The topic of politics is something that (understandably) not too many people like to bring up unhinged. Yet, it has become a necessary evil in our world today.
I was one of those millennials who thought there was no point to politics. However, I was missing the whole point. Obviously, I'm not here to force you to get involved; it's your own decision. I do hope, though, that I can possibly pique your interest.
Here are certain reasons why you might consider becoming more involved in politics and government.
1. Ideas
Perhaps the most important part of being involved in the realm of politics is ideas. Of course, it may seem like there are the traditional ideas of the two sides. Despite what you might see in the media, there are much more. Ideas are much more than two different approaches. Also, certain ideas may affect the way in which you live your life. Lastly, ideas never run out and issues will always be present.
2. Demographics
With politics, demographics is also key. You may notice that today's politicians are usually those not in the millennial category. It's frightening, but that is going to change dramatically before we know it. For these older politicians and our fellow older ones, life is not going to guarantee them many more years. It's going to be up to us millennials to continue moving forward in the times we will be in. The saying, "Out with the old, and in with the new" absolutely applies to politics.
3. Elections
Chances are, if you live in a country where you can vote, you may have heard incessantly, "Register to vote!"
I have to admit when I turned 18 I didn't see the whole point in voting. I wondered, "What's in it for me?" other than a counted ballot and that lovely I VOTED sticker.
Elections are so much more than the recent one the U.S. had on November 8th to elect the next President. There are also the state elections. Depending on when any given state's election happens, citizens get the chance to elect a governor, their state's U.S. senators, state senators, U.S. representatives, state representatives, etc. Plus, let's not forget city/town elections, too. Many factors go into how our federal, state and local governments run in a society like this.
This ties in with #1 a bit, but there will not be a shortage of issues. Elections are the time to voice your viewpoint.
4. It's a learning experience
Politics is not really a one-stop solution, and it usually takes some good argument and discussion to reach conclusions. Whenever you feel puzzled about a certain issue that you want to learn more about, go search-crazy for opinions that differ. This way, you can attempt to understand how these viewpoints say to go about the issue. YouTube is a great place to start because there are all kinds of people who post videos about their political beliefs. If you want to go a step further, watch different news channels and listen to different news radio stations to get as much understanding of issues as possible.
Don't be afraid of hearing anything that goes against what you have heard before. Just because people may have different beliefs doesn't mean said people hate others who disagree. It's politics- we are all here on Earth to learn.
5. Our future
The one lasting thing that can benefit from getting involved is our future generations. Our posterity will be able to see where we've come in our time and will be able to build and rebuild what we were not able or indeed able to do, respectively. They will understand that obstacles will come their way just like today's obstacles have been coming our way. Our hope and confidence is that they will know what to do because of us.
There is a saying, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
Think about that saying. Think about whether or not history will have your name on it. Think about the choice you can make to get involved or not.
I'll leave that for you to decide.
