Any Ferris State University student watching the news can see a large amount of political coverage and social action.
From website blocks and occupy movements to another presidential election, we are witnessing a prominent power-struggle between everyday people and government. Controversial bills such as the Stop Online Piracy Act seem to have Americans fearful of a potential George Orwell “1984” future society. It’s safe to say America is heading toward an uncertain future that will affect our generation greater than any other. Health legislation such as the Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act, or “Obamacare,” will regulate the health of our future families and the financial stability of the health care industry.
Still, the greatest questions one should ask are “What matters to me?” And “Am I informed?” Our generational fears, beliefs and priorities need to be stretched outside of our tweets, blogs and Facebook posts and into a ballot. Undoubtedly, the recent statements and actions made by presidential hopefuls can make the candidates appear more like political satirists rather than a potential head of state. Whether it’s President Obama singing Al Green, Rick Perry’s “oops” moment or the trend of candidates dropping out of the race, politics is becoming more entertainment than actual intellectual social commentary.
However, political issues such as tax regulations and education will inevitably be our generation’s inheritance, and to only view our politician’s stances on these issues as material for the Colbert Report lightens the seriousness of the real issues. This has caused a number of college students to choose to want to click to Comedy Central for political information as opposed to pursuing a more in-depth view of the candidates.
Still, beyond the political comedy lies a percentage of society uncertain of the next four years and not confident enough in the intentions of government to alleviate their fears or to care about legislation. I challenge us to go beyond the entertainment of politics and search out the seriousness of the political stances our politicians hold.