I have met or talked with many people in their teens or mid-20's, some older and some younger than me, who hold the exact same political belief as their parents. One boy (I will not say his political affliation) even proudly exclaimed, "whatever my parents believe, I believe! I would never question them."
These people end up treating politics as though it were a religion or a sports team to root for. They vote for their "team" without thinking about the opinions held by the individual candidates. As for their own opinions, they believe whatever the spokespeople of their "team" espouses over the television, radio or newspaper. They never bother to logically or spiritually consider what opinion is best for themself, as a thinking individual.
I understand that in the US, a political party is shorthand for a set of beliefs, which is why it's easy to vote for someone based on their flag, without considering the matter further. But, these young adults I mentioned, they actively refuse to even consider reexamining their parents' chosen candidate, much less beliefs they have had drilled into them since they were children.
Does anyone know what to do about this? Is it just human nature? Is it a failing of US culture or the educational system?
I am a European, so I wouldn't know this sort of behaviour.
>But, these young adults I mentioned, they actively refuse to even consider reexamining their parents' chosen candidate, much less beliefs they have had drilled into them since they were children.
I fail to see how that makes them special.
How often have you heard people say "XYZ is crook" but in the end they still voted for that candidate? If you ask why they did it, at best you get a "ZYX is even worse". And why is ZYX worse? "Because."
These people are to lazy to think even inside the box. And why would anybody want to encourage them? The day they decide to vote for an actual political agenda instead of an image would probably mark the end of "representative" democracy.
It is human nature to educate one's children in the same belief system as your own; religiously, moralistically, and sure, politically, why not? If you had a kid, would you teach children viewpoints that are counter to your own? You might teach about them, but I doubt you'd advocate them.
As for young people not evaluating their political beliefs on their own, give 'em time. The political beliefs I have now are different from those I had three years ago and wildly different from those I had six years ago. Eventually they may take a look around and make their own decisions. Maybe they never will. Maybe they'll make the decision to continue supporting the same ideals as their parents. Either way, don't be too shocked when a twenty-three-year-old doesn't have it all figured out yet. I know I sure don't.