Everything is Political if You Don’t Belong to the Ruling Class
It’s a paradox that never fails to catch my attention: the contradiction of people who profess a lack of interest in politics while…
It’s a paradox that never fails to catch my attention: the contradiction of people who profess a lack of interest in politics while simultaneously expressing frustrations about high rents and pervasive sexism. This irony is as striking as claiming to avoid drama yet always being front and centre for the latest neighbourhood scandal.
“Politics Isn’t My Thing, But…”
How crazy it is to see individuals disavow politics yet passionately debate societal issues. It’s as contradictory as swearing off sugar while sneaking a late-night dessert. Topics like soaring rents and systemic sexism are deeply rooted in political decisions and ideologies; discussions about them are inherently political. To ignore this connection is like a juggler pretending gravity doesn’t exist. When someone says, "Politics isn't my thing," what they're often overlooking is that the very issues they care about—affordable housing, gender equality, healthcare—are all shaped by political forces.
To declare oneself apolitical while complaining about rent prices or workplace discrimination is to misunderstand the nature of these issues. High rent, for example, is not an accident but a consequence of specific housing policies, zoning laws, and economic strategies implemented by politicians. Similarly, pervasive sexism in the workplace is maintained through both the absence of protective legislation and the presence of policies that fail to address gender inequality. In other words, discussing these issues without recognizing their political dimensions is missing the larger context in which they exist.
The Convenient Oversight
It’s curious how some declare their disinterest in politics yet become animated when discussing issues that directly impact their lives. This selective engagement is akin to sitting out the game while commenting loudly from the sidelines. The reality is stark: life is not a spectator sport. By discussing these deeply political issues, one is inherently part of the conversation, like it or not. This convenient oversight allows people to feel detached from the messiness of politics while still venting about its outcomes. It's a way to express discontent without acknowledging the need for active participation in the democratic process.
The convenient oversight often stems from the misconception that politics only occurs in the halls of government or during election seasons. In reality, politics permeates every aspect of our daily lives, from the quality of our local schools to the safety of our neighbourhoods. By choosing to remain "apolitical," individuals inadvertently allow others to make decisions on their behalf, often to their detriment. This passive stance can lead to frustration when the outcomes of those decisions negatively impact their lives, yet they fail to see the connection to political engagement.
The Political Undercurrents of ‘Apolitical’ Complaints
Talking about high rents and sexism without acknowledging their political roots is like baking a cake and ignoring the role of sugar. These aren’t just gripes; they are critiques of the political structures that shape our society. High rents are a result of housing policies, zoning laws, and economic strategies. Pervasive sexism is influenced by legislation, cultural norms, and political advocacy (or the lack thereof). To talk about these issues without recognizing their political dimensions is to miss the forest for the trees.
When people complain about high rents, they're often lamenting the lack of affordable housing, a situation exacerbated by political decisions on urban planning, tax incentives for developers, and funding for public housing. Similarly, discussions about sexism often focus on workplace dynamics and social attitudes, but these, too, are deeply political. Policies regarding parental leave, equal pay, and anti-discrimination laws are all products of political negotiation and advocacy. Ignoring the political roots of these issues reduces complex societal problems to mere personal grievances, obscuring the systemic changes needed to address them.
The Majority’s Plight
Consider the irony of the “apolitical” stance on economic disparity and workplace injustices. It mirrors how some billionaires are praised for suggesting higher taxes for the wealthy—a move seen as noble rather than necessary. Meanwhile, the average citizen, dutifully paying taxes without fanfare, remains the unsung hero in this narrative. The struggle of the common folks is deeply intertwined with political decisions that dictate wage policies, tax structures, and social safety nets. Ignoring the political aspect of these struggles is a disservice to those who bear the brunt of these policies.
The plight of us common folks is a testament to the importance of political engagement. When people disengage from politics, they leave the field open for those with power and resources to shape policies in their favour. This often results in economic disparities where the wealthy benefit from tax loopholes and subsidies while the average worker faces stagnant wages and dwindling social support. Recognizing the political nature of these issues is crucial for advocating for fairer policies and ensuring that the voices of the many, not just the few, are heard in the corridors of power.
Embracing Political Engagement Beyond the Sidelines
If you find yourself on the fence, claiming detachment from politics while your conversations suggest otherwise, perhaps it’s time to embrace the contradiction. Recognizing the importance of these issues doesn’t require running for office; it’s about understanding that your voice counts. Engaging in politics can be as simple as voting, attending a local town hall meeting, or even having informed discussions with friends and family. It's about moving from passive observation to active participation, understanding that every conversation about societal issues is a step towards political engagement.
Embracing political engagement means acknowledging that our daily lives are shaped by political decisions and that, by participating, we can influence those decisions. It’s about realizing that change starts with awareness and action, no matter how small. By educating ourselves on the issues, voting in local and national elections, and holding our representatives accountable, we can contribute to shaping a society that better reflects our values and addresses our concerns. Political engagement is not just a right but a responsibility that ensures our collective voice leads to meaningful change.
Elevating Discourse Through Conscious Engagement
Realizing that speaking up about societal issues is a form of political engagement is crucial. You don’t need to be officially recognized to effect change; just understand that your “apolitical” stance is, in truth, a deeply political one. And that’s beneficial. It’s about turning rants into meaningful dialogue and frustrations into viable solutions. By acknowledging the political nature of everyday complaints, we can elevate our discourse, making it more productive and solution-oriented.
Conscious engagement involves moving beyond mere complaints to understanding the root causes of the issues we care about and seeking ways to address them. It means participating in discussions with an open mind, listening to different perspectives, and working collaboratively towards common goals. By fostering a culture of informed and respectful dialogue, we can bridge divides and find common ground, transforming our frustrations into collective action and our conversations into catalysts for change.
Concluding Thoughts: Embracing the Political in Everyday Concerns
So, next time you hear someone (or catch yourself) claiming detachment from politics while passionately discussing daily life issues, remember that engaging with these topics is a political act. And it’s an essential one. The world benefits from more engaged citizens, even if that means navigating the ironic complexities head-on. Understanding that politics touches every aspect of your life, especially if you’re not part of the elite, is crucial. Recognizing this and choosing to engage is not just helpful—it’s necessary for change.
By acknowledging and embracing the political dimensions of our everyday concerns, we take the first step towards meaningful participation and change. It's about understanding that every complaint about high rents or sexism is a call to action, a reminder that we are all part of the political landscape, whether we like it or not. Engaging in politics doesn't have to be daunting; it can start with recognizing the power of your voice and the importance of your vote. Only through conscious engagement can we hope to address the issues that affect us all and drive positive societal change. In doing so, we move from passive observers to active participants in the democratic process, making a real impact on the world around us.
I’m Rebecca Rijsdijk, a poet, psychology student, and writer passionate about social justice and equality. As the founder of Sunday Mornings at the River, an independent poetry publishing house, I strive to uplift emerging voices and foster diverse artistic expressions. The pieces posted on this blog represent my personal opinions and interpretations, not established facts.