I heard them give a statistic on the radio last night (and I'm not sure if this is totally accurate) that after so many young people got out there and became involved in the election process this year, still, only 2 out of 10 youths between the ages of 18 and 24 actually went out and voted.
This kills me.
It kills me knowing that those kids are potentially what could have made the difference. Still, at the same time, I remember how I was at that age. I was ANTI-EVERYTHING. I didn't know what the hell was going on in politics. I made it a point not to give a fuck. I thought that is what made me "cool" or "different," when in reality it made me just like everyone else. I see things way more clear now, and it blows my mind how oblivious I was.
I think the parents are a huge part of the problem. I for one have no recollection of them ever going out of their way to inform me of the issues, or of the importance of politics. What young people do not understand is that what is happening now will directly affect their future. The may not care now, but they will a few years from now.
I did however think it was really cool when I saw that some parents where taking their kids to go vote with them this year in order to show them how the whole process works. I remember that one of the reasons that I was hesitant about going out to vote the first time was for the simple reason of "not knowing."
Anyway, my intention is not to blame Kerry's loss on any one factor. God knows that there are plenty of idiots out there who are "in a coma" so to speak and just go along with whatever our president says. It is however majorly disheartening....and leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. bleh.
I think that Farenheit/911 was a major reason why so many young kids went out and voted this election year. But what I'm wondering is, for those young people who for the first time in their lives actually got involved in the political process, were emotionally-invested in it and felt very passionate about the issues at hand, will they end up ultimately jaded about the system as a result of this, and in turn, decide NOT go out and vote in the upcoming years? Are they thinking "Well, I gave it my all, got totally wrapped up in it....and look what happened....it was a waste of time!"
I really hope not.
This kills me.
It kills me knowing that those kids are potentially what could have made the difference. Still, at the same time, I remember how I was at that age. I was ANTI-EVERYTHING. I didn't know what the hell was going on in politics. I made it a point not to give a fuck. I thought that is what made me "cool" or "different," when in reality it made me just like everyone else. I see things way more clear now, and it blows my mind how oblivious I was.
I think the parents are a huge part of the problem. I for one have no recollection of them ever going out of their way to inform me of the issues, or of the importance of politics. What young people do not understand is that what is happening now will directly affect their future. The may not care now, but they will a few years from now.
I did however think it was really cool when I saw that some parents where taking their kids to go vote with them this year in order to show them how the whole process works. I remember that one of the reasons that I was hesitant about going out to vote the first time was for the simple reason of "not knowing."
Anyway, my intention is not to blame Kerry's loss on any one factor. God knows that there are plenty of idiots out there who are "in a coma" so to speak and just go along with whatever our president says. It is however majorly disheartening....and leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. bleh.

I think that Farenheit/911 was a major reason why so many young kids went out and voted this election year. But what I'm wondering is, for those young people who for the first time in their lives actually got involved in the political process, were emotionally-invested in it and felt very passionate about the issues at hand, will they end up ultimately jaded about the system as a result of this, and in turn, decide NOT go out and vote in the upcoming years? Are they thinking "Well, I gave it my all, got totally wrapped up in it....and look what happened....it was a waste of time!"
I really hope not.
VIEW 5 of 5 COMMENTS
sillyzebra:
yeah ... this suxs
jadedcoca:
