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Essay on The Apathy Of Generation X
| Date: |
12-25-98 6:41pm |
| Subject: |
Social Issues |
| Word Count: |
1322 |
| Page Count: |
5.29 |
The Apathy of Generation X
The Apathy of
Generation X
For the past 25 years it has been wondered
why the young people of America have shared the same apathetic attitude
towards politics as the older generation of Americans. Indeed, the issues
concerning young voters are just as important as those concerning older
voters. Why the newest voters choose to abstain their right has long been
studied. While it has been proven that the vote of young people can make
or a break an election, most candidates are reluctant to relate themselves
to young people. When that Tuesday in November comes, young people choose
not be heard, assuring themselves future neglect by the part of elected
officials.
There are reasons that young people do
not vote, or get involved in political actions. They range from apathy
to just plain not having enough time. One of the larger reasons is that
most candidates are much older then those 18-25. This would put the generation
gap in between candidates and the youthful voters. A 19 year old Trinity
College student remarks about Bob Dole, I think he is making himself look
older by speaking about certain issues we (young people) can not relate
to. When asked to give an example the student stated, "he made a reference
to World War I, I thought he was going to say he fought in that one too!"
(www.mtv.com/chooseorlose). While Bob Dole is a isolated instance, many
youthful voters feel that there is a ever growing distance between them
and the older generations. Another reason that young people are turning
away is lack of education towards politics. While this could be said for
any age group, it seems to be more prevalent in younger people. The lifestyle
of younger people does not allow for a everyday exposure to politics as
those of a older generation. Thomas Banks, a 19 year old student, when
asked why he was not watching the 1992 Presidential Debates responded,
"I guess because I don't really see what's going on at college. I feel
pretty isolated. It doesn't seem as important to me as studying. I guess".
Although not in a career yet, the life of a student is proving to be just
as busy as those in the older generations. People in the full time labor
are not the only ones who can use a hassle-full life as an excuse not to
get involved. There is another major reason that young people feel isolated
and set apart from the political world. For those who take the time to
educate themselves, and to participate in what activities they can; they
soon find that the major candidates have paid little, if any attention
to the issues that effect young people the most. Chris Weinkopf, associate
editor of National Review, when speaking about how Bill Clinton and Bob
Dole are talking to young voters said, "I think both of them are really
just paying lip service to young people in the way they address issues"
(www.mtv.com/issues.html).
When young voters make themselves heard
in an election, they can turn the outcome like no other age group can.
Even with minimal turn-out on the part of 18-25 year olds. Elections have
been won or lost because of who young people do or do not support. In 1992,
50% of registered voters under the age of 30 turned out to vote. In that
election, Bill Clinton received 50% of the under 30 vote (Bush received
30%, Perot 20%). Clintons 20% margin of victory in the young people vote
was his largest in any age group and may have very well put him in the
White House. Since John Andersons independent run at the White House in
1980, young people have been the strongest supporters for those outside
the two party system. Now in 1996, even though Ross Perot has a dismal
5% overall, his support amongst the younger voters is in the double digits.
There are many things that will make young
people get involved. The biggest thing that gets the attention of youthful
voters is the same thing that gets the attention of older voters, money.
When the financial status of a young person is threatened, they are more
likely to get involved in political activities. Issues such as student
loans, tax cuts, minimum wage and Pell Grant minimums are issues that turn
the heads of younger voters. Other issues that effect young people and
make them get involved include birth control, use of tobacco products and
A.I.D.S. research to name a few more. In 1991, Montanas state Legislature
enacted a unique referendum. It allowed the states high school students
to determine whether or not tobacco products should be sold to young people.
In the turnout, a whopping 51,233 students (76% of those enrolled), turned
out to be heard.
Therefore there is no doubt that given
the opportunity to have them selves heard will help get young people to
the voting both. However, that opportunity is rarely there for those among
younger voters. While his opponent hardly ever spoke about his views concerning
those younger Americans, Bill Clinton was making speeches at colleges and
attacking Bob Doles ideas on Pell Grants and student loans (www.mtv.com/chooseorloose).
Thus the Presidents support amongst young people was a significant percentage
higher then Doles. With very little extra work Clinton had given young
people the attention they craved. Therefore when Election Day rolled around
Clinton again had his young support. When asked why he voted for Clinton,
student Mark Whitmore replied Clinton is the only one who would even give
us the time of day. He only gave us a little, but it was better then the
nothing Bob Dole gave us." Therefore only showing meager support for the
causes of the younger generation of voters Clinton was able to win the
support of a strong demographic group, even over rival Ross Perot.
Now the question will be asked that if
only menial support needs to be showed to young people to get them out
to the voting booths, is that that all they will ever be showed by the
candidates? When asked about this new question student, and mother of one
child Rebecca Smitten said "its kind of a double-edged sword. I dont want
to show support for someone whose has mentioned little about my issues,
but I dont want to not show any support at all either". However, there
is hope that this trend will soon take a up-swing in favor of the young
voters. While during the 96 election young voters had scant attention paid
to them, that the elections to come in the future will have more for young
people to work with. The fact that young people are showing up to the polls
and making a difference in the out-come of races is giving them leverage
for the future. Future candidates will appeal to new voters in more then
one way however. For one example, candidates in the future will be closer
to the age of young people. As young people grow out and into jobs they
will have more financial status to be threatened. Lastly, with the new
found power, young people may be able to demand attention. However, the
generations before these voters also had all these advantages and yet they
still became the tame, over-apathetic voters of today. So what is working
for todays young people that was not for the generations before? One difference
is the new found power of interest groups. Interest groups that have strong
youth support include the Sierra Club, and S.A.D.D. While these groups
may not have the budgets of others such as the N.R.A.; they do have the
young vote and a appeal to young people who are someday going to grow into
the work-force. This leaves more potential then ever before for young people
to make a permanent mark in the political world and possibly pave the way
for future young voters to have their issues heard as well.
These are just the tip of the iceberg as
far as the future of young voters. As far as election and political activities
to come, no one knows. There is more optimism then ever before, but will
it be enough to turn the heads of candidates? There is at least a chance
in that young people will make a difference in the mere fact that they
have the numbers to do so. When and if all these numbers of young voters
and activists turn out has been seen and hopefully will continue to do
so. Then maybe the apathetic letter "X" that labels them can be forever
removed.
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