The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

The student news site of Pleasant Valley High School

Spartan Shield

Students’ lack of passion brings a hatred towards politics

Grace+Halupnik+%28left%29%2C+Maddy+Licea+%28center%29+and+Taylor+English+%28right%29+show+frustration+in+school+due+to+the+arguing+between+different+political+views.
Carly Lundry
Grace Halupnik (left), Maddy Licea (center) and Taylor English (right) show frustration in school due to the arguing between different political views.

On the forefront of an immense political polarization in The United States, many students have become the victims of a lack of effort and thus turn to ignorance as conflicts arise.

A common phrase used by students, particularly during election season, is ‘I hate politics.’ Politics are the activities associated with governmental processes. The fact that citizens are not satisfied with the government reflects not upon politics, but the politicians that are currently holding important offices. Choosing to ignore the frustration will only keep those elected officials in power longer.

Sophomore, Abby Buechel, is among the many who feel frustrated during election season. “The arguing between different sides and the constant disagreement between students during this time is annoying. I don’t really think much about politics,” she said.

According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll, three in four Americans are dissatisfied with political processes, yet the voter turnout in the 2016 presidential election was less than 60%. Citizens are not showing up to vote, even though it is clear they are not happy with the current political atmosphere and elected officials. 

Citizens desire change but they are too lazy to create it.

Aside from the commonly held belief that politics has become corrupt and unfair, students are not taking the time to educate themselves about current issues. Idleness and a lack of passion have taken over the youth of this country. 

When conflicts arise, effort is required to learn, develop a belief, and form a conclusion. Even when students form those beliefs, they often fall short in standing up for them. Buechel chooses to refrain from sharing any of her opinions because of the negative judgement she could receive.

Political polarization has created a bipartisan divide. Students feel they have to choose the right or the left, and this pressure is causing them to ignore the problem completely. Politics have shifted from supporting a candidate or an idea, to supporting a party and only the stereotypes associated with that party. 

Forming opinions is inevitable; it will happen no matter the circumstance. Students do not hate politics; they lack the effort to stand up for what they know they believe.

Jeff Meyers, a history teacher at Pleasant Valley believes this generation can break this pattern. “I am hopeful that students today are sensing the importance of this election and the need to participate,” he said. 

This generation will be a reflection of the future, and it all starts with the ballot. 

Leave a Comment
Donate to Spartan Shield
$480
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa. Your contribution will allow us to purchase needed equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

More to Discover
About the Contributor
Carly Lundry, Editor in Chief
Carly Lundry is currently 18 years old and a senior at Pleasant Valley High School. When she is not dedicating her time to academics, Lundry enjoys swimming for our high school team and club. Lundry is also apart of the extremely successful Pleasant Valley Softball team. Lundry enjoys reading and has dedicated herself to her academic career all throughout high school. Lundry also enjoys general exercise in her free time. Outside of her busy schedule Lundry enjoys analyzing politics and current events. Lundry looks forward to being involved in politics and having the ability to vote in the next election. Lundry has found a passion of hers is the environment; she is a vegan as apart of her lifestyle. Being vegan is a part of Lundry’s dedication to reversing climate change. Due to this dedication, Lundry intends on pursuing a career where she can study nutrition and dietetics. After high school, Lundry intends on attending a big school to continue her education. She also enjoys yoga, cooking, and teaching swim lessons.  
Donate to Spartan Shield
$480
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All Spartan Shield Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activate Search
Students’ lack of passion brings a hatred towards politics