As we enter 2024, we are beginning another election year where America will hold what may be one of its most important referendums. On the anniversary of January 6, I would like to share some thoughts on the matter.
While nobody in high school (or frankly the nation) is necessarily excited about the prospect of watching two old geezers try to pander to today’s youth, we are still obligated as citizens to keep an eye on the election of our leader. But are we? With the hate speech on social media and the deep divisions in our nation, one finds themselves asking the questions: Do we really have to pay attention? Do we really need to get involved? Should we engage in the conversation and be active members of society? Or should we keep our thoughts to ourselves to avoid the hateful backlash that inevitably comes if one does the opposite? All of us, no matter how young, have a choice to make.
On January 6, 2021, I was inside the United States Capitol and witnessed what political zealots can do when given the opportunity. A year later, a man radicalized by far-right conspiracy theories, broke into my grandparents’ house and almost killed my grandfather. Episodes like these symbolize what happens when unhinged people become radicalized by misinformation and show us just how unhealthy the current political environment is.
This leads me to ask myself, do I really want to engage? Engagement can lead to conflict, misunderstanding, and hatred — things I would prefer to stay away from. The clear solution to me is to unsubscribe and tune it all out. Other members of my family have discovered ways to avoid this conflict. That is, simply, non-engagement. By not letting the stream of negative content into your head, peace of mind can be somewhat achievable.
And while I do see the wisdom in this non-engaging approach, I was also raised in a family that values public service and political interest. My grandmother, who has spent the past thirty-seven years in the US House of Representatives, always says, “public service is a noble calling.” She enjoys reminiscing about her late father, also a member of the House of Representatives. explaining the term “idiot,” derived from the Greek word idiotes, which in Ancient Greece referred to citizens “who had neither interest nor involvement in politics.”
Since some of our T4s are coming of voting age, the question remains: How engaged do you want to be? Do you want to fight for the things you believe in or opt out and disconnect? The compromise could be simply embracing our civic duty to vote, and then retreating into our everyday lives. If that sounds appealing to you, as it does to me, we can join the ordinary, apathetic Americans who show up on election day once every four years to decide our leader.
So, as you click away from this article and go back to TikTok, just ask yourself: How will I follow this election? How am I going to engage in the political affairs of today? Am I going to speak out for the things I believe in, or I am going to disconnect and lead a life guided by blindness? Completely ignoring your civic responsibilities is not an option. Engage responsibly.
