The Apathy of Americas Youths

Scott Gray

I am one of the few politically active students at my high school. Even fewer of those students are conservatives. Very few students even attempt to spend time away from school looking at the affairs of today’s world. In school, very little emphasis is placed on outside events. This was supposed to be the election that changed that. Fiery debate and programs directed toward the youth vote was expected to have a profound effect. I was hoping for this effect.

Unfortunately, America’s youth is as apathetic as ever. Every morning, I ride the school bus to school. Each morning, my bus driver, a liberal, and myself would debate policy. Many of the students were simply looking for sleep, and even those that did not simply did not desire to hear political opinion. Eventually, I was barricaded from the front of the bus so that I would sit in silence again. Silence is how much of America’s conservative majority operates. However, I was looking for more from America’s students.

Instead, MTV prevails over politics and sleep prevails over the affairs of today. These students are either at or near voting age. The next election will be their first. At that same time they will be searching for college, a job, and some form of housing. Also, they will need to feel secure in this nation. Terrorism remains a constant threat on American society. Students do not have an obligation to watch hours of news each day, but they should keep themselves knowledgeable on current events.

MTV attempted to solve that problem this year. With their “choose or lose” campaign, they looked to direct young voters. Several prominent rappers sponsored a “vote or die” campaign that was later deemed as a partisan movement geared toward the left. Only 17% of youths showed up to vote in 2000. However, that same percentage appeared in 2004. Those voters also split between President Bush and Senator Kerry. This was certainly not a large democratic stronghold, but it was not a stronghold altogether.

This increased youth vote was supposed to strike terror in the hearts of Republicans across the nation. Pollsters and strategists, particularly Democrats, continued to discuss the importance of the youth vote. During that time, I found it difficult to suppress a chuckle. I knew what the numbers could not say. Statistics are easy to read, but the minds of teenagers are not. Most teenagers do not know enough and do not care enough to vote. Most importantly, they do not reflect positively on those who do take strong stances on political issues. As a conservative who spends several hours a day researching news, compiling essays, and preparing arguments, I am derided as “stupid,” “lame,” and told to “shut up.”

America, meet the newest voting bloc. These are the people who will select the leaders of tomorrow. They are a completely apathetic group. Instead of true issues such as terrorism and the economy, most teens seem only interested in the latest videogame, and at most the dress code or the ability to have a cell phone at school. Things such as morals, values, and protection are never discussed regularly.

Schools have to be held responsible. Due to standardized testing and other factors, teachers are only teaching a certain list of material, whereas at least one class period a week could be spent discussing current events. At my school in Alabama, there are more than five assemblies in recognition of the football team. However, there is not one done, though, to commemorate 9/11, honor veterans, or discuss the election. Most students are not willing to research by themselves, so they instead receive no knowledge of politics whatsoever. Those who do have the opportunity to learn about the great object of American politics receive a great opportunity.

I am tired of the apathy of America’s young people. They simply do not want to hear the facts about America from either side. Instead, they want to slink into a hole separated from the world. If America wants to endure as a vigilant society, this cannot happen. Young people should not be political experts at the age of sixteen. They should however, begin to learn of a basic comprehension of government. Every high school student should know a basis of the War on Terror, Korea, and have a basic knowledge of the American economy. Teachers will have to incorporate this into class. However, the real discussion should begin among peers. Keeping people from expressing their opinions and saying “shut up” is not an option. The apathy of young people as a whole has to stop at some time, and it should begin now.