Abigail Swindell
Why Caring Matters
WHY CARING MATTERS
I had a conversation with someone once. Actually, I can confidently say that I’ve had this
conversation with multiple people. It’s usually about politics, and their case usually goes the same route. It is always the answer that explains that politics and government doesn’t necessarily affect them, and their voice ‘doesn’t matter’, so why should they even stress about voting. More and more of this thought process is being spread throughout not only the U.S., but also the world. Seemingly so, I feel as though people forget who fought for not only the freedoms we have, but also for the right we have as people to have our voices be heard loud and proud. And specifically in the U.S. as well, the amount of people who have laid their lives just to even have the thought of voting. As well, thousands of people's lives do rely on voting. The amount of laws that can change just because of a change in administration is insane. And yes, your life may not be affected by your lack of exercising your right, but there are plenty of other people who are worth protecting. I have the privilege of being able to say that voting does not affect me like it does others. I am a seventeen year old girl who lives in the suburbs, who comes from a family who is pretty well off. Not only that, I am also a Christian, who has gone to a religious private school since PRE-K. To make a statement saying that I am privileged is an understatement. I am a part of a percentage that some may never be able to be in. Though, I grew up with a mom who not only fought for this country and loves it dearly, but also who happened to grow up with nothing. She knows what it is like to have to wonder where your next meal is coming from.