Did you 'Rock The Vote'?

Politics isn't cool but its importance needs to be promoted.

First there was the American campaign ‘Vote or Die’, promoted by celebrities such as P. Diddy and Paris Hilton, (the latter who was reported as being otherwise engaged on the actual voting day).

Then Ireland had their own version of another American campaign, ‘Rock The Vote’, an effort to encourage young people to have their own say and make a difference.

So now young people are useful for something are they? What is with this new interest in the younger generation’s opinion all of a sudden? My feeling is that young people are simply the bulk matter needed to sway the vote in a certain direction. A few celebrities, a colourful website and a few funny videos should do the trick. They will be hopping into their cars and asking directions to the nearest polling station in no time. It reminds me of a grown man dressed as Barney at a children’s birthday party encouraging little ones that ‘cleaning up is fun’.

Believe it or not, as they reach voting age, many young people  start thinking about how things are in their country, so of course it is important to remind them that their vote can make a difference. I just have a problem with the way it’s done. Promote it? Yes, but please, do not start trying to attach catchy gimmicks and slogans that those in charge believe to be ‘cool’ or ‘with it’.

The thinking behind this seems to say that younger generations are more easily led by something shiny which catches their eye, than something important which affects their everyday lives.

It seems such campaigns would be better suited to those who are not of voting age at present. Talk to more schools and colleges; don’t expect them to vote because they are being told it’s cool to do so.

The reality is, it’s not cool really is it? Bertie could never be labelled as a trendsetter, and politics has never really been seen as ‘deadly’ or ‘rapid’, but no one can deny its importance. That is what should be emphasised.

They need to stop trying so hard and start listening to what the youth of today need and what they do not understand. Where is the spokesperson that younger people can really relate to? It seems that the attempted creation of such a person has led to the demise in any real information being given. It’s cool apparently to be ignorant. ‘Rock The Vote’… too much style and absolutely no substance.

By: Rebecca McAdam