As a citizen of the US?

Question

Do you think the citizens of the US are far more apathetic than previous era's/decades?

In your opinion, do you feel you are more or less apathetic than previous generations, coworkers and peers of your era?

Answer 1

The single most destructive thing that has led us to this state of apathy is . . . the hyphen.

Once we started using the hyphen between other words and "American" we allowed groups to begin thinking (and caring) about only their own groups' interests.  In the "patriotic" days of the 40's and 50's, we didn't have all these [insert your race or national origin here]-Americans.  We were all just Americans.

Lose the hyphen and let's take back America!

I know I'm less apathetic than a lot of my co-workers and peers, and I like to think I'm better-informed and interested than previous generations.

Answer 2

I do believe that U.S. citizens today are more apathetic than previous decades.  There is not a cause for the majority of Americans to support such as women's suffrage, stopping communism and so forth.  There is a strong push from Americans to get out of Iraq but nothing near the intensity of protests during Vietnam.  I try and get as many of my friends to register to vote as possible, but I'm generally asked the same question, why?  It's hard to explain to people these days that voting does matter when the public perceives politicians as having their own agenda.  This is truly not the case.  There is a book published by Lee Hamilton called How Congress Works and Why You Should Care that should be mandatory reading in civics classes throughout the nation.  It provides a legislators first hand account on how government works and how if legislators do not respond to their constituency they won't be reelected.  

The other reason people are more apathetic today is they don't believe the national government ever gets anything done.  This is a half true statement.  Our government was set up to move slow, that way the many wouldn't overrule the few and everyone had a voice.  It's how democracy works.  People need to realize that overall the government has made wonderful and amazing strides in producing social equality and to make sure that we are a healthy nation.

Answer 3

Find out what can we do for "My home-town"

Instead of what "My Home-town " can do for me.

Answer 4

Like lobsters languishing in a l pot of lukewarm water, we won't start screaming in agony over our own apathy until the water starts boiling over. Then it will be too late.

We are grossly apathetic today - more so than ever in America's history. It's a shame most of us can recite our favorite athlete's 'stats' verbatim; most of us know all about Britney Spears' love life; and most of us know the seven vulgar words George Carlin couldn't say on television. But few of us know our Congressman's name.  -RKO-  08/21/07

Answer 5

The answer is yes, and no.  Yes because no one cares about government, no because everyone has an opinion.

In my opinion, the entire problem stems from the corporate two party system in this country and the lack of any voice for others who have differing opinions.  Why would you participate in a government that makes itself so unavailable?

Now I'm by no means saying we shouldn't have parties, but the system needs to be expanded to accommodate other points of view.  So many opportunities for good are lost because of unnecessary partisan bickering and finger pointing.  

I don't know about you, but I want a government that actually does something besides spending my tax dollars on getting themselves reelected.

As a young professional, 23, I can certainly say that my generation is extremely gifted and talented.  I can also say if they do not start to actively get involved in civics, then all of our decisions will be made by those who again, don't represent us.

The United States stands for the ability to get involved in your government and make a difference and a name for yourself.  It seems as if we've taken quite a republican (republic as the system of government, not the party) turn in the role of our federal government and it doesn't seem to be doing any good.

Remember that everything is local in the end and so all that young people need to do is get involved locally.  Volunteering, working for a local business, going to events put on by the city, etc.  When you get involved in the community, civics follows closely behind.  Perhaps making it a chore to do community service wasn't such a good idea after all.

Anyways, I'm ranting now so let me wrap this up.  This country has hope, and a great deal of it at that, but we need to reconnect with it.  All of our hope is being wasted by many people who, in the end, are just in it for themselves.  Hold your elected officials accountable, VOTE FOR WHO YOU THINK SHOULD WIN, and participate in your community.

Ben

Answer 6

That may have been true in the 70's and 80's but this immigration mess has people pretty worked up. Apathy follows content and most Americans do not have much to be content about these days.