Is it possible to be apolitical?
Written by Keisha de Castro
“To abstain from politics is in itself a political attitude.”
– Simone DeBeauvoir
Apoliticism generally has a broad range of definitions. To list some, it may refer to the lack of concern when it comes to political affairs while also employed to describe people maintaining political neutrality. Nonetheless, it often receives great criticism and is perceived as a “privilege” by some.
However, we must take an extensive understanding of this stance and determine whether or not it is possible to hold this neutral stance, and how it affects BIPOC communities.
What does it mean to be apolitical?
According to the definition provided by the Cambridge Dictionary, apoliticism refers to “the fact of having no interest in or connection with politics, or no connection with any political party.”
The common reasons reviewed in an editorial by The Beacon for why people choose to identify as apolitical is they find politics to be “stressful” and “boring,” utilizing the belief that they are individually responsible for maintaining peace and neutrality by turning a blind eye to the status quo.
What the data says:
In a study conducted by the Knight Foundation, researchers analyzed behavior and themes associated with 12,000 USAmerican non-voters. I pulled out the key results derived from the research.
People who went against voting are disengaged or even disinterested in political news. They idly come across the news and are less likely to take initiative to search it. Which, in turn, leaves them with very little knowledge regarding the candidates and their proposed policies.
The younger eligible voters have shown inadequate interest and education in their government: “Young eligible citizens (18-24 years old) are even less likely than non-voters to report following political news, and feel less informed than non-voters come election time.” The main reason behind these findings is simply because they feel passive to public affairs.
Why is this belief so controversial?
Politics is ample and ranges across various issues and concerns. It is very much possible to stray away from the political sphere.
Yet, it is also vital to note that the disinterest in state affairs is a choice. Every individual has the liberty to make their own choices, but the choice to shun politics that influence the communities that we live in highlights the blissful ignorance behind being apolitical.
Political issues such as labor rights, abortion, education, health care and even mental health all exert influence on your siblings, parents, friends, classmates, colleagues and people from your city and state.
By choosing to stay silent, apoliticism highlights the privilege of people who overlook today’s state of affairs. These are usually people who benefit from current politics, leaving them with very few worries about the United States’ current and future global impact.
How does apoliticism affect marginalized communities?
Apoliticism alludes to leveraging silence toward the oppression that BIPOC face from the system that puts them at a disadvantage and puts those with privilege at a higher advantage.
We must realize and acknowledge that remaining neutral and silent is siding with the oppressor. This neutrality furthers the injustice that marginalized communities continue to face. Many have fought to gain the rights that they may or may not have today.
Should we remain neutral to the observance that BIPOC are especially susceptible to the negative impacts of climate change? Should we remain silent knowing that minorities face disproportionate effects such as health risks and infection brought upon by COVID-19?
In retrospect, we need to educate ourselves on the dangers of supposed unbias and neutrality in relation to political affairs. While it is possible and may even seem feasible to practice apoliticism, we must acknowledge how it damages our communities that struggle within the existing conditions of our government.
Header photo via Corey Young / Unsplash
