By Carly Apuzzo Teen Panelist
Politics are a constant source of both passion and frustration for teens in America. Whether the issue is the war in Iraq, gay marriage or the drinking age, everyone has their own political opinion. To gain a better understanding of teen involvement in politics, we asked several students what issues were most important to them.
“I feel strongly about people who are ignorant toward government issues and criticize the war just because they don’t understand it,” said Live Oak High School graduate Megan Neal. “My fiancé is in the Air Force, and I feel very strongly about supporting out military men and women.”
Sidney Caldwell, a junior at Notre Dame High School, feels strongly about the issue of gay marriage.
“The government shouldn’t have a say in who should and should not be married. Even if you disagree with it, it’s completely wrong to use political power to ban something you personally dislike,” said Caldwell.
Some teens feel that politics aren’t important or that people get too caught up in political activism. Others argue that not enough teens are politically educated. Matt Albert, a senior at San Benito High School, said, “I’ve heard some kids talk about how they don’t want to keep up on politics because it’s too much work. That’s one less voice that will be heard when it’s time to vote, and one more that will be heard when things are going wrong.”
Sarah Shores, a junior at San Benito High School, has a more moderate opinion.
“Some people I know take politics too far, while others don’t even know what’s going on. Personally, I have some idea, but I don’t really follow politics.”
Should political awareness be important to teens and adults alike? Brianna Ceaser, a junior at Live Oak High School, believes political awareness is necessary for all people.
“Everyone should know what’s going on in the world,” she said, “because politics affect everyone, not just people 18 and older.”
