“Politics seems like nonsense to me,” some say, unaware that without politics, nations, states, democracy, and citizens cannot exist.
By Omaira Martínez – Colombian Journalist
It’s necessary to recognize that politics is inherent to people from the moment they are born and registered as citizens of a country, acquiring the rights that govern that territory.
Once again, I must tolerate attacks when I try to explain the benefits of politics to some people in my close circle. Arguing to the point of verbal aggression and insults over political differences is the first sign of political ignorance.
It’s important to understand that politics isn’t represented by someone special, a color, or political parties, but by everyone from the moment they exercise their rights and civic duties. Each person can have the ideology they prefer, but with awareness and knowledge of the ideas they follow. With coherence between what they think, say, and do, and accepting the consequences of their civic decisions.
Politics isn’t just the business of politicians—it’s a responsibility for everyone, and the first duty is to vote. Those who prefer not to talk about, inform themselves, or take an interest in politics are usually the ones who don’t vote and are the loudest to criticize, complain, and demand from the state or government.
Those who politically sway like the tide, based on personal convenience and the circumstances of the moment, are politically ignorant and bad citizens.
Politics and its practice as citizens is no nonsense, nor is it a boring topic. It’s one of the best ways to build democracy, a nation, and a more tolerant world order in the face of diversity.
It’s not an issue that should continue to be avoided; on the contrary, it’s necessary to foster more political culture by creating spaces for learning, dialogue, and peaceful discussion despite differences.
Schools should start teaching children about the importance of politics. In them—the citizens of the future—lies the future of humanity.
As I’ve said before in an article, echoing a popular phrase: “A people who disengage from politics end up being governed by the worst men.”
