Influenced by yet another Twitter Thread?
Being born and raised during the age where matters in question have directly impacted our community, politics isn't just a choice—it's a fundamental part of our identity. Today, people have crafted their own approach to accountability, often brushing it aside. Violent crimes against humanity now feed headlines, memes, and Instagram stories, all fleeting and shaped by algorithms. The real question that arises is: Is our empathy confined to a 60-second reel?
As our feeds quickly transition from Rafah to Reasi ( District Under terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India), those affected by both incidents are left to wonder—if all that matters to people is a momentary glimpse, a passing thought, a fleeting emotion, all dictated by the scroll of a thumb. These two regions, though geographically distant and politically distinct, share the commonality of enduring conflict.
The rapid succession of these stories in our social media feeds often reduces their realities to mere posts, which are governed by algorithms designed to maximize engagement rather than convey the real deal at hand. This same algorithm dictates our view, frequently prioritizing content that provokes a strong immediate reaction.
To point out the nature of privilege that the term ‘Apolitical’ carries- it is important to understand that this stance, while seemingly disengaged from political discourse , is often a manifestation of a sense of entitlement. Those who can ‘afford’ to be Apolitical are the ones whose daily lives remain untouched by conflict or/and have not faced any significant adversary.
And for the same people, whose empathy is increasingly mediated by social media- each decision of disengagement speaks volumes about the indifference that erodes the very fabric of our nation. And for the people of regions like Jammu and Kashmir, their daily existence is inextricably linked to political decisions, military actions, and international policies.
And in the world where protests against Taliban would have otherwise been silenced, the pro democratic revolution protests in Tunisia and Egypt would have gone unheard for, we saw a flare of people, globally, engaging as a community in solidarity, on every social media platform which acted as Noah’s arc in tragedy. As global citizens, we have a responsibility to transcend the superficial engagement fostered by social media platforms and delve into the deeper realities of those affected by turmoil.
If wisely used, social media can also tie us all with a thread of common interest- dialogue. And for the moments when the weight of involvement feels unbearable and our very safety hangs in the balance, we must turn to the same old force of discussion, breathing life into the exchange of ideas.
Image Credit: Kunii from Unsplash Photos
While political people often retain their spot as the curious residents of the reining field of discourse and deliberation, they are frequently criticized as being too opinionated or too outspoken, or too involved by those who choose to remain indifferent and refuse to take a stand. The world today bleeds, as humanity takes a backseat in the hearts of extremist groups- and the most heinous crime to commit in such situations would be choosing silence.
We should recognize that society, including our parents, doesn't necessarily 'create' our political behavior; rather, we observe, absorb, and embody it. The notion of 'apolitical-ness' perpetuates the stereotype that youth are self-centered, lazy, and undeserving of the vote. This misconception about Gen Z, driven by a few disengaged individuals, widens the generational gap and reinforces the idea that "it won't make a difference anyway."
In this digital age, where virtual approval is formidably overpowering, many of us have distanced ourselves from traditional politics. However, we need a strong passion to prove these harsh claims wrong. By engaging in micro-politics—such as participating in classroom debates and electing college presidents democratically—we can challenge these stereotypes. Our active involvement could lead to the reinvention of politics through new forms of activism like boycotts and buycotts.
Political involvement doesn't demand adopting a Gandhian stance, it starts with the simple yet powerful acts of voicing your opinion in a school magazine, holding discussions within your community, and casting your vote wisely as part of your civic duty. Being politically aware and active is not just about supporting a cause; it’s about recognizing our shared humanity.
