How effective are politics? That is to say, can we, as citizens, create meaningful change in society through politics? I don't just mean voting once a year (or once every four years...). Instead, I mean politics as a way of engaging with society, the government, and fellow citizens, as a way of discussing issues and of being involved.
I ask this question because I have recently had many friends and acquaintances tell me that politics are pointless, meaningless, depressing, and a complete waste of time. I disagree with them but have found it difficult to express why I think politics are so important.
Perhaps what I mean by politics is close to what Lefort meant by "the political" - the actions that continually recreate the structures of society. Therefore, to me, being politically engaged really has very little to do with political parties or candidates.
I ask this question because I have recently had many friends and acquaintances tell me that politics are pointless, meaningless, depressing, and a complete waste of time. I disagree with them but have found it difficult to express why I think politics are so important.
Perhaps what I mean by politics is close to what Lefort meant by "the political" - the actions that continually recreate the structures of society. Therefore, to me, being politically engaged really has very little to do with political parties or candidates.
In fact, I believe that the over emphasis in the media on parties and candidates is what has led to this rejection of politics when, in fact, virtually everything that happens in society is political. One could, of course, point out the inherently exploitative aspects of many social interactions and structures, but I've observed that doing so tends to alienate those who don't identify themselves with Marxism or other conflict theories.
Because the United States is a republic (ie, a representative democracy), we are all by default involved in the governance of the country. Yet the fact remains that a huge percentage of the population isn't even involved enough to vote. I understand that many people are cynical about our government, but couldn't one argue that they have become corrupt because the people haven't held them responsible? This certainly doesn't excuse them, but it illustrate that we have to ACT if we expect anything to change.
As history has shown us, political movements have the potential to radically change society and government, so why do so many people not get involved? What makes people so complacent? I don't have the answer, but I honestly do want to find out and understand. I'd appreciate any insights.
Because the United States is a republic (ie, a representative democracy), we are all by default involved in the governance of the country. Yet the fact remains that a huge percentage of the population isn't even involved enough to vote. I understand that many people are cynical about our government, but couldn't one argue that they have become corrupt because the people haven't held them responsible? This certainly doesn't excuse them, but it illustrate that we have to ACT if we expect anything to change.
As history has shown us, political movements have the potential to radically change society and government, so why do so many people not get involved? What makes people so complacent? I don't have the answer, but I honestly do want to find out and understand. I'd appreciate any insights.