Terror groups gaining traction, German militarization, NATO preparing for war with the largest exercises since the cold war and space nukes. All of this in just the last two months. There is too much reason to keep up with it, as it is actively spelling out the doom of the human race.
I’m willing to bet that a large population of teenagers in America wouldn’t even know who their current mayor is, let alone world-concerning threats and actions made by eastern autocrats and western elects alike, and not for lack of resources. There are hundreds of stations reporting these events as short as minutes after they’ve taken place. The teenage populace and, unfortunately, many adults with them purposefully choose to be unknowledgeable about politics because they are not always exciting or because they don’t directly involve them somehow.
Paying attention to the wider world of politics outside of your area of residence is critical though.
First and foremost, I would like to talk about why exactly so many Americans are uninterested in global politics. I understand that they’re not very entertaining, and oftentimes aren’t very relevant to themselves; however, it is still important to keep up with them so you can stay informed in case something involving you does end up happening.
Take the Russian invasion of Ukraine for example. Most updates about it aren’t very concerning to the majority of the teenage populace, likely due to lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation, but if word spread around to say that we are almost as close to nuclear war as we were in the 1960s, then I could imagine many more teens wanting to start watching the news rather frequently.
Nuclear armageddon isn’t the only reason why political apathy in America’s youth is troubling. Awareness of our situation is important to choosing who will lead the most powerful nation on the planet, as our politicians are essentially in command of the world’s police force.
If our generation (and future ones) do not gain an interest in political activity, then once the wiser generations have passed all that will be left is us to try and guess who a good leader for our nation would be, or in even worse scenarios perhaps not even choose a leader at all.
Disinterest in political affairs could lead to a lack of voter turnout which would lead to increased factionalism in the remaining voter body and soon enough radicals would be allowed into the government unchecked simply because nobody would know their beliefs, intentions, ambitions, or qualifications.
While what I say may be a stretch, I feel that if this trend of widespread political apathy continues, then America will be dead set on the path to dictatorship. The United States of America is the beacon of freedom in this world, and if that light goes out, who or what will guide the rest of the weaker democracies whom we protect along the (according to my code of ethics) correct path? Who will be the one to stop autocrats from taking power in countries across the world? Who will stop the east from becoming dictatorial hegemons of the planet?
Perhaps I’m getting a tad too in depth, so I’m going to reel this in a little. Essentially what I’m saying is that we, as the future of this nation, need to put just a little more effort into learning about our world’s situation.
After all, we only have one planet, and we only get to choose so many leaders.
While I’m on the topic of voting, I feel I should touch on the fact that free elections are a very under appreciated privilege that we as first world citizens enjoy. Teenagers and adults alike take this right for granted while people around the world suffer under the direction of tyrants and oligarchs. While there are those who don’t outright claim supreme rulership, it’s pretty obvious to tell that their elections aren’t as free as they say they are.
While yes, I will admit that America has a problem with corruption, I still feel that we are a lot better off than most of the rest of the world.
President John F. Kennedy put this idea into words best with his remark, “Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in, to prevent them from leaving us.”
Remember all, you are the inheritors of the United States. Make yourself aware and make the right choice for your home.
