We’ve all encountered that one friend on social media — you know, the one who avoids political discussions at all costs. Their timeline is often cluttered with a mix of memes from both conservative and liberal circles. They might refrain from taking a stance, fearing backlash or simply because they claim to be indifferent to who governs the nation and the policies they implement.
But then, they post a lengthy rant, questioning, “Why can’t we all just get along?” They express their frustration with “the current political climate,” and declare they are “sick of it all.” Ultimately, they vow to “stay out of politics” and hope others will too, all while sharing an adorable kitten picture.
Sorry to break it to you, but this political apathy is a clear sign of privilege.
When you say you don’t care about politics, it often means you have the luxury of being able to ignore it. You’re not feeling the direct impact of political decisions because they don’t threaten your way of life. Your indifference signals that the political landscape won’t adversely affect you — it might even work in your favor. So, you choose silence.
This positions you within a privileged demographic. The policies enacted by today’s administration significantly affect marginalized communities across America. For many, engaging with politics is not optional; it’s a necessity for survival and safeguarding their rights and wellbeing.
Consider this: I homeschool my children, a privilege that allows me to remain detached from the whims of the current Secretary of Education, whose policies like school choice and decentralized oversight won’t alter our educational approach. While I could easily opt out of the political fray due to my circumstances, I recognize that this privilege allows me to remain uninformed without consequence. Instead of dismissing the concerns of others, I took action and called my senators for over a week, advocating for those whose rights are under threat.
Remember the Muslim ban? Many of us felt its effects indirectly, but we had the privilege not to be directly impacted, allowing some to choose apathy. Yet, countless activists rose to protest this injustice, recognizing that defending democracy extends beyond our personal experiences.
When you say you’re tired of hearing about politics, consider what that reveals about your own position. If you’re not a woman worrying about a president’s derogatory comments, or a Native American concerned about the Dakota Pipeline, or a Jewish person alarmed by rising anti-Semitism, your privilege is evident. Your comfort shields you from the harsh realities faced by those around you, enabling you to ignore the pressing issues that affect countless lives.
So, when you express a desire to avoid political discourse, you’re essentially saying you prefer to remain insulated in your privilege. You may wish to turn a blind eye to the struggles of people of color, Muslims, or anyone else who doesn’t share your level of comfort.
I hope your privilege continues to cocoon you, but remember: as articulated by author Maria Sanchez in her poignant poem, “We are the backbone of America.” Those who care will persist in advocating for justice and equality, regardless of your indifference.
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In summary, disengaging from politics is a privilege that many cannot afford. It’s essential to recognize this reality and engage with the issues that impact our communities, rather than opting for silence and comfort.