problem solution essay
Prof Snyder
Problem-Solution Essay
7 November 2012
Generation Y Not Vote? It only comes once every four years. It is a day of unity, expression, equality and freedom. Every citizen over the age of eighteen in the United States has the opportunity –the right– to be a part of something huge. Presidential Election Day. The long awaited day that is consumed by the media, Facebook, and Twitter months in advance. An individual can choose to voice an opinion with discretion and secrecy in the voting booth, or one could also choose a more vocal approach with heated debates, obnoxious campaign signs, and even the occasional protest. After all, this is the land of the free, and if there’s one thing Burger King has taught me, it‘s that in the United States you really can “have it your way.” So why is it, then, that in the midst of the exciting and tumultuous day of our general election, I see the youth of the country sitting in their dorm rooms with absolutely no intent of casting their ballots? Seeing firsthand the lack of political activity among my peers and all those belonging to Generation Y makes me question whether or not I should care enough to vote myself. There is no argument that young voters (ages 18-34) have increasingly shown a lack of voter turnout in general elections. According to an article by The New Republic, 53 percent of 18-29 year-olds visited the polls in 1972. By the year 2000, that figure had dropped to 35 percent, which became a new historical low. So why is this a problem for me and my fellow Generation Y brothers and sisters? The answer is clear and simple. By choosing not to vote, we are also choosing not to have anyone represent our ideals and political agendas in government. At a time with increasing student-loan debt, a shocking unemployment rate and overall declination of the quality of life, Generation Y has more reason now than ever to start affecting political change. “People who try to have influence on government are going to
Problem-Solution Essay
7 November 2012
Generation Y Not Vote? It only comes once every four years. It is a day of unity, expression, equality and freedom. Every citizen over the age of eighteen in the United States has the opportunity –the right– to be a part of something huge. Presidential Election Day. The long awaited day that is consumed by the media, Facebook, and Twitter months in advance. An individual can choose to voice an opinion with discretion and secrecy in the voting booth, or one could also choose a more vocal approach with heated debates, obnoxious campaign signs, and even the occasional protest. After all, this is the land of the free, and if there’s one thing Burger King has taught me, it‘s that in the United States you really can “have it your way.” So why is it, then, that in the midst of the exciting and tumultuous day of our general election, I see the youth of the country sitting in their dorm rooms with absolutely no intent of casting their ballots? Seeing firsthand the lack of political activity among my peers and all those belonging to Generation Y makes me question whether or not I should care enough to vote myself. There is no argument that young voters (ages 18-34) have increasingly shown a lack of voter turnout in general elections. According to an article by The New Republic, 53 percent of 18-29 year-olds visited the polls in 1972. By the year 2000, that figure had dropped to 35 percent, which became a new historical low. So why is this a problem for me and my fellow Generation Y brothers and sisters? The answer is clear and simple. By choosing not to vote, we are also choosing not to have anyone represent our ideals and political agendas in government. At a time with increasing student-loan debt, a shocking unemployment rate and overall declination of the quality of life, Generation Y has more reason now than ever to start affecting political change. “People who try to have influence on government are going to