Dispel Apathy: May 2nd Federal Election and the Youth Voice

07 Jul 2011 by Justin Choi in Local News / No Comments

It’s election time, and it’s time to ask the big question: Who Gives a Shit?

Like it or not, Canadian youth are largely ignored at Ottawa, and for good reason: we don’t vote. Politicians, like all good businessmen, invest their time and energy in projects that will return the most profit, and youths are a losing market. Although there are three million of us across Canada, we allow ourselves to be bullied and swept away. If we don’t express ourselves, we’re always going to be overshadowed by the corporations, the privileged, the extremists.

While people our age at Libya and Syria are putting their lives on the line simply to get the chance to vote, we sit on our butts and sneer at the political junkies because apathy is easy. Voting is a privilege and the easiest way to affect the society that you live in, and not making use of this privilege is the fastest way to be ignored by the political elites.

So go out there and vote on May 2nd, whether it’s for the Liberals, the NDP, the Greens, the Marijuana Party, or even the Conservatives. Here is a good summary of each party’s position on youth issues, but if you have time, please read each party’s official platforms on their websites.

Remember: voting just might be the only way you will have some worth in society.

About the Author: Justin Choi

Justin is in his second year at UBC. He enjoys listening to Korean rap, and when he isn’t writing offensive articles on his blog, he’s writing offensive articles for various magazines. He mainly procrastinates, but he occasionally finds time to participate in volunteer activities around the community. His favourite writers include Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, Mark Twain, Tom Stoppard, and Maddox.

Random

Alesse Brevicon, Demulen, Desogen, Levlen, Loestrin, Norinyl, Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Cyclin, Ortho-Novum, Yasmin and Yaz. So many brands, so much information, so many options. Do today's young females have the knowledge required to choose the correct birth control pill, let alone make the decision as to whether or not the pill is right for them?'The Pill': What Do You Think?

Looking for a constructive way to help the environment? The Lower Mainland Green Team is a group of people from all over the Lower Mainland who get together once a month (sometimes more) to help an environmental group, non-profit organization, charity or city tackle an environmental issue that needs co-operation and teamworkJoin the Lower Mainland Green Team

What is the Occupy Wall Street movement about? Everyone seems to have an answer to this question. Here’s a multiple choice: 1) It’s an anti-capitalist movement for greater socialism. 2) It’s a bunch of hippies and unemployables OD’ing, doing yoga, and being a general nuisance. Get a job, losers. 3) It’s a fight againstOccupy Vancouver: What is it good for?

This Look of the Week is dedicated to midterm week. Girls, leave the heels at home and come to school in comfort. With the all-nighters pulled, there's no need to come to school decked out. Focus on the studying and less on the style. (It's ok, everyone is in on this!)LOOK OF THE WEEK: Comfort

Your past and your present are there to shape your future; but whether it is in a negative or positive manner, you can choose! The inspiring Katie Lentz openly shared her trials and tribulations with no sugar coating, in hopes that youth everywhere can learn from her mistakes. Just over a year ago,June 2011: Katie Lentz

Public Outreach is a leading face-to-face monthly donor recruiting agency operating in Canada, the United States and Australia. They are currently looking to hire full time staff that have an interest in working with various not-for-profit organizations that stand for environmental and humanitarian causes. This would be a fundraiser positionJob Opportunity: Full Time Professional Fundraising Position