Living in the United States right now is exhausting. Between President Donald Trump’s violent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, the Epstein files release, international military tensions and endless fights for human rights, it often feels as though we are all doomed. But, somewhere in the haze of vicious hate cycles and despair, a light shines. People rise and resist. Americans take to their hometown streets and raise their voices for something bigger: liberty and justice for all. In these confusing times, Americans need to be conscious and take action against the oppression they are facing.
“Apolitical” is a term used to describe an individual who is uninterested or nonaligned in politics. Apoliticism can be characterized by acts such as choosing to avoid news, not voting or disengaging in political conversations. As a young woman who took an early interest in politics and as a student journalist, I believe that political affairs impact everyone and it is ignorant to avoid political subjects.
The United States is home to a very polarizing era of politics. Propaganda has simplified everything to black and white. Racism, poverty, socio-economic divides, immigration and government control are all topics that have been reduced to bi-partisan political parties: Republican or Democrat. One is right and the other is wrong; the mid-line has vanished. As I continue to have conversations with apolitical folks around me, I notice that they find themselves trapped between both parties. According to Pew Research Center, about 3 in 10 Americans express unfavorable views of both political parties and 25% of Americans don’t feel represented by either party.
I understand where apoliticism stems from, but in 2026, the US needs informed Americans to vote for who will run the government sectors.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines media literacy as proficiency in the evaluation, analysis and understanding of mass media. To a journalist like myself, media literacy is the starting point of my work. Being conscious of what is happening around you is a crucial skill that you will need for your entire life. I get it, the news is tough to swallow sometimes and I feel that way too; however, identifying your feelings is the first step to generating change. Identifying your feelings and acting upon them is what makes your voice heard. Humans are inspired by each other’s courage, as goes my favorite saying by Maggie Kuhn, “Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.”
On the other hand, you could stay silent. You could just choose not to say or do anything against your oppressors. But what does that earn you? Nothing. That’s how I view apolitical individuals. Sitting by and watching your country fall into a downward spiral of hate is the weakest thing a human can do. I feel as though it takes more energy to avoid politics because once you sit back, you’ll realize that the US Government is in control of everything you do. The food you eat is in the hands of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which regulates national nutrition standards and farming. Going to school is possible because the US Department of Education ensures your fair access to learning. Driving or taking the bus is operated by the US Department of Transportation, which oversees all methods of travel and infrastructure. The list goes on and on.
It’s time to drop the excuses for being politically uneducated because the world needs to hear your voice. The little things make the biggest difference. There are plenty of ways to start establishing your political views; all you need to do is figure out what you’re passionate about. Reading a news article, visiting a local village hall or talking about difficult topics are all ways to let go of apoliticism. America needs your opinions.
As the 2026 primary election gets closer, now is a great time to educate yourself on the US government and politics. The primaries allow voters to select political candidates from their party to run in the general election. IL runs closed primaries, meaning voters must be affiliated with a party to vote in that party’s primary. Make sure to register to vote and vote in the IL primaries on March 17, 2026. Your voice makes a difference.
