In my community, there’s a high school that throws a yearly spectacle called “Democracy Day.” This isn’t just any event; it’s a raucous showdown where students dive headfirst into a chaotic election process for various leadership positions. The energy is palpable, charged with a sense of urgency that these young contenders wear like a badge of honour. The school becomes a battleground of political debate, overflowing with unrestrained campaign zeal.
Realising that my daughter holds a crucial managerial position in this circus, it sparked an idea in me: why not investigate the political awareness of these fired-up 16- and 17-year-olds? My goal? To rip apart the layers of their understanding – delving into their views on the intricacies of the Australian political system and the wider global mess.
This went far beyond a mere academic exercise; it was a chance to plumb the depths of these future leaders and expose their raw opinions on the chaotic world around them.
I developed a ruthless survey that spanned an entire spectrum – from the simple to the downright challenging, tackling both state and federal issues head-on. After sifting through the responses, it struck me: not a single one would be disqualified from voting in an Australian election due to ignorance of their own country’s politics. Their passion and insight stood out like a beacon, sparking a fierce optimism for the future of civic engagement in Australia.
Sixteen-year-olds should vote. They did it in the recent Scottish referendum, after all. I tried making my case, but it felt insufficient; I’d only interviewed the cream of the crop. I was left in the dark about the actual political knowledge of the average student.
Of course, anyone could counter my argument. Many argue we hardly grasp the mindset of the current 18-and-over voting demographic. I stumbled across an article presenting a radical notion: introducing the study of politics in Year 8, granting any student who participated in relevant political debates automatic voting rights. This would drastically shake up the electorate, giving space to young voices eager to dive into civic discussion.
In a society increasingly dominated by an aging populace, this change could bridge the yawning chasm, empowering disillusioned youth who often feel sidelined in the political game. This concept is bold, audacious – precisely the kind of thinking that grabs attention and ignites conversation. Plus, it holds the potential to foster lifelong voters, shaping a more engaged and informed society for generations to come – armed with a solid grasp of how democracy functions.
Searching for a word
I was on the hunt for a word – or words – that pack a punch. You know how I crave those powerful terms that distil the essence of truth. I’m searching for a word that candidly encapsulates the human experiences we share, just like you and me, but in Gazza.
The options I found – hideous, grotesque, ugly, unsightly, repulsive, revolting – felt pitiful against the backdrop of the inhumanity being inflicted on lives yet to be lived in the Middle East.
These words – horrific, grotesque, monstrous – none of them come close to conveying the gravity I’m after. So, let’s put our heads together and dig deeper. Then think again.
Words that make you think
When it comes to my beliefs in religion or my atheistic viewpoints, I can only say that I exist in a constant state of observation – that’s the very backbone of science, of knowledge, of fact.
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Given that voting is presented as an unavoidable civic responsibility, it is only logical to ensure that all potential voters are educated about the complexities of our political structures and procedures.
Using the word in its proper sense, enormity (“The quality of passing all moral bounds; excessive wickedness or outrageousness.”) may be the word you seek.
Try a word choice from Roget’s Thesaurus, perhaps entry 934. Plenty…
I might split the difference.
Any 17yo can vote and anyone enrolled in year 12 if they are under 17 (present student card to enrol, or something like that.)
Not all 16 year olds have the maturity, but not all those over 18 do ether.
See how that goes after, say 3 elections and if all good then look at lowering it further.
Of course, given what the polls indicate are the general voting intentions of this younger cohort, I doubt the LNP or Labor would ever support such changes. But the Greens would definitely benefit.