What is wrong with the kids?

[ultraprog]

I'm very sad with the lack of participation in politics with our kids. I know there are a few who try, but for the most part...nothing. What is it that causes people to begin caring about politics? It seems to happen in mid-life. Maybe it is becoming parents ourselves that causes us to begin to care.

Maybe no one points out the injustices of the world to children. Maybe they don't think they can do anything about it.

I read an article about a group of college kids who have started a political forum for others their age. They were painted as liberals in the belly of conservative America trying to fight their way out. It seemed to be a very noble cause. However, I checked out the site and found quite a bit of conservative rhetoric being spouted. Maybe it's just the way they were raised. Wouldn't it be a wonderous thing for America if more children were involved in politics like these college students. It would be great if this sort of thing caught on. I suppose it remains to be seen though. Here is the link I was given.

www.thesmokefilledroom.com
their board is at www.thesmokefilledroom.com/phpBB2

It is pretty interesting to see exactly what young people think about the same issues we discuss every day.

[UCLA Dem]

1. Unfortunately its not just kids, but most people who don't follow politics

See the political scientist "Converse" for for more info.

[bemildred]

2. Nothing.

They just understand that the game is rigged.

[ultraprog]

4. maybe you're right

What kills me is how America refuses to unite and get involved to topple over the powerful politicians and the wealthy.

Everyone fights over the small stuff while we all get scammed.

What ever happened to "stength in numbers"?

[Tesha]

3. The Draft will cause them to rediscover politics and *FAST*. (NT)

[route_66]

5. my biggest pet peeve

with my 19 year old stepson simply will not pick up a newspaper. He's online 24/7 but I doubt its on something other than chat and games. He's a gifted student, full boat scholarship to an honors college. I've asked him about it and I learned years ago that none of his teachers ever required them to do current events, newspaper research, etc.

I remember when I was in the fourth grade we had current events every day, each student was required to bring a newspaper article in and talk about it. I was reading the NY Times by the fifth grade. I have to blame the schools for not reinforcing this today, and I realize that with time budgets and standardized tests these things get shoved under the rug...it's sad.

It's not a lost cause though, the good thing about the boy is he understands the Bush situation, he voted for Kerry and he will listen, plus never smoked, drank once in Cancun and stays away from trouble...so I ignore the state of his room in the summer....

[dkofos]

17. With luck he watches the Daily show

If he does he is more informed than someone watching faux news

[proud patriot]

6. perhaps it's the having of our own kids

but my generation is seriously lacking .

Out of all my friends I'm the one and only one
who feels that I CAN make a difference .

My friends wouldn't even be registered to vote
if it wasn't for me registering them .

It seems people are convinced that they don't matter .

[ultraprog]

8. keep up the good work.

maybe you'd enjoy their site if you are in college. I have gotten on a few times to argue with the conservative, misinformed kids.

It's amazing how they'll believe anything they are told. It's very scary how they lack critical thought. Hmm...1984?

[ultraprog]

7. I thought the threat of...

the draft would be enough to spark massive involvement. Apparently, they didn't believe all the talk.

I don't know that they would get involved to fight a draft until it was too late.

It's mass apathy.

[Ariana Celeste]

22. I thought so, too

Part of the problem there, though, is that most people have absolutely no idea how bad it really is in Iraq, and if they see any mention in the news about it, it's "Well we killed so many insurgents today," or "So-and-so says we are winning in Iraq."

With hardly any facts about Iraq in the media, and with the constant "everything is ok and we are winning" attitude, placed with the fact that most people do not see images of a bombed Iraq or dead civilians- they just don't think it's that bad.

I don't think we can blame them for that. All they hear is "it's good" and "we are winning". So naturally they don't think the draft will happen.

[newportdadde]

9. For me its been the birth of my son.

I've always been interested even as a teen, voted for Clinton in 96 then got apathetic and didn't vote in 2000. But after the birth of my son I've found myself paying much closer attention to politics. I worry now about the world being setup for him to live a good life.

[dddem]

10. my daughter is 14,

and about to enter high school here in Massachusetts. At the freshman orientation, I was disappointed to find that there is no civics or government class until junior year in high school.

