‘What do politics have to do with me?'
Politics often takes a back seat, filed as a 'niche subject' rather than a topic that impacts our everyday lives.
In a world filled with distractions, it's easy to understand why. Yet, beneath this disinterest lies a deeper and more troubling problem: political apathy.
Political apathy is defined as the lack of interest, engagement, or participation in political matters.
Declining civic engagement, plummeting voter turnouts, and a growing number of passive spectators to politics on a global scale. It's scary really. Numbers in democratic countries have fallen to 63.7% in 2015 from 72.1% in 1945.
The question is, why? Why is political apathy spreading like wildfire?
The word 'politics' has its roots in the ancient Greek 'Politikos,' signifying 'of, for, or relating to citizens.' A term that implies a system designed to serve the people.
But today, the connection between politics and the individual often seems frayed. Comedian Nato Green humorously breaks it down:
‘I'm not an immigrant or a black person or a Muslim or a Jew, or a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or a woman or an old person or a young person, or a student or a union member or artist or journalist or scientist or public employee.
I don't breathe the air or drink the water.
I don't live in a coastal region that will be affected by sea-level rise or an arid region that will be affected by drought or fire.
I don't like chocolate, wine, coffee, or other commodities that may no longer be available due to climate change.
I'm not mentally ill, pregnant, disabled, or currently being shot at.'
Nato's comedic take; embedded, on the detachment between politics and the individual resonates because it reflects a broader phenomenon – political apathy. When in fact, politics is deeply rooted in people, all of us.
‘So, what do politics have to do with me?'
This widespread apathy often arises from disillusionment with the political process, where complexity and disengagement are prevalent.
Not to mention, the perception of politicians as corrupt or untrustworthy that further erodes public faith in the system. The significant influence of money, lobbyists, and interest groups only exacerbates this perception, giving rise to a 'business-as-usual' attitude.
Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in the development of political apathy. Income inequality and limited education can marginalize certain groups. Basic needs often take priority over politics. This forms a cycle: those most affected are the least likely to engage.
Information overload, fueled by social media and the 24-hour news cycle, adds to the apathy. Amid this deluge, it becomes challenging to discern fact from misinformation, creating a sense of helplessness and further eroding trust in the political system.
Cognitive dissonance, cognitive bias, and confirmation bias also contribute to political apathy. They often lead to individuals seeking out information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs, deepening existing divisions and discouraging constructive political discourse.
By recognizing the impact of politics on our everyday lives, we can begin to address and overcome political apathy. Utilizing the tools at our disposal, such as civic engagement, critical thinking, and dialogue, we can actively shape the future of our communities and society as a whole.
