Is it true that Americans know almost nothing about politics? (Essay Sample)

IS IT TRUE THAT AMERICANS KNOW ALMOST NOTHING ABOUT POLITICS?
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IS IT TRUE THAT AMERICANS KNOW ALMOST NOTHING ABOUT POLITICS?
Every country has a common political philosophy with shared values, norms, and beliefs. These beliefs form part of the economic, social, and cultural aspects of citizens’ daily lives and, therefore, influence their behavior. As such, many decisions that leaders make are influenced by the beliefs and cultural orientation of their people. At the turn of 1962, Dionne published the book “Why Americans Hate Politics.” Basing on his observations and analysis, he remarked that America needed a new approach to its politics, one that is inclusive. Though addressing America’s politics in the 1960s, several occurrences today are still justifications enough that Americans hate politics and, therefore, know almost nothing about it. Discussing American politics without mentioning the rate of polarization of its parties is almost impossible. Contemporary politics in America has gradually but steadily shown a widening chasm between its party leaders, Republicans and Democrats. This situation has worsened to the extent that some pundits and scholars refer to as irreversible. Consequently, many young people have lost interest in the political battles that have seen the country split into two. According to Dionne, the United State’s political map has “taken the coloration of civil war” (31). Polarization affects people’s participation in politics. It could be one of the possible reasons for little involvement in America’s political affairs by citizens. According to Chaloupka, politics is hardly discussed in America (85). This is yet another clear indication that Americans hate politics. He claims, “A long standing dictum of American social manners advises that on first acquaintance, two topics of conversation should be avoided at all cost: religion and politics ” (85). Taking a stand against discussing religion on a first acquaintance is acceptable. This is because religious debates have existed for centuries with no remarkable progress or understanding. However, pairing it with politics is not only irrational, but also undemocratic. In mature democracies like America’s, politics should and must be everyone’s business. Since discussion is the cut and thrust of politics, Americans are missing out. Effective argument is essential not only in politics, but also in other spheres of life. Citizens learn and shape each other’s opinions through discussion. Therefore, a nation that discourages its young ones from discussing politics, like America, cannot claim to like politics or claim an understanding of its principles. Anyone who still doubts Americans’ little political knowledge or hatred for politics in other words must be ignorant of their voting patterns. According to Wilson, it is quite ironical that only a few people vote in America, yet the country has so many eligible voters (171). Chaloupka echoes these same sentiments by saying America “..shouldn’t be surprised that fewer than half its adults bother to vote,” due to its hatred for politics (85). If there is a measure for the level of a nation’s liking or hatred for politics, it cannot be far from participating in elections. In fact, election marks the epic of political participation. This is...