From Apathy to Action: Why Understanding and Engaging with Politics Matters

On an podcast episode with Jay Shetty, Michelle Obama challenged the common narrative that “the government doesn’t do anything,” arguing instead that it permeates every aspect of our lives and it’s foolish to believe otherwise. This got me thinking: why do so many people hold this misconception, and what are the consequences of not understanding or engaging with the system that shapes our world?

Because here’s the thing: the government does everything for us and touches every aspect of our lives. From our local school board to the federal legislature. It builds and maintains roads, funds schools, regulates food and water, protects our environment, and provides essential services like healthcare and social security. Our lives are built and shaped by our government’s actions or inactions. So, to say it does “nothing” is simply untrue.

Lack of Knowledge, Apathy, and Distrust

One part of the problem is undoubtedly a need for more knowledge. How many of us truly grasp the intricacies of local, state, and federal government functions? How well do we understand our history, the roots of our political, social, and economic landscape? History is complex, and our education system hasn’t always equipped us with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate its complexities. I am constantly learning and unlearning, filling gaps in my understanding.

Another barrier to engagement is apathy or distrust. Many choose to stay on the sidelines, disengaging from politics altogether. This distrust is often rooted in a fundamental truth: not everyone experiences the benefits of our democracy equally. We don’t all live lives of liberty. We are not all pursuing happiness. Some of us are barely making it, struggling to survive in a system that dehumanizes us.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY FREE NEWSLETTER

The Consequences of Disengagement

But here is why not understanding, not caring, and not getting involved is problematic, life-threatening, or fatal, especially for historically marginalized groups. The government isn’t some distant, separate entity; it’s the air we breathe, the roads we drive on, the schools our kids attend, and the parks they skip around.

Every thought, every action, every relationship has political implications. And whether we vote, whether we understand, whether we care, whether we trust – it all matters—big time. And so we cannot dismiss something so fundamental to the makeup and the integrity of who we are as a people.

One of my favorite scholars, Isabel Wilkerson, put it best: “Ignorance is no protection from the consequences of inaction.” We cannot afford to use “I didn’t know” or “I don’t care” as an excuse. We need to cultivate our critical consciousness. We need to deeply understand how the world works and our role within it. We need to care, to inform ourselves, and to get involved.

The Need for Consciousness and Participation

Because real, revolutionary, radical, transformative, impactful change requires consciousness. It requires active participation. This isn’t just about casting a ballot every few years. It’s about understanding our power, the interconnectedness of our systems, and the responsibility that comes with being citizens of this nation.

It’s about demanding better and holding our elected officials accountable. Freedom will never ring as long as we sit back comfortably and let history take its course. We have to actively take part in creating history. We have to leverage the specific influence we have to make change.

Steps to Get Started

Educate Yourselves

Read books and articles about history, politics, and current events. Talk to your community members and learn about their perspectives. Listen to a podcast. Watch a YouTube video. Engage in critical thinking and challenge your assumptions.

Find Your Local Representatives

Get to know who makes the decisions that impact your community. Attend town halls and community meetings. Reach out, share your concerns, and hold them accountable. Vote in every election. Your voice matters.

Challenge Apathy

Don’t let cynicism and negativity win. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of civic and political engagement. Encourage them to get informed and involved. Spread the word, break down the apathy, and inspire others to get involved.

Support Organizations Working for Change

Donate your time, skills, or resources to groups fighting for a more just and equitable society. Raise awareness about issues that affect your community.

The Power of Small Actions

Remember, there is power in doing small things. The small things add up. Every phone call to a representative, every email to a senator, every conversation with a neighbor or loved one, every hour and dollar donated, and every vote cast adds up. The small things are the individual pieces of the puzzle that make it whole. The small things get us to significant change.

Share your reflections and experiences in the comments below. What is one thing you are going to do to create change? What resources would help you learn more about government and politics? Let’s start a conversation and build a movement of empowered citizens.

With less apathy and more action,

Tamera