Everything is political, and ignoring it won’t protect you — it only guarantees other people will decide your future.
If you think politics don’t affect you, then you couldn’t be more wrong. Politics is everywhere in our everyday life, from what we wear to what we eat. It all leads back to politics.
I want everyone around me to feel loved and supported. If you do, then that is also a political stance. One of my favorite sayings is from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, “If you love freedom, but don’t care if it affects everyone, then what you love is privilege.”
When someone says they aren’t into politics, I assume it means they don’t want to take the time to learn about it because they’re already comfortable in the bubble they’ve created for themselves. Engaging with politics requires taking a leap and being willing to see the world from perspectives beyond what feels comfortable.
People forget that their daily life is practically controlled by politics. From where they send their child to school, or what health care to use, it all leads back to government decisions. Those everyday systems become especially visible when we look at education, an area most people assume is neutral but is shaped by political decisions.
Education
Education is something everyone deserves, yet access to it is largely determined by political choices. The government is there to decide school funding, salaries for teachers and even loan policies for students. The political nature of education becomes even clearer when you see how these decisions play out in real schools and real communities.
My mom worked in education for over 15 years, and in 2023, Utah State Senator John Johnson introduced SB 283 aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion offices across the state. Although the bill was shelved at the time, he still showed up to my mom’s high school for their Black Student Union fundraiser.
For my mom, it was difficult to watch this happen. She spent her career advocating for students, making sure they felt safe in the place they showed up to every day. Seeing how quickly political power could threaten the work she cared about made something very clear to me: politics isn’t distant.
That is why it’s important to stay informed about what local officials are actually pushing for. Students and family members at the event may not have known that this local official, who appeared to be showing up in support, was actively pushing to eliminate the very programs they were fighting for.
Mental health
Some people turn away from politics because of the strain it places on mental health. It has become difficult to turn on the television without being confronted by stories of violence, conflict and loss. For many, the constant exposure to negative political news feels overwhelming, pushing them to ignore rather than stay informed.
Mental health should always be prioritized, yet even mental health has become politicized. When we use our power to vote, we can push for change by supporting laws that expand access to mental health care, increase funding for services and protect those who rely on them. Choosing not to engage in these conversations or elections doesn’t make the issue disappear — it only allows decisions about mental health to be made without our input.
Being a woman
As a woman I feel it is my duty to express how we, of all people, should care about politics. We have a voice that should be heard.
For example, Executive Order 11246, which had been in place for nearly 60 years, was revoked by the Trump administration within the first days of his presidency. That order required federal contractors to not discriminate against employees based on race, religion, sex, age and more. Its removal showed just how quickly long-standing protections can disappear when political leadership changes.
My experience
My own family has stepped back from supporting multiple companies because of what they stand for and where they choose to put their money. For example, they took a step back from Arby’s after finding out where they were donating their money. While it might be easier to dismiss these feelings, I make a conscious effort to step back and examine everything laid out in front of me. Even if an issue doesn’t directly affect me, I recognize that it can deeply affect the people around me.
Politics surrounds us, which is why so many people are actively pushing for change. One example is the rise in boycotts that have become more widespread. I’ve even seen people dismiss these efforts as “too woke,” but if they took the time to understand why others are choosing not to support certain companies, they might see the issue differently.
I have had friends say they “aren’t political” because it feels like too much effort. Some even chose not to vote in the 2024 election for that reason alone. Choosing not to vote is still a political choice, one that shapes outcomes just as much as casting a ballot.
What you can do
While politics right now can feel scary or unsettling, it’s important you stay informed about the world around you. Do your research, read credible news sources and even look at the viewpoints from all sides.
Becoming politically active isn’t complicated. Register to vote. Show up on Election Day. Learn who your state representatives are and what they actually stand for. If you care about being informed, stop relying on social media and start using credible sources like NPR, the Associated Press, Reuters and local journalism outlets.
