By Nina Bivens
It seems to me that Gen Z is increasingly less and less focused on politics or what is going on around the world. Many believe that politics or anything political only incorporates controversial issues like abortion, gun control, and Covid-19.
People avoid anything in the media because they believe it’s unimportant. They see policy as an inconvenience or a conspiracy, without reading about any specific issue or what is actually happening. Most young adults think that the world of news and global issues only encapsulates the worst of the worst.
For example, take a look at the ongoing tensions between the Democratic and Republican parties. This feud has been around for decades, causing individuals to choose and pick what they see or hear based on party affiliation. The us versus them mentality takes away any room for discourse or appropriate conversation. It seems we are more focused on being right rather than actual policies that affect us all on an individual level. Such practice leaves room for harmful and negative bills or policies to fly under the radar with no hesitation or resistance.
If individuals, specifically younger audiences, ignore or do not follow what is going on around them, then they have no power to change anything. They cannot influence what laws or bills are passed, who to put in office, or how situations are solved in their own communities.
All in all, thinking that politics is only a world of fighting and fake news is absolutely detrimental to our society. The viral issues spreading across social media hold a small percentage of what actually happens in political settings.
The state of our future rests on the backs of the younger generations. If this population chooses to ignore what is going on around them politically, then nothing beneficial will happen. Many individuals of Gen Z feel as though their voice doesn’t matter, so they cannot make an impact. Unfortunately, this type of thinking is the reason for those complaints.
Educating ourselves on these issues is also incredibly important for each individual person. Active participation leads to more empowerment. Learning how to interpret and interact with political figures or simple policies teaches important life skills. It also leads to a world filled with knowledge, ranging from human rights to citizenship.
Young people’s voices matter. However, the only way to truly make change in the world is to allow yourself to be immersed in what is going on outside your door.
