In today's age of blunt, opinionated speech and passionate advocation for what we believe strongly in, it's safe to say that every day life has become a stage for debate and conversation of current topics. Add in a dash of a university campus, the power of a millennial's voice and a few sleep deprived, angry college age kids and you suddenly have a twitter argument the length of our childhood holiday wish lists (which for me is really, really long).
With the 2016 elections heating up and the opportunity for first time voters to evacuate their positions from the sidelines, the clout of political knowledge and conversation among younger generations has enormously inflated. While you may be one of those individuals that's made an effort to stay up to date and educated on the political arena before it made its way back to center stage attention, chances are you are not. Something surprising those kids who pretend to have something over you because you didn't start watching the news in sixth grade have yet to tell you is simple: it's okay to not be politically educated. And even better? With the current access to social media and information in mere nano-seconds, it's ridiculously easy to become informed quickly. Check out the following tips to find your way to political enlightenment:
1. Download an App
Chances are, you're in possession of some sort of smart phone device or Apple product that allows you access to a plethora of mind-boggling apps. Instead of using up all your time on the bus to class on Angry Birds, delete some of your gigabyte eaters (yes, I am talking about the Kardashian lifestyle game 100 percent) and make room for something like "Ap mobile" which allows you access to various magazines and broadcast sources all with a few swipes of your thumb.
2. Swap Internet Surfing Before Class for Reading
I don't know about some of you, but I know that I personally make an effort to get to class 10 minutes early in order to have time to browse social media on my phone before lectures start (did I really just admit that?). Instead of numbing your mind before class, make the effort to reach political and real world education by bringing a copy of a newspaper or school paper to skim for a few minutes before the professor gets there.
3. Sign Up for A Daily Email Service
Theskimm.com is a daily newsletter that literally breaks down everyday current stories and emails them straight to you. They even have a section on their website dedicated to the 2016 election. Not only is it easy to understand and digest, but it's also free! (Cue college kid collective sigh of relief).
4. Add In a News Outlet Site to Your Morning Social Media Check In
Wake up, press snooze five times, pry open single eye, and then blindly reach around for phone as I lay in bed for an extra five minutes to check in on what I missed in the world of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat over night. It's a cornerstone of not only my own, but many people's, morning routine. Pave the path to broadening your knowledge by bookmarking your preferred news outlet like CNN or Fox on your phone's internet browser and make time for it in your morning routine.
5. Join an On-Campus Group
College campuses are breeding grounds for thought provoking conversation and speaking on what you feel passionate about. Make an effort to research your own campus's resources for politically affiliated clubs, mock legislatures, a mock United Nations or even various in person speakers. Utilize the opportunities around you!
6. Follow Political Figures on Twitter
No, not the mock accounts (as golden as those are), the real verified accounts of the 2016 candidates. You can even take it a step further by following other major political figures in various positions in the Senate, House and so forth to maximize the information output you're receiving. These candidates and figures understand not only the power of social media, but more importantly the power of our generation. By connecting with us in a clear, concise and familiar way on something like Twitter, you're bound to accumulate positions to advocate and argue.
7. Argue and Be Proven Wrong
As not-fun as this sounds, especially if you have an issue with a bruised ego, we can stand to learn a lot from our peers and people more educated than us. Ask questions, argue and become educated in a real time pace. The quicker you recover, the quicker you can go head-to-head for round two and come out on top of the debate.
8. Listen to Podcasts
Next time you're at the gym, swap your tunes for a podcast. There's unlimited amounts to choose from, all specifying from political affiliation to current events. They're available from your phone as well making it outrageously convenient. Plug in and listen away future leaders of America.
9. Read Candidate Platforms
Take advantage of the internet! It's useful for more than just social media, online shopping and Netflix. Google individual candidates and their platforms and sift through what they stand for. Even further, think about what you stand for. Let the voices of potential leaders ignite a fire under you!
Just as easy it is to be politically uneducated, it's even easier to be on the other side of it. Go out of your way to understand the world around you and make a positive contribution to your society. The power of our generation is immense, don't let it go to waste!
