Small disclaimer: I am not a political science major nor do I have a serious background or interest in politics. I'm just a college kid who's had enough with our generation's involvement, or lack thereof, in the political process.
Nov. 8, 2016. What does that date mean to most people? Nothing. Nov. 8, 2016 is the date of our next presidential election. How many of you guys can honestly say that you knew that?
I bet you didn't know that, according to the U.S Census Bureau, only 38 percent of people between the ages of 18 to 24 actually go out and vote. Is this shocking to you? It shouldn't be based merely on the attitudes that people from this age group display towards politics.
Our generation is generally negative toward the political process. Most people just don't care, or they don't take politics seriously. The most involvement I've seen from our generation in politics are those Bernie vs. Hillary memes. For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about, let me show you:
I mean thin mints are an issue that matters, right?
And we can't forget about this issue...
In all honesty, I don't believe these pictures were created to inform or persuade potential voters who they should support. But the reality is, with our generation's lack of political knowledge mixed with our obsession with social media, these memes might actually get some people to vote for one candidate over another.
Now I'm not saying that voting for Bernie over Hillary for the democratic nomination is a bad thing because I believe everyone has the right to vote for whoever they believe is the better candidate. I am saying that the person you choose to vote for should be chosen based on their views on real issues — on issues that will make a difference.
Imagine the face of the candidate for which you plan to vote. Actually, let me rephrase that, if you were registered to vote (which statistics show most of you are not), picture who you would vote for. Do you know how they stand on real issues that America's facing?
I'm talking about veteran's care, racial justice, immigration, women's rights, social security benefits, etc. There are so many issues that are so important, and how a candidate stands on those issues should matter to you.
Facebook and Twitter are not reliable sources for political information either, folks. I don't think people necessarily realize that the internet has a magical way of twisting information. Going to third-party sources and social media sites will not provide accurate information.
As much as I seem to be tearing down our generation's involvement with politics (because I sort of am), I want this to be a wake-up call. I want you all to realize that as "lame" as it seems to be involved with politics, it's very important.
We are going to eventually be adults. Like real pay-your-taxes, take-out-a-mortgage, raise-three-kids adults. And as real adults, we are going to be expected to be educated voters. So if eventually we are going to be expected to be educated voters, why don't we get a head start?
Go out and register to vote. It takes a few seconds and it's not that hard, I promise.
Then, get informed. Don't rely on late night news shows or Facebook for your information. Watch a debate or two or even (gasp) visit your candidate's website because we know you'll be on a computer or cellphone anyways.
Most of all, don't forget — your vote matters.
