Americans know nothing about politics - 550 Words

Is it true that Americans know almost nothing about politics? (Essay Sample) Content: IS IT TRUE THAT AMERICANS KNOW ALMOST NOTHING ABOUT POLITICS?[Students Name] [Instructor][Task][Date]IS IT TRUE THAT AMERICANS KNOW ALMOST NOTHING ABOUT POLITICS? Every country has a commonpoliticalphilosophywith shared values, norms, and beliefs. These beliefs form part of the economic, social, and cultural aspects of citizens daily lives and, therefore,influencetheir behavior. As such, many decisions that leaders makeare influencedby the beliefs and culturalorientationof their people. At theturnof 1962, Dionne published the book Why Americans Hate Politics. Basing on his observations andanalysis, he remarked that America needed a new approach to its politics, one that is inclusive. Though addressing Americaspoliticsin the 1960s,severaloccurrences today are still justifications enough that Americans hate politics and, therefore, know almost nothing about it. Discussing American politics without mentioning therateof polarization of its parties is almost impossible. C ontemporary politics in America hasgraduallybut steadily shown a widening chasm between its party leaders, Republicans and Democrats. Thissituationhas worsened to the extent that some pundits and scholars refer to as irreversible. Consequently, many young people have lost interest in the political battles that have seen the country split into two. According to Dionne, the United States political map has taken the coloration of civil war (31). Polarization affects peoples participation in politics. It could be one of the possible reasons forlittleinvolvementinAmericas political affairs by citizens. According to Chaloupka, politics is hardly discussed in America (85). This is yet another clear indication that Americans hate politics. He claims, A long standing dictum of American social manners advises that on first acquaintance, two topics of conversation should be avoided at all cost: religion and politics (85). Taking a stand against discussing religion on a first acquaintance i s acceptable. This is because religious debates have existed for centuries with no remarkable progress or understanding. However, pairing it with politics is not only irrational, but also undemocratic. In mature democracies like Americas, politics should and must be everyones business. Since discussion is the cut and thrust of politics, Americans are missing out. Effective argument is essential not only in politics, but also in other spheres of life. Citizens learn and shape each others opinions through discussion. Therefore, a nation that discourages its young ones from discussing politics, like America, cannot claim to like politics or claim an understanding of its principles. Anyone who still doubts Americans little political knowledge or hatred for politics in other words must be ignorant of their voting patterns. According to Wilson, it is quite ironical that only a few people vote in America, yet the country has so many eligible voters (171). Chaloupka echoes these same sent iments by saying America ..shouldnt be surprised that fewer than half its adults bother to vote, due to its hatred for politics (85). If there is a measure for the level of a nations liking or hatred for politics, it cannot be far from participating in elections. In fact, election marks the epic of political participation. This is...