by Marcus Howley ’28 on September 24, 2026
Opinion
In ancient Athens, the term idiotes was used to describe a person who refused to take part in the politics of Athens. This term would evolve over time to the modern-day term of idiot. Politics in the modern day can be very contentious and uncomfortable, especially with the constant mudslinging and vitriol that has embodied our era of mass polarization. It may seem tempting or even appealing to retreat back from the world of politics. You may look outside and think to yourself, “what happens in any given election doesn’t affect me much, some small things may change, but my day still goes on as it did before.” At first, this may appear to be a reasonable statement, especially if you live in middle to upper middle-class America; living in a situation where you have enough comfort and security to not worry about the reach of D.C.
Yet, the key to your ability to not care is in the last part there, you have the security not to care. Your privilege, whether from class or race, protects you. However, for many Americans across the states and people across the globe, politics matter a lot. Any given election can determine whether someone is able to afford food, gas, housing, or even be able to live in the country. Our elections can serve as a hammer to smash the most vulnerable among us, turning their already difficult situations into dire ones. It is irresponsible of us not to care about politics. At its core, failure to care or participate causes us to neglect those who need our help the most. Politics are messy, and there is no doubt about that, but it is necessary for us to get our hands dirty.
The worst thing about not caring is devolving into pure apathy about politics and, in turn, our democracy. When people stop caring about voting or showing up at the polls, it weakens the institutions that are necessary to uphold democracy. With low voter turnout, more power is put into the hands of the few who do show up. This can create situations where, in local elections, 20 percent of the town’s population can completely decide or rewrite its future. The consequences of handing this much control over to so small a group of people can be disastrous for democratic institutions. Those in power benefit greatly from this, as fewer voters mean they can be more secure in their position, as well as do things without accountability. Voting is a main way to hold our political leaders in check, and if people refuse to show, those leaders can hide from accountability or limitations. If we do not hold our leaders accountable, then we effectively remove the reigns of democracy from around our government. They are able to act in any way which can serve or benefit them. When democracy begins to crack, the rest of society collapses around it.
When the hammer of politics smashes down upon the unfortunate, those who do not care about politics are complicit in the destruction. How might this be the case? When one refuses to step in and advocate or care for those who are most vulnerable, they are enabling the actions of those who destroy and oppress them. In order to be complicit, to give power to those who wish to harm, you do not need to say something in support. Rather, all you have to do is say nothing at all. The moment you decide not to take a stand, the oppressor has already won. This is why it is necessary to care about politics, if not for yourself and the issues around you, then for those who are most tossed around by the changing of the tides. We owe it to every person, not just in our country, but around the world. Your vote could decide the life of a child halfway across the world. Whether we continue to be complicit in horrific crimes or take the side of justice, your voice, your vote, your participation counts. Don’t be an idiot, what you do matters.