Choose or Lose : Vote or Die

Today in class I made the mistake of asking my students if they watched the presidential debates last night. I was only mildly surprised to hear the majority of the class grumble and roll their eyes, as if to say, give me a break. I half expected that. I even half expected a general sense of indifference across the group, but for some reason as the class heaved their collective sigh of "oh here we go again with more talk of the stupid election," I became quietly enraged. I do remember being 18; I really do. (It really wasn't that long ago.) But I can't remember being so completely indifferent to the world around me. Especially nowadays when literally there are people dying in other countries of this world for their right to vote, and my students sit their and say, "Hey, it's America. We don't have to do anything we don't want to do." No, you don't have to vote, but you should want to. It's a privilege, for God's sake, not a burden. Not to be overly Orwellian, but I truly believe if this level of apathy continues to spread amongst young people, there may come a time when blowing off the vote will be a moot issue, as it will no longer be an option. If you don't choose, others will choose for you. If you don't care to think, then others will certainly do it for you.

The only saving grace today on this front was a student who approached me after class to say that she votes and, in fact, registered to vote when she was 16 (even though she wouldn't receive her card for two more years). She told me about a film she just finished watching about the women's suffrage movement and about how it pains her to see young women--her peers--not care about voting after so many women before them have suffered and fought for the right to vote. It's sad. I encouraged her to speak out to her peers on this matter, as they might be more likely to listen to a peer than a teacher. She was hesitant, but perhaps she will.

God help us all come post November and in the years to come.