Opinion by CoventryThompson

I love talking about politics. Not because I love the conflict and separations that come with these discussions, but because I love hearing about others’ opinions and how that might be influenced by their background and identity. 

However, I do know that political discussions are something many people dread, so I am careful about who I have these discussions around. Even if you don’t love having political debates or discussions, at least caring about politics and looking into current events is something all of us should be doing.

 Politics affect all of us. Laws, elections, and executive orders don’t care whether or not you care about politics; these things will affect all of us regardless. 

Because most decisions made in Congress, the Oval Office, or local governments will affect you or someone you know, it is important to keep up with political candidates to figure out who best represents you and your interests.

 One major reason people avoid politics is the fights and social separations that can happen because of political differences. However, being informed on politics and what’s happening in the government doesn’t mean you have to talk about it all the time with friends and family. 

If you do wish to share your opinions and engage in friendly debates, you should always take note to engage in these conversations in good faith and honestly listen to the other person to create a respectful environment.

Another reason often given for people not wanting to get involved in politics is they aren’t informed or educated on the issues.

Getting educated on important issues is easier now than ever before with the internet and diverse sources of information available. You don’t have to have a strong opinion right away, but it’s important to be educated and aware of issues that will affect you or someone you care about.

 Another reason you should be informed on politics is because it’s an important part of personal and intellectual independence. 

Most of us are probably at least aware of what our parents believe politically and who they vote for. As you get older and prepare to become more independent and form your own ideas, it’s important to question and explore beliefs other than the ones you were raised with.

 Researching and seeking out other beliefs can grow your critical thinking skills and can allow you to practice media literacy skills and fact-checking. 

Even if you do end up believing the same things as your family and community, you still came to these conclusions on your own and have grown your independence. 

Remember, your views do not have to strictly conform to one party or view. You should explore how you feel about each individual issue instead of just going with what one side says. Your views will likely end up being just as complex as you, and they will continue to evolve over time.

Political issues you may see as boring and not important will impact you sooner than you think. Issues like minimum wage, student loan forgiveness, and taxes will impact you almost immediately when you leave high school. 

Many seniors are already thinking about issues like student loans. 

Even if you have never watched the news, never really looked up the difference between Democrats and Republicans, and cannot tell anyone the policies of our two presidential candidates, it is never too late to become politically informed.

 With the upcoming election and a small number of us Marian girls being eligible to vote this November, now is the perfect time to start becoming politically active.

So, tonight, watch the news, look up a political candidate, or look up different parties’ policies. Just remember to use good sources of information, look into diverse perspectives, and always check your sources.