W. Lance Bennet addressed these and many more points in "Changing Citizenship in the Digital Age." Bennet explored how the younger generation is less likely to engage in politics and civic organizations, is leery of media, and is less likely to learn civics in school as compared to older generations (birth year prior to 1977) (Bennet, 2008). The techniques Bennet considered is how youth are integrating digital technologies to redefine citizenship. Previously citizenship meant identifying with a political party and engaging with a group's goal. But as Peter Levine is quoted, "Perhaps youth are deliberately and wisely choosing not to endorse forms of participation that are flawed." (Bennet, 2008, p4).
I agree that many young people today feel that the current politicians are fake and foolish. Their choices and debates have very little to do with issues that I care about, nor would my opinion matter to them if I tried to voice them. Instead of physically voting with a party that tells me what is important, I, like many other young people, would rather make a difference in my day to day actions. As Bennet notes, youth are showing their political choices through consumerism, volunteerism, and activism. Individuality is far more important that associating with predetermined opinions of a group or party (Bennet, 2008 p14).
I agree that youth are less interested in passive absorption of political propaganda as presented by television or news reports. Voicing an opinion on social media or creating political statement that goes "viral" seems to be the new soapbox for civics. Being able to interact in real time on individual and worldly issues seems a far better mode of engagement. However as Raquel Recuero pointed out, politics on social media can easily become an emotionally-charged sounding board without any real communication, interaction, or engagement on the issue. (Recuero, 2012)
Bennett, Lance. "Changing Citizenship in the Digital Age." Civic Life Online:Learning How Digital Media Can Engage Youth. Edited byW. Lance Bennet. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Series on Digital Media and Learning. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. 2008. 1–24.doi:10.1162/dmal.9780262524827.001
Recuero, Raquel. "Digital Youth, Social Movements, and Democracy in Brazil." How are Brazilian youth becoming digital, what potential does digital media provide for democracy and social movements? 2012. http://bit.ly/Qgo0RS
I agree with you that it is more important to young adults to maintain their own identity then to side with one party or another. I feel that we must come up with new ways to get our younger generations involved and interested in politics. I know it is hard to feel connected to the candidates as a young adult. This is where we need to start working to ensure that all citizens are engaged and participating. Working towards our own goals and beliefs is very important. However, it is also important for everyone to know what is going on in the government and with the people who are a part of it because it is our livelihood. I think what the younger generations are doing now is wonderful. I just feel we need to bridge the gap so they become more involved in other issues such as politics, government and economics. I hope that if the younger generations become more involved than positive social change could start to take place. I really enjoyed reading your blog! You had many great points.
ReplyDeleteFinally, someone else that sees this disconnect in politics and the youth of our nation! I still consider myself part of the youth that finds it difficult to engage with the presidential debate going on right now. I also think that many young people had faith in Sanders and dropped interest as soon as he was out of the running. I also agree with the above comment, from Emily, that young adults want to preserve their own identities separate from a specific party. Or, they may just prefer not to identify with the two major parties and have opted to support a smaller party that reflects their interests and issues. I do think that digital media have made young adults more involved in politics, they are more able to form their own thoughts and ideas on certain issues, even if they don't actively participate. I can say, just a few days ago, I was running our English class at school (our teacher quit, so occasionally we have to cover) and we decided to have a discussion about the presidential debate. Now, mind you, these students are not of age to vote, but they we so involved in the discussion and they knew their facts. They were aware of what issues need to be addressed. They were also aware of the debate surrounding the entire election and how many people are viewing it as a joke between two people who are constantly pointing fingers.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I may have rambled here, but, there is so much that can be discussed here. Thank you for bringing us this viewpoint. Looking forward to reading more from you.