I have noticed from the feedback I have received both on the comments section and in person, that people are having a difficult time coming up with something to post on my blog. I know that political issues can seem intimidating to some that don’t follow politics, but I want this to be somewhat easy for people. Since you’re required to comment on my blog I feel somewhat bad having made this difficult. This blog will focus on what you want to see in politics, issues taking place in your life, and what you want addressed. I hope everyone reads this post as it will link to my speech in just a few weeks. Young people in their twenties aren’t interested in voting and I want to know why.
Young Canadians have forfeited their “bitching rights” about how they’re governed by disengaging from the political process, says Robert Fowler. “The civic and political literacy of young Canadians is appallingly low,” the former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations told a group of University of Ottawa graduates Sunday. “Your age group’s involvement in the political process, at all levels of government, stretches any reasonable definition of apathy.” Mr. Fowler, 66, said it was “intellectually dishonest” for those who’ve “collectively ignored their civic responsibilities” to moan about the abysmal standards of political leadership in Canada.
It’s your turn to tell me what you want. What would make you interested in political issues, voting, or the idea that you can actually make a difference when it comes to leadership in Canada. The article is a reminder that young Canadians are failing their democratic duty and this needs to change.
I would have to agree with him. A large majority of people in our age group are apathetic to the government. They do not think they have a voice,so they don't vote. I'm from the school of thought, you if you don't vote, you have no right to complain.
ReplyDeleteI think young people often get discouraged and think their vote doesn't matter so they choose to ignore it completely. I'm not sure what needs to be done specifically, but I do think that it's important for young Canadians to recognize they are lucky enough to live in a democratic society and can have a say in issues that do affect them.
ReplyDeleteAlthough politics isn't my number one interest, I make sure that my voice is heard through voting. Saying this, I'm sick of constantly being told that I don't care and that I've lost my "bitching rights" simply because I'm a young Canadian. Politicians have a tendency to generalize and degrade young people down to just twenty something Canadians who don't care.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Katie. I think we young Canadians are degraded for various reasons simply because we are young (and technologically savvy) - this is not exclusive to politics. We often get harped on for not knowing how to communicate to others because of technological advancements, such as social media. While SOME people (and not just young people) have lost the ability to communicate face-to-face with others, it doesn't mean that ALL young Canadians have lost the ability and interest to communicate face-to-face.
ReplyDeleteI have definitely used the lack of information excuse and would much rather have the information been brought to me rather than for me to seek out the information. I'm sure political parties have begun to use social media as a way to reach out to young Canadians and begin to speak with youth rather than speak at them. As I get older, I have realized that if I want change, I must make it happen…and my one vote COULD make that difference. I can no longer sit back and see the world change before me, knowing that my vote could have changed it for the benefit of Canada. If political parties communicate to young people in the right way, hopefully others will feel this way too.
ReplyDeleteI really think it's difficult to pinpoint one reason why young Canadians have become so apathetic towards politics in general. At first, I assumed it was because they didn't feel a 'personal connection' towards the issues on hand, but now, I tend to look at it more as a trend in our society that is seeing our interests away from seemingly "serious" issues. Sports and Entertainment interest is winning; News and Politics is left holding the bag.
ReplyDeleteA personal example I can think of involves student politics in universities/colleges. Here, virtually EVERY issue somehow affects EVERY student, yet when it comes time to cast ballots for student representatives and get involved, voting percentages are abominable. Why? We're affected, so why not care, right?
Long story short, last year at the U of Guelph, a lobbying group, the Canadian Federation of Students (they're responsible for lobbying government about LOWER TUITION PRICES - HELLO RELEVANT TOPIC!) was under heavy scrutiny from our student government, basically for taking tens of millions of dollars every year through student fees and doing absolutely nothing with these funds. The U of Guelph student gov't wanted to de-federate, which would have set a precedent among universities in the area, calling out a national organization's transparency. It was a true-to-form localized political scandal.
Here was a chance for students to band together and fight an organization that was seemingly STEALING their money. Voter turnout was average, at best and despite an abundance of media coverage, etc. the students still didn't seem to care, even though it was their money at stake.
I hope I haven't sabotaged your post here, Nathan, because I think it's a great topic. Just wanted to share my own view on apathy among young Canadians because I think it's a fantastically relevant topic that ALL forms of government need to consider in future campaign efforts.
I agree with Mike, in that, people prefer topics that entertain them rather than affect them. As you've said, Nathan, young people (in general, but not all) aren't that interested in voting. Personally, I don't vote. I know I should, but I will admit that I am lazy and naive. I would rather everything be explained simply because politics still confuse me. It's not that I don't think my vote matters or that youth don't have a voice, I just don't go out of my way to try and make a difference in politics. Unfortunately, I think this may be the mentality of a lot of people (including, but not exclusive to youth) who take our ability to vote for granted.
ReplyDeleteI wish there was a simple explanation and solution but the gap between voters and politics is hard to overcome. I don't think using social media will solve the problem either.
I'd also like to say how important and creative this blog is because it allows us to discuss politics and government whether we want to or have to.
Well, i was pasionate for politics long time ago. then, I voted just a couple of times in my country, and then I stop doing it because i have been traveling during the last 5 years. I want to do it, in any chance that i have when i come back home. I want my voice to be heard...
ReplyDeleteI think that in this day and age, people are not concerned with politics. Instead they are more concerned with matters that do not involve them to think. People are more concerned with Jersey Shore and brainless, thoughtless matter as opposed to material that can bring forth knowledge and usefulness to them, such as politics.
ReplyDeleteIt's just too complicated for them.
I know that the youth demographic, in particular are having a hard time relating to politicians because politicians are not relating to them. The 2008 USA election campaigns were some of the most successful campaigns ever. Not just because it was Obama, but because candidates used a little thing called social media to get their messages across. More than ever, the American and Canadian youth were so involved, and knew everything there was to know about the competing parties. I feel that Canadian politics just doesn't make it fun for the youth demographic. Yes I know politics isn't always fun and should be somewhat serious, but if they want to reach the youth demographic, they need to take over social media networks, and reach out to young Canadian celebrities to support their platform. Maybe in the next political election, a party should snag Justin Bieber- that will keep the youth demographic interested, and will perhaps encourage them to vote.
ReplyDeleteI think I have quite honestly lost all faith in the political process. It seems to me that voting isn't so much about voting for the best candidate, but for the lesser of two evils. However I have always been a firm believer that if you aren't voting, you can't complain when things aren't the way that you want them to be. I agree with what Steph said, and I would add that there doesn't seem to be any political figures that young Canadians can really identify with. Obama was such a likable figure, and he wasn't afraid to try different things which made the youth much more responsive to him. I think if Canada had someone like that, it may motivate the younger generation to get involved.
ReplyDeleteyour speech today made politics seem a little less intimidating. and your blog seems to be doing the same kind of thing. maybe i'll try and pay more attention from now on...
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