BleepingComputer.com: Do The Kids Today (high School Level Only) Take An Intest In Politics? Should They?

BE HONEST...

Poppy

Yup, but only a few are actually very deeply interested in politics. Some are interested in studying politics, and some are interested in the politics going on right now.
A lot of people don't care, though.

I don't think it's important wether or not high schoolers take an interest in politics.

Now you mention it, MANY Young people take a very active part in Politics right around the World. They are called Children's/ Youth Parliments.

Here are a few Links to get the Discussion started. I personally think it is a wonderful thing to let young people speak out on what they consider a good thing for their Countries and even more wonderful that some Governments actually listen to them. People tend to forget that our young people are tomorrow's World Leaders.

http://www.gmfc.org/index.php/gmc6/content/view/full/259

http://www.i-s-w.org/en/parlement.html

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/ILB/2000/32.html

There are many more on Google here.

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&...nts&spell=1

Even when in high school and mainly thinking for themselves, many may be influenced by their parents. If parents don't vote and have constantly taught that 'nothing can be done', I would think these would likely be the kids that have the least interest in politics. A shame as their beliefs - and votes, as soon as they are able - will shape their worlds.

Actually my Parents haven't voted for about 20 Years which would mean in the times when Margaret Thatcher was PM, but that won't stop me voting.

I like to talk about a lot of things, Business, Technology, Sport and more recently Politics (Last Year or so) all being interests. But it does seem that not many my Age like Politics or any that I know anyway, we do Joke about voting for BNP (British National Party) but in all seriousness I will be voting for a Party that takes my Interest in what they will do if they get into Power, I have mentioned the Tories (Conservatives) before based on current circumstances but will see what other Parties do and consider then, when it is time to vote.

I think kids are, alot more than people realize. I have a grand daughter in HS who keeps telling me how great Obama is. I know she has not watched any debates or done any checking into either of the candidates. So she must be learning it in school. But what bothers me is they should not be teaching students what thier idea of a good politician is. If they are going to go into the subject, be neutral, show the good and the bad of both sides. Encourage them to find out on thier own and then make an informed decision. All I'm seeing is kids parroting either the parents or the teachers.

I think kids should pay attention to what is going on and remember for when they are able to vote, legally, and make thier own decisions....

Most of us do get involved in politics to some degree, be it a passing interest, volunteering, or lying about your age to vote . As for influence it comes from all over the place: Parents, friends, TV, etc.

[quote name='MaraM' post='969976' date='Oct 9 2008, 01:04 PM']Even when in high school and mainly thinking for themselves, many may be influenced by their parents. If parents don't vote and have constantly taught that 'nothing can be done', I would think these would likely be the kids that have the least interest in politics. A shame as their beliefs - and votes, as soon as they are able - will shape their worlds.[/quote]


Yeah great, shape the world. I love when all the ignorant masses flock to the booths and mindlessly pull the lever for republican or democrat. Most people are stupid. They have no idea about any issues and they will probably vote based on,"Who would I rather have a beer with." The best way for us to shape the world would be to NOT Vote. If no candidate in the next election wins, then the American people can move in and clean up the government.

[quote name='ryan_w_quick' post='982596' date='Oct 23 2008, 12:06 AM'][quote name='MaraM' post='969976' date='Oct 9 2008, 01:04 PM']Even when in high school and mainly thinking for themselves, many may be influenced by their parents. If parents don't vote and have constantly taught that 'nothing can be done', I would think these would likely be the kids that have the least interest in politics. A shame as their beliefs - and votes, as soon as they are able - will shape their worlds.[/quote]


Yeah great, shape the world. I love when all the ignorant masses flock to the booths and mindlessly pull the lever for republican or democrat. Most people are stupid. They have no idea about any issues and they will probably vote based on,"Who would I rather have a beer with." The best way for us to shape the world would be to NOT Vote. If no candidate in the next election wins, then the American people can move in and clean up the government.
[/quote]

That right there is the Great Paradox that befalls America!

How the heck can you have a Democracy if you tell people not to Vote? Then basically say lets use Force to clean up the mess?

That is a True Paradox!

It is not even funny, it is really scarey!

Edit. What makes it worse is what happened to the Kennedys in the Past?
Will that happen again and completely destroy America?

America's Call to the World!

The World is waiting for it, even High School Kids know that.

^^^^^
what are you talking about?

[quote name='Wildabeast' post='970437' date='Oct 9 2008, 11:45 PM']I think kids are, alot more than people realize. I have a grand daughter in HS who keeps telling me how great Obama is. I know she has not watched any debates or done any checking into either of the candidates. So she must be learning it in school. But what bothers me is they should not be teaching students what thier idea of a good politician is. If they are going to go into the subject, be neutral, show the good and the bad of both sides. Encourage them to find out on thier own and then make an informed decision. All I'm seeing is kids parroting either the parents or the teachers.

I think kids should pay attention to what is going on and remember for when they are able to vote, legally, and make thier own decisions.... [/quote]

I agree 100% My daughter's 10th grade Social Studies class were debating the candidates in the '08 election. The teacher handed out a lot more Republican propaganda than Democratic. The Republicans won the school debates. I couldn't help myself, but I had to place an Obama sticker on the front bumper of his SUV! It lasted there up until 3 days before the election!

[quote]The teacher handed out a lot more Republican propaganda than Democratic.[/quote]

And that is absolutely shameful. Schools do it all of the time though. They push political agendas, sexism, and biased viewpoints. I have one teacher this year that basically forced us into 5 minutes of silence in remembrance of 9/11. I can remember the fallen in my own way, and on my own time. I pay to go to school.. And whenever there was talk of politics, it heavily favored Democrats. In fact, there were 'bonus' questions on one of our tests that were favorable to Obama. I am old enough to be able to think for myself and realize when a teacher is being biased, but some of my classmates are young; they don't know enough to think for themselves yet. In high school, there is no place for personal views. That is (often) how stereotypes and biases propagate.

When student evaluations come up, I will be complaining about the political bias, and the 9/11 remembrance.

Do kids take an interest or do kids do whats popular at the time?

Personally I'd say 10% actually do pay attention. 30% just get info from their parents and adopt their beliefs and views without reason. Another 40% get all the info off of late night comedy shows and from whatever their friends have told them about 5 second clips of someone's speach. And really the other 20% just don't give a hoot.

Kind of like real life huh?