Being Cynical About Politics Doesn’t Make You Any Smarter

Since I last wrote here, lots has happened. The economy has effectively imploded. George W. Bush has given his final “fuck you” to intellectually competent people. Apple has announced it’s abandonment of January’s annual Macworld Expo in San Francisco. California has both granted and retracted gay marriage rights. And I’ve completed my first quarter of university work.

p> Oh, and one of the most historic, prolific, and important political campaigns came to an end; we elected Barack Obama to the next President of the United States.

In electing Obama, the country has demonstrated just how much change we really need. Mainstream America understands that we’re at a cross-road, and we can either keep doing what we’ve been doing, or we can try something new. Mainstream America cast their vote for change we can believe in.

But enough of that. I’m writing about the people who scoff at that last paragraph — the people who think that Obama is no different than any other politician.

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I know a few of these people. And I’ve long wondered why, exactly, they’re so damned cynical. Do their experiences warrant it? In short, no. Generally, I’ve found that those who are most cynical about politics are those who are the least informed. They don’t understand politics. They don’t understand what we’re working toward here. Which isn’t to say that they’re stupid, either — because quite specifically, these people are not. To be frank, “stupid people” who don’t understand politics just say so: “I don’t really care about politics.” Stupid people are apathetic.

Political cynics aren’t stupid — they’re just uninformed about politics, and afraid to admit it. It’s a plausibly defendable viewpoint — for a few seconds. Instead of actually having a position on issues or politicians, just grumble about how they’re all corrupt. Grumble about how they’re all the same. Then informed people will think you know at least something.

Except, they don’t. Informed peoplethink it’s a real shame you can’t open your eyes and see what’s really going on — because truthfully, it’s pretty damn inspiring.

Read the news. Get involved. Politics matters.

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Published:: 12.19.08 / 1pm

Category:: Site-Related

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I wake up each day and do the best i can to make the world a better place.

Most days, that means encouraging people to talk and get excited about things that matter, like politics, ethics, and pursuing talent. it also includes designing and developing software for extendmac, a small startup i founded a few years ago.

I’m an avid public speaker, have obsessively high standards, unreasonably idealistic expectations, and savour the challenge of motivating myself and those around me to not just meet them, but exceed them.

Pierre Lourens 12.23.08 / 5pm

I feel roughly the same way. Barack Obama impresses me most by his ability, one which very few politicians possess, to convert the apathetic into constituents. (That is, without spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt.)

Brandon 12.24.08 / 5am

Quite obviously there have been a numerous amount of individuals that have been and still are corrupt within our government. Corrupt politics is not a myth.

Certainly there are politicians that aren’t corrupt. yet.

Although I disagree with Obama on many issues, I do think we have needed some radical change, and that some of his recent actions and reactions have been quite unprecedented. Such as his level of interaction with the American people, his reaching out to those he disagrees with (i.e. Rick Warren).

However, I believe many people are blind to the corruption that actually is present. We need to stop being taught that everything is okay and always will be.

The overwhelming optimist rhetoric will ultimately fail. Obama is not single-handedly going to fix the high level of corruption that infact does exist with a wave of his magic hand.

Many (not all) politicians will continue to accept monetary handouts in exchange for introducing/supporting legislation that benefits the company/group giving the handout. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

*I will append to the above, that I am a cynic and always will be. However, my cynical-ness does not invalidate my points or necessarily make me less-informed.

Brian Amerige 12.24.08 / 3pm

@Brandon

Acknowledging political corruption does not necessarily contradict one’s ability to avoid a defeatist attitude toward politics in general. If I explained myself properly in this post, that would effectively be the point — it is directed toward people who let cynicism prevent them from being actively involved or informed.

Brian Amerige

Being Cynical About Politics Doesn’t Make You Any Smarter

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