+- School Survival Forums (http://forums.school-survival.net)
+-- Forum: Learning, Youth Rights and School Survival (/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Forum: Youth Rights (/forumdisplay.php?fid=7)
+--- Thread: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? (/showthread.php?tid=35013)
Pages: 1 2
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - MurkScribe - 02-08-2015 02:53 AM
I like to ask this question to any person after a good 15 minute conversation. But the response I usually get is, I dont know. THE END
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - Username - 02-08-2015 03:37 AM
Probably not.
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - Ky - 02-08-2015 04:06 AM
It's not a question of whether they're capable - like every generation before them, they are no doubt capable of participating in a democratic process. The only way this would change is if they were denied the freedom to do so, thus rendering them incapable.
No, it's more a question of whether they're willing to, whether they're encouraged to...or whether they should.
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - craxyguy562 - 02-08-2015 04:18 AM
Politics bore me.
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - Username - 02-08-2015 04:49 AM
(02-08-2015 04:18 AM)craxyguy562 Wrote: Politics bore me.
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - brainiac3397 - 02-08-2015 06:09 AM
If you dont give em the option to, you cant really determine the answer.
There are countries that have a lower age to run for office(unlike Americas absurdly high age reqs) as well as lower age for voting(like 16). Some places require taking a short course in politics or something to explain the basic concepts before letting a 16 vote.
Compared to rest of the developed democracies, America is pretty ourdated in its ideas. I believe its because American democracy was the prototype that other nations borrowed from, but as they updated it and progressed, the US didnt update as quickly. So instead of being the latest version of 21st century democracy, we're like the prototype beta...which is pretty damn restrictive.
Hell, the Republican party doesnt even espouse the Republicanism ideals the original incarnation of their party was meant to(Jefferson-Republican Party). I wonder how many Republicans know the basics of Republicanism, and how many actually believe in it(despite the USA being built on ideas of Republicanism).
So in basic, At this current point in time America and Americans are pretty much just lying to themselves about the "greatness" of America and American democracy when our democracy is like that old geezer on the street who wears his pants above his belly button and calls black folk Negros.
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - Missile - 02-08-2015 07:10 AM
The Republican Party always vows to abolish the Department of Education. If only the two orgies in Congress would actually do what they say.
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - brainiac3397 - 02-08-2015 07:38 AM
They vow to get rid of it so they can prop up some for-profit national education corporation that'll give em some nice kickbacks.
You always know the decay of a society when the people care more about individual profit than the good of the country. Probably why I support a nationalized education staffed by people who are concerned about the outcome(thus see it as a duty and responsibility of being an active citizen) rather than bottom line(thus see it as financial opportunity to exploit as selfish buisness person)
Like I say, I'm an idealist in believing that the citizens of a nation should aspire to better their nation and community through service and in return receive their fair due for the dedication of their time as well as the maximum benefit from the state for services rendered.
Simplistically speaking, if the US govt is actually the collective beliefs and motivations of American citizens, then it's obvious we're screwed.
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - chloe0013 - 02-08-2015 07:38 AM
I think so. To me, I think that most adults(previous generations) think that we are incapable of doing so which bothers me. I think that if the government actually cared then they would encourage us to participate in a democracy.
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - brainiac3397 - 02-08-2015 09:21 AM
The arguments for not running for office are stupid. If democracy allows the voter to choose, it shouldn't really matter what age the candidate is because becoming a candidate is not a guarantee of being in office.
The whole "They aren't mature enough" logic is thus invalidated because the voters get to decide that, not the government.
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - James Comey - 02-08-2015 12:03 PM
(02-08-2015 02:53 AM)MurkScribe Wrote: I like to ask this question to any person after a good 15 minute conversation. But the response I usually get is, I dont know. THE END
It's not really a question of capability but rather ability and interest. Most people in my school are (unsurprisingly) pretty apathetic about politics overall, and the structure of the United States government. Then again, most of these kids are taught to obey their masters' every direction that has been given, and not give a shit about learning material. Not to mention the ridiculous age requirements contribute to the problem, as Brainiac said.
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - sswbm - 02-10-2015 04:52 PM
Has anyone noticed that you get the right to vote as soon as school is over? It's just a measure to avoid non-schooled people from influencing them. The democracy is a joke.
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - brainiac3397 - 02-11-2015 12:51 AM
Has anyone noticed you can't run for federal office till you're done with college or suffer a years of reality?
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - lisafromjackson - 02-12-2015 01:24 AM
We don't know and we WON'T know if young people are capable of participating in a democracy until AFTER we enfranchise them.
People learn apathy when they are powerless. The problem is, most don't take the power once it is granted them at age 18. They are too accustomed to inaction.
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - KFC Nyan Cat - 02-15-2015 05:22 PM
I think 15 should be the minimum voting age.
I mean, while it's true that the kids in my class think Muslims aren't allowed to live in the USA, there are adults that think that too!
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - craxyguy562 - 02-16-2015 03:11 AM
(02-15-2015 05:22 PM)KFC Nyan Cat Wrote: I think 15 should be the minimum voting age.
I mean, while it's true that the kids in my class think Muslims aren't allowed to live in the USA, there are adults that think that too!
How about lowering it to 13 at least?
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - sswbm - 02-16-2015 03:26 AM
(02-16-2015 03:11 AM)craxyguy562 Wrote:(02-15-2015 05:22 PM)KFC Nyan Cat Wrote: I think 15 should be the minimum voting age.
I mean, while it's true that the kids in my class think Muslims aren't allowed to live in the USA, there are adults that think that too!
How about lowering it to 13 at least?
How about eliminating ageism?
