Why Teens Should Be Concerned With Politics | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Why Teens Should Be Concerned With Politics

After all, this is the country you live in, work in, and pay!

1223
Why Teens Should Be Concerned With Politics
David Goldman

Although the 2016 election is a stressful and fearsome subject to talk or think about, it is extremely important for your future. Yes, the candidates are less than unsatisfactory, and their plans resemble jokes, yet once you grow into an adult with your own house, trying to get a well paying job or a sufficient college education, and one day maybe your own family, it will definitely matter then.

Unfortunately, most teens today have no interest whatsoever in politics. They couldn't care less about what happens. Less than a third of young people express interest in politics, according to an official survey. As a teenager, you could have a lot of activities in your life that may seem more important such as a job, extra curricular activities, romantic and casual relationships, college, etc., but in order to be able to do all of the things you like to do, isn't the government/politics a huge contributor in that?

Even if it's local politics, it is still important to be aware and educated on what is happening in our world today, and be concerned with who will be leading your town, state, and country. The teens who do choose to be involved with politics are changing our world every day. The "liberals," which only make up 21 percent of the younger generation who are interested in politics (a fifth), are the ones standing up and making a change. Scarily enough, though, the other 79 percent of the teenage population admit that they're political views come almost directly from what they hear from their parents. They have no actual reason to believe what they believe other than it's what their parents tell them is right.

In this generation, it is crucial to be a part of politics. Many young people are very frustrated with the election, as they feel they do not have a fair choice between candidates. Therefore, we think voting does not matter, and that our votes will be thrown away anyway, which is not the case at all. Not voting is pretty much just giving your vote away to whoever. It is important to express your opinion on who you think would be best for our country. After all, this is where you live and who you chose has some say in what happens in our country.

We also need to be aware of all of the distractions that come along as a way of covering up some mistake in the country that has been made. This is called "feeding frenzy," and is used by media to excite citizens with scandals and irrelevant controversial stories while distracting them from events going on in the real world. A great example would be the controversial stories of the Confederate Flag being labeled as a racial symbol. Many people were obsessed over this while behind the curtain, terrible, important, big, things were happening in this world. At that time,The Taliban launched a daring attack on the Afghan parliament in Kabul while it was in session. Also, on June 23, Wikileaks released NSA documents implicating the agency in spying on France—specifically current and former French presidents and members of the French cabinet. These are just a couple of events that occurred while everyone obsessed over a flag.

In today's media, sitting or kneeling for the National Anthem has become the new "feeding frenzy" topic, and has done an unfortunately good job of distracting the American population.

The moral is, it does not matter how you feel about politics, or if you agree with what is said on television and on the debate. If you want change, it will not just be handed to you. You must contribute to what you would like to see happen. Your vote is worth it. Do not give your vote away to whoever is most popular. Do not ignore what is happening in the world today. You need to get your voice out there and help change America. As soon as you are 18, register to vote, and don't just sit and watch the world burn.

Sources:

http://www.conspiracyclub.co/2015/06/25/10-stories...

http://www.gallup.com/poll/14515/teens-stay-true-p...

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

7874
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

3545
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

2583
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2373
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments