투표합시다!
What are you going to do on June 2nd? I guess many of you think it is merely a day far off in the future. Here is a hint, ‘local election’. Recently, you can see people campaigning, handing out cards with the name of candidates and a list of their election promises. In addition, you can see campaign adds all around us even on campus. As you can see, the local election is coming.But what does it mean to college students?
It is widely known that these days young people, especially most college students are more concerned with finding a job than in participating in politics. It is the main cause for political apathy among youth. People can say it is a natural situation even though their attitude toward politics is an important social problem. From childhood, we have been taught that the one way that the people can express their thoughts on political matters and improve social problems is to take part in the government’s policy decision by voting in elections.
We have participated in many elections for class president, popularity contests and many other formal or informal votes since childhood. However, after becoming adults and getting the right to vote, many people have a tendency to ignore it is their obligation to exercise their right to vote. Even in our college society, many students do not participate in student policy making and the decision process for the realization of their desire to make the college a better place. The politics of everyday life is mainly managed by groups like the General Student Councils, the College media, and even our clubs on campus. This may seem small but it affects real politics in our society. Actually, in comparison with the past, it is true that the degree of student’s activities for this process has been lower. Ironically though students have drifted from politics and do not know who the candidates are or what their pledges are, they distrust and criticize their representatives, the press or politicians whenever they feel something is wrong, yet they do not exert their right to express their opinions about matters properly.
So many things in your life are connected with politics: the rules of the society you live in, employment, the environment even how much you pay in tuition. We should not only blame politicians. Some part of the current political scene is what you made with your ignorance. Now, if you want your wishes to come true, it is better that you study current events and perform your political obligations. Vote! Young people, build your life with your own hands!
By Jeong Ha-na, Guest Reporter
#291 Student Column
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