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - Username - 02-16-2015 03:55 AM
(02-15-2015 05:22 PM)KFC Nyan Cat Wrote: I think 15 should be the minimum voting age.
I mean, while it's true that the kids in my class think Muslims aren't allowed to live in the USA, there are adults that think that too!
Not really a shining example of a reasonable argument here.
Quote:How about lowering it to 13 at least?
Look at the thirteen year olds around your school, or hell, observe the ones that browse this forum and think hard, whether you really want the majority of feeble-minded early teenagers to have voting rights.
I see no reason to lower the voting age, I've yet to see any evidence that suggests that this would yield any positive results.
Sue me for being "ageist", ey!
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - sswbm - 02-16-2015 04:02 AM
(02-16-2015 03:55 AM)Username Wrote: Look at the thirteen year olds around your school, or hell, observe the ones that browse this forum and think hard, whether you really want the majority of feeble-minded early teenagers to have voting rights.
What about "feeble" adults, by that (absence of) logic?
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - Username - 02-16-2015 04:06 AM
(02-16-2015 04:02 AM)Jop Wrote:(02-16-2015 03:55 AM)Username Wrote: Look at the thirteen year olds around your school, or hell, observe the ones that browse this forum and think hard, whether you really want the majority of feeble-minded early teenagers to have voting rights.
What about "feeble" adults, by that logic?
I wouldn't raise the voting age higher in order to lock out certain groups people for a little longer, as it would be detrimental in the long run for brighter people that actually support and vote for non-batshit parties.
People change radically throughout their teens as well, much more than their likely to in early adulthood, but hey, I might just be speculating out of my arse.
It's a matter of balance, when it comes to voting age.
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - no - 02-16-2015 06:25 AM
(02-16-2015 04:06 AM)Username Wrote:(02-16-2015 04:02 AM)Jop Wrote:(02-16-2015 03:55 AM)Username Wrote: Look at the thirteen year olds around your school, or hell, observe the ones that browse this forum and think hard, whether you really want the majority of feeble-minded early teenagers to have voting rights.
What about "feeble" adults, by that logic?
I wouldn't raise the voting age higher in order to lock out certain groups people for a little longer, as it would be detrimental in the long run for brighter people that actually support and vote for non-batshit parties.
People change radically throughout their teens as well, much more than their likely to in early adulthood, but hey, I might just be speculating out of my arse.
It's a matter of balance, when it comes to voting age.
Implying age is the only possible way to do it.
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - Username - 02-16-2015 06:32 AM
(02-16-2015 06:25 AM)no Wrote: Implying age is the only possible way to do it.
What do you mean? Possible to do what?
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - no - 02-16-2015 06:53 AM
(02-16-2015 06:32 AM)Username Wrote:(02-16-2015 06:25 AM)no Wrote: Implying age is the only possible way to do it.
What do you mean? Possible to do what?
Determine who can register to vote. If stupid adults that are actually convinced by TV advertising are allowed to vote, why not informed children/teens? The kind of person who we say is "too immature to vote" is the same kind that wouldn't want to because they don't care about politics.
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - James Comey - 02-16-2015 08:10 AM
To be honest it's not really a question of if we are mature enough but rather a question of if we even want to participate.
There tends to be a high voter apathy for young people. A lot of it in all honesty has to do with the disconnection between young people today and the politicians that are in office (especially the generation gap; as Brainiac pointed out we have a pretty ridiculous system of prioritizing age as much as merit when it comes to office). However part of that apathy stems from a lack of understanding about how our voting system even works, and participation in it. Young people generally have very little participation in the democracy, let alone the right to participate in the election. For example, none of us chose to go to school, and we never get a chance to exercise our rights, either.
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - KFC Nyan Cat - 02-16-2015 10:56 AM
(02-16-2015 03:55 AM)Username Wrote:I think it wouldn't yield any positive or negative results, since teens and young adults have a higher voting apathy, plus there are smart teens and dumb teens. There's a difference between beer (drunk driving kills) and voting (a vote never harmed anyone.)(02-15-2015 05:22 PM)KFC Nyan Cat Wrote: I think 15 should be the minimum voting age.
I mean, while it's true that the kids in my class think Muslims aren't allowed to live in the USA, there are adults that think that too!
Not really a shining example of a reasonable argument here.
Quote:How about lowering it to 13 at least?
Look at the thirteen year olds around your school, or hell, observe the ones that browse this forum and think hard, whether you really want the majority of feeble-minded early teenagers to have voting rights.
I see no reason to lower the voting age, I've yet to see any evidence that suggests that this would yield any positive results.
Sue me for being "ageist", ey!
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - James Comey - 02-16-2015 01:21 PM
In the end, the real problem is the perceived "maturity line", in my opinion rather than actual age.
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - Username - 02-16-2015 09:22 PM
(02-16-2015 01:21 PM)Hansgrohe Wrote: In the end, the real problem is the perceived "maturity line", in my opinion rather than actual age.
Yes, but people mature differently and ever so persistently, but I still wouldn't lower the voting age in order to get younger people "involved".
Quote:voting (a vote never harmed anyone.)
What if they were a driving force in electing
Of course, that would never happen, but you never know.
Hidden stuff:
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - lisafromjackson - 02-17-2015 01:32 AM
There is no legitimate downside to universal suffrage.
Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - James Comey - 02-17-2015 03:45 AM
Heh.... I'd actually like to see some kind of competency test to be honest, but that would be absolutely unconstitutional and illegal me thinks.
RE: Are the youth capable of participating in a democracy? - lisafromjackson - 02-17-2015 06:30 AM
Yep. It is poor folk who will be punished by competency tests. I would not like to see that happen. If we want competency, we need to enfranchise people early and often. That way they never get in the habit of apathy.