I think, like with sex ed, alcohol awareness and faith - it's up to us as parents to talk to our kids about political awareness. We had a conversation during this past election, and I realized that a lot of my daughter's friends will be of voting age (and draft age) by the next presidential election. Kind of scary I think. We have had discussions here at home, but like a lot of my friends, I don't like to say too much about my views, because I want my kids to think for themselves (of course, secretly, I want them to think like me, but only because I'm right!) The good news is, they pay attention, even when they pretend to ignore you. For instance (I'm about to brag), during health class, my daughter's teacher was discussing peer pressure and using the mall as an example. When she asked why the kids had to shop at all the expensive stores instead of walmart or k-mart, my daughter replied "because at walmart, they don't pay their help enough, and they don't give them good benefits." I was so proud!

I also hear from the teens I work with that The Daily Show is very popular among high school and college kids - so hopefully, we'll start to see the results of that bit of education. Trust me - it's not as bleak as it seems right now.

[MuseRider]

11. I see it differently.

I see tons of involved kids around here. Both of my sons are somewhat involved, both up to date and concerned. Out of all their friends (college age) only one that I know of refuses to register to vote. He does not because he thinks it does not matter but he can talk the talk of a very informed Democrat. So far I have not been able to change his mind. Our high school kids in this community turned out big time, even those who could not vote, to walk for one of our candidates for city council. There were also many, many who worked on the ballot initiative. I do agree that there is a lot of apathy but I have been encouraged by the active young adults in my community and I find it has been a wonderful pep up for us oldies.

As mentioned above, there is nothing like a draft to make you politically active. I hope it does not come to that.

[cestpaspossible]

12. It's the result of a conscious effort to destroy our education system.

The move to standardized testing is part of this. No one looks back on their childhood and fondly remembers the teacher who helped them cram for that test. You remember the teacher who touched your life, opened your eyes to the world. That's the opposite of what the Republicans want teachers to do.

Kids aren't taught about citizenship, the social fabric, know nothing of history etc. I actually met a woman in her twenties last week who didn't know what 'republican' and 'democrat' meant!

[trof]

13. I didn't register to vote until my early 30s.

I was too busy getting a career started, dating, having fun, etc. to pay any attention to politics or think about what effect it might have on me.

It wasn't until our daughter was born that I decided it was time for me to step up and begin to shoulder some of the responsibility of being a "good" citizen.

I'm guessing I'm fairly typical.

Oh, and I was an independent until the 2000 court appointment of George Bush*. See my avatar for my current and future political philosophy.

[karynnj]

14. As a college student of the 60s/70s, with college and hs kids,

Part of the difference was that in addition to the anti-VN war movement, there was a real sense of idealism in that time period. There was a sense that you could make changes to society. Listen to the music - most of it is very positive and upbeat. (The idealism of the 60s has really been loss in the media portrayal of the time period as one of total hedonism.)

Social action and political action on local levels was far nore active. There were changes, that we could see in minority rights, women's rights, enviromental protection and the beginning of the gay rights movement. The war itself was probably ended earlier than otherwise due to protests. So, as young people it seemed that action could lead to positive changes.

For most of the college and high school kids, there really isn't that experience. As there is not the same culture of social action, so many kids are more likely to turn inwards to find purpose.

The fact that some of the Democrats (Kerry and Dean) are trying hard to define our real core values, create activists and to develop grassroots for the party itself may create the type of positive environment where kids (and us older people) will be drawn into various movements because it is fun and you feel that you are doing something of importance.

[ultraprog]

15. don't you feel that we...

should be doing more to encourage this movement in youth? I admire what the dems tried to do (although it was for personal gain) and feel that it worked on some level.

I think there is the potential for the same social climate now as there was in the late 60s. It just takes a spark. Perhaps the draft was that spark that united your generation.

I just feel like things such as social security and personal freedom are very important and the children aren't being represented. They still have too much faith in the government.

[karynnj]

18. totally agree

In particular, a lot of Kerry recent talks have been about what he's calling "felt needs" which cause people to become active. He referred to the environmental movement of the 70s that led to the clean air act, the epa etc.

