Apathy is a form of indifference, a suppression of emotions that at times, makes many people want to shake their heads in disappointment. The free dictionary website defines apathy as a lack of interest or concern, especially regarding matters of general importance or appeal.
The definition as bad it sounds is like a plague, causing a severe epidemic across our campus and our country; everyday we see people complacent about situations, issues or problems that are going on around them.
For example, consider the 2011 Fresno City College associated student government elections; out of 26 thousand students only 801 voted through a new online voting system. Although, the 801 student votes were a dramatic increase from last years 412 votes, the overall turnout was unfortunate considering only 3 percent of FCC’s student population voted in the elections.
Considering this aspect makes me question students, why don’t they get involved with their campus? According to FCC student Angelique Morales, “some students simply don’t care.” She said, “It’s just that I don’t think we find importance in getting involved.”
Unfortunately, students at FCC are not the only ones with the same mentality. In the state of California 38.8 percent of the eligible population does not vote. Why?
“I think that after the economy was affected and things didn’t get better people lost faith in their leaders,” said FCC student Jonathan Silva.
During former President Bush’s elections, according to statistics, the approval ratings were extremely low. In comparison, the approval ratings for 2008 elected President Barack Obama are also declining. This trend shows that more Americans are complaining about our government problems rather than attempting to make a difference, such as voting in elections.
However, in the 2008 presidential elections, the voter turnout suddenly skyrocketed and Sen.Barack Obama (D) Illinois defeated Sen. John McCain (R) Arizona, yet 43.1 percent of Americans did not vote.
It does not make sense that people across America are outraged by government actions when almost half of America does not vote to decide who will represent them.
One of the biggest constituent groups that I consider apathetic in voting is the 18-24 age group. in the 2008 presidential election, statistics show that one out of every four people in the 18-24 age group voted.
Another common trend I see in young adults is the lack of participation in politics. There are simply not enough youth volunteers, especially in political campaigns. I rarely see someone take interest or the initiative to run for a political position. “I just don’t bother,” said 18-year-old college student Francisco Lopez.
One of the reasons 18-24 year olds do not vote is because they neglect to realize the importance and impact voting has on their life and surroundings. “I don’t see what it changes, ‘I mean does it really matter’,” said 20 year-old Cynthia Frederickson.
If eligible voters do not vote ‘are we really a democracy’? It seems as though we call ourselves a democracy, yet with a poor voting rate we are closer to an oligarchy, a system where a small amount of the population makes decisions for the entire group.
Plato once said, “Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.” Gratefully, Americans are granted the opportunity to have a voice in voting, so those who have a strong opposition and want to get involved start by going to your local voting polls during elections. This allows you to have a say in your future.
