The 2024 election is only one year away and many of this year’s seniors will be able to vote by then. So much controversy always surrounds the elections including the most recent of news for example, Donald Trump being arrested on felony charges in connection with the efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. It is important to keep up to date with new political updates so we know who will run our country for the next 4 years. But are students, specifically seniors, politically engaged enough to handle such responsibility?
From what is seen many students can be involved in various political movements such as participating in protests or what would typically be their main voice of opinions, using social media platforms as a powerful tool to raise awareness about important issues. This level of engagement showcases the student’s passion for creating a better world and their desire for having a voice in shaping the future. Students’ involvement doesn’t only demonstrate their commitment to causes they believe in but also highlights the importance of civic engagement and active participation in the democratic process which is very important for our country. By being politically engaged, students are not only shaping their futures but also contributing to the betterment of society as a whole
To respect students’ political beliefs their names will remain anonymous. James C. Enochs High School has a diverse variety of students who all have their own beliefs and opinions. What are really hot questions to ask about certain politicians such as Donald Trump or President Biden? Students were asked about recent updates going on in our country that had to do with politics, specifically about our possible runner-ups for the 2024 election, and the majority of students had an opinion. Some say that Donald Trump should still be eligible to run for president and others disagree with that controversial statement, believing that Trump should “spend the rest of his life in jail”(Student). Students were also asked about what side of the political spectrum they fall on, specifically if they were more liberal or conservative, some even don’t even have an opinion on politics. What began to become a pattern is that girls tend to be more liberal while boys fall on the conservative side. Not saying that all girls are liberals or all boys are conservative but data shows that this is what our teenage community is looking like. This isn’t just our school but schools all around our country. According to Evie News, teenage boys are becoming more conservative while girls tend to be more liberal within the last two decades. The two different parties already divide our country enough, do students even know what following a political party and their ideologies means?
Students tend to determine which political party they follow from the surroundings they grew up in. What are they most influenced by? Why stick to a party you know nothing about and blindly follow politicians? It is important for students to do their own research before aligning with a political party. By conducting their own investigations, they can gain a deeper understanding of the party’s values, policies, and track record. This empowers students to make more informed decisions and ensures that their beliefs align with the party they choose to support. Doing research also helps students recognize any potential biases or misinformation that may exist, allowing them to form a more well-rounded perspective. Ultimately, being well-informed enables students to actively engage in political discourse. So before asserting yourself to a party, educate yourself.
A high level of political engagement not only demonstrates their commitment to the causes they believe in but also highlights the significance of active participation in politics. When students are politically engaged, they not only shape their own futures but also contribute to a better society. Seeing students that attend James C. Enochs actively keeping up with politics is a relief because this is your future after all.