I think he is trying as hard as he can to wake people up on some of these issues. What's strange is his speech patterns almost sound more 1971 Kerry than Senate Kerry except he is trying to use his Senate position in support of these issues.

Personal gain - probably He is an ambitious man, but also I think a very genuine committment to people he promised to try to help - and it would have been easier as President. Also, if he can get good things associated with the Democrats, ANY Democrat will benefit from some of his efforts to create movement.

[KurtNYC]

16. Here are some kids who are highly effective

and they started by reading current events in the newspaper...


Craig meets Mother Teresa

Craig first became a spokesperson for children's rights when he was 12 years old. Searching for the comics in the local paper, a front-page article caught his attention. He read about a young boy from Pakistan who was sold into bondage as a carpet weaver, escaped and was murdered for speaking out against child labor. Craig gathered a group of friends and founded the organization Free the Children.

Craig, now 21 years of age, has traveled to more than 40 countries visiting street and working children and speaking out in defense of children's rights. He frequently addresses business groups, government bodies, educators, unions and students around the world. He has advocated on behalf of children in meetings with political and religious leaders including Prime Ministers and Presidents, CEOs of major corporations, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, Queen Elizabeth II and the late Mother Teresa. Craig’s work has been featured on major television programs in North and South America and Europe, including CNN, the Oprah Winfrey Show and 60 Minutes.

http://www.freethechildren.org/aboutus/about_craig.htm

He and his brother now run a couple of resources for kids/teens who want to make a difference in the world they will inherit. One of the resources they have set up is "Leaders Today" who's slogan is "We are the generation you have been waiting for." More here:
http://www.leaderstoday.com/

[liberaltexas]

19. The system is broken and there's a lack of direct impact on their lives

Our system has such enormously high barriers to substantive participation in the political process. It's as hard to actually access and discuss policy with the DNC as it is with elite lobbiests or the president himself.

Add to that the fact that very little other than screwing and drinking matter to your "average" teen. (Granted there are lots of good exceptions)... Even income isn't a problem in a stable household... Heck there's not a lot of incentive to worry about fixing social security.

Our political system is pretty dammed broken and it's dominated by the two leviathans the GOP and the Dems. Neither really represent me. I tend to side with the Dems, just because I'm not evil. But, I like my guns and you can't have them. A third party might help, I don't know.

I can tell you that I've never had a representative in our congress-represent me or my views. I've always lived in very RED counties and states. Hence even though I pay my taxes, I have no representation. *laughs*

Cheers

[Ariana Celeste]

20. With kids my age..

I'm 19, 20 in a couple days (yay!). And with most kids my age... the ones that do know a thing or two about current events and politics don't trust the system. They don't think their votes would matter or count toward anything, and they do not trust any politicians or parties.
I have absolutely no idea what school was like in the past, but these days it's all about fill in the blanks, multiple choice, standardized testing. There isn't much critical thinking anymore except for in the honor's classes. Starting in middle school they expect you to choose your future career and take classes accordingly.

Sure there are plenty of kids my age that do really care and do think they can make a difference, but many of them are very depressed. I have a very close friend who is a gay male, and while he used to be very interested in politics and wanted to make a difference, the constant lies in the mainstream news about homosexuality and the constant anti-gay sentiment you find everywhere in the US has kind of dulled his will to fight (for now.) There are also some others that while very interested in politics, feel the system obviously does not work if an idiot like Bush could still be running the country.

On top of that, politicians do not reach out to young adults. Enough, anyways. I remember once seeing some politicians making fools of themselves on MTV a few years back. That doesn't work. Show young adults that you care about the issues that matter, that's what needs to happen. But as far as young adults can see, politicians only care about themselves, older adults, and rich people's money.

Anyways. My point is that while most young adults are just mainstream and sleeping, many young adults eyes are open, and all they see is a crooked system that doesn't work for them in any way. All they see is politicians on both sides that say one thing and do another. And they do not like nor trust what they see.

edited for spelling

[JNelson6563]

21. It is so ugly and nasty

it's not very appealing.