Most teenagers are only looking at what’s important right now. I mean, who has time to think about what’s going on outside of Bel Air, when we have homework to do? Who has time to think watch the news and follow politics? We’re so young; surely it doesn’t even affect our lives.
I have found that there are two dimensions in American culture: those completely submerged in government, politics and working for various causes, and people who couldn’t care less. A fraction of Americans who are politically active control the direction of our nation. About 40% of Americans don’t vote. Therefore, 40% of Americans said they don’t care how much they are taxed, how clean their air and water is, how much they make in a minimum wage job, if they have the right to get married, if they have the right to privacy, if they have a right to affordable healthcare or how America is represented around the world. I realized that by ignoring politics, I was ignoring everything I value in my life. We all want to take control of our own future, and be heard. I decided I needed to make a difference, not only my own life, but in the lives of all Americans.
Young people are increasingly ignorant when it comes to civics and government. In the essay, “Not by Math Alone” by Sandra Day O’Connor and Roy Romer, a retired Supreme Court Justice and governor of Colorado respectively, explain, “Two-thirds of 12th graders scored below ‘proficient’ on the last national civics assessment in 1998, and only 9 percent could list two ways a democracy benefits from citizen participation. Yes, young people remain highly patriotic, and many volunteer in their communities. But most are largely disconnected from current events and issues.”
Politics may be a bore to those who cannot vote, therefore anyone under 18. Minors have the thought process, “I can’t vote, so I just have to stand at the sidelines”. At first, I felt helpless. I have to trust those older to me to make the decisions I cannot. In the 2008 election, I discovered I was wrong. If you believe in a cause, you can do something about it. I joined two campaigns in 2008, and I earned my vote. By this I mean I phone-banked (called registered voters) for hours. I canvassed (walked door to door passing out literature) until my feet were sore. If I even got one person to vote for the candidate I supported, then I earned a vote. The truth is, if you’re under 18, you can vote (albeit indirectly).
It’s overwhelming when you first step into the political realm. There are a plethora of complexities. There are bills and legislature, politicians, corruption, scandals, economics, social issues and the media, just to name a few. It’s okay to be overwhelmed. My entire life revolves around politics, but I surely don’t know every member of congress. I’m not well versed on every issue concerning Americans. When you find an issue you’re passionate about and learn about it, you’re already halfway there. Nothing is easier than fighting for what you believe in. After that, just make a few calls or send a few emails, and before you know it, you’re in the midst of the cause.
Everyone has something they believe in. If you love the environment, you can volunteer with Greenpeace. If you’re passionate about state level politics, you can get involved in the midterm elections in Maryland. If you want to start a fan club for Hillary Rodham Clinton, you can contact me.
You may not imagine yourself immersed in local or national politics. You would be surprised how quickly you get whisked away in the machine of the American government. It may sound like a lot of work but, when I’m out in Washington protesting what I believe, it’s not work. I might be tired, and drained, but I love it. I may not get paid, but the reward of changing my future and helping others is more than enough.
As an upcoming, young, and ambitious generation, we have no choice but to step up. This nation will soon be ours. As the American philosopher John Dewey said, “Democracy needs to be reborn in every generation.”