differ from their own. A much larger percentage of these urban areas are populated by people who were originally from other places. Virginia's high concentration of military personnel along with northern Virginia's high tech industry have has a huge impact on this inward migration. This population mobility again exposes people to greater diversity and help them develop greater empathy for those who are different. This greater understanding and empathy often translates into more progressive political views - especially on social issues. If you have black neighbors, gay friends, and transgendered co-workers, you are less likely to believe stereotypes that conservative politicians use to manipulate public opinion. Unfortunately, the rural western parts of the state have become less mobile and more isolated over the past two decades as manufacturing jobs have shifted overseas.