Have you ever been in a heated discussion, most of which turn to politics immediately, and heard someone blurt out a statement that seems to make no sense whatsoever? These arguments seem to plague the youth of today, turning many from intelligent students into name callers.
Some people seem to never formulate their own ideas and logic backing their political stance, yet they insist upon shoving useless slander they heard on the streets down our throats regardless of whether or not they know about that person, the statement could be offensive, or it is just their parents’ view.
Ignorance can easily turn to annoyance, and there is nothing more annoying than someone saying ‘Bush is bad, because…well...he’s bad.’ If you’re going to Bush bash, at least have a point and be aware of what is happening in the world. Know something about Bush’s policy making, don’t just continue the trend.
It’s not an issue if you desire to say critical things about political leaders. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and under the first amendment everyone is at liberty to let it be known. After all, this country relies on its occupants to enforce change if change is due. However, voicing your opinion to affect change without prior knowledge rivals constructing a building without a blueprint. In the end, both are fruitless and a travesty. The point is that if one plans to support or criticize, one must know about that person or situation. Don’t judge a book just because everyone else is.
You can be straight democrat, straight republican, or unaffiliated, and it shouldn’t be a deciding factor in friendships. However, when you start projecting your flawed views on to your friends without a care in the world for knowledge about the situation, backlash is inevitable and even foreseeable. In a society where having a passionate opinion is expected as much as celebrated, everyone is likely to chime in when Bush, Cheney, or even Spongebob Squarepants is brought up. These topics will most likely strike up heated conversations. Let’s not hinder such conversations and eventually friendships by presenting arguments that could potentially be offensive. It may not have been meant that way, but once it is said no one will care. Those who actually know something about their stance will argue. Please don’t waste their breath.
Listening and learning from your parents is an intricate part of childhood, but when you charge into a political skirmish armed only with their views, then you are insulting the intelligence of the American youth. As Americans it is our duty not just to be patriotic, but to be informed. Dinner time conversations can be great and even discussing heavy issues with your parents can strengthen your understanding of such topics, but there is a difference between comprehending their views to better formulate your own and pilfering them entirely. The youth of today is all too often taking their parent’s word as law.
Teens spend copious amounts of time on becoming individuals through their hair, music, and even their spike covered vests. How about teens change the trend and become individuals not only externally, but internally with exclusive thoughts and ideas. These thoughts could someday change the world.
The moral of this story? Read the side of the bandwagon before you jump on.
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