I once firmly believed that all members of our society, despite our different values and beliefs, were bound together by our civic duty; we are all obligated to pay our taxes, take part in jury duty, drive on the correct side of the road, and obey the law. Just as we were given rights, we were also given responsibilities to uphold the well-being of the common good and engage with democratic values and principles.
My naïve and limited perception of civic duty profoundly changed in light of recent events. A deadly pandemic began to disproportionately affect people of color and of lower socioeconomic statuses while simultaneously revealing how some value their individuality more than wearing a simple mask. A police officer put the full force of his body onto the carotid artery of George Floyd, shocking the conscience of the entire world and reigniting a massive, monumental, and necessary movement. Simply put, the unprecedented access to information and new technologies enabled brutal exposures on the power, privilege, and racism that exists across various social, political, economic, and environmental domains of life.
Watching the horrific, deathly outcomes of historically harmful legislation, prejudiced behaviors, and systematic racism amongst every sector of human life invoked an unexplainable and undefinable feeling. This sensation was a distorting blend of nausea, anger, disgust, and immobilizing despair. It felt revolting. Twisted. Vile.
And yet, immensely strong, powerful, and awakening.
The nationwide cognitive dissonance transitioned into an era of empowerment and education that I quite honestly, have never seen before. Social media erupted with educational and relevant infographics. The country witnessed one of its most broad and sustained waves of protests. Dinner table conversations transitioned from small talk to hour long discussions on individuality and human right violations. The energy was unmatched.
This time feels different because this is not civic duty. This is civic virtue. Civic virtue is about going beyond the necessary minimum. It signifies the personal qualities, attitudes, and behaviors associated with the preservation of democratic values and principles. It means not to vote just for the sake of voting, but to actively engage and seek education so that informed concern is driving election participation, and not ignorant conformity.
The nuance is important to appreciate because voter and political ignorance is incredibly widespread and well-documented, despite unprecedented access to information, resources, and advanced technology. According to the Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey, more than half of Americans think that illegal immigrants do not have any rights under the US Constitution, more than a third cannot name any of the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment, and only a quarter can name all three branches of government. Is this poor understanding of basic civics due to unawareness or apathy? Likewise, for the 2016 Election, the Census Bureau reported that there were 245.5 million Americans qualified to vote, 157.6 million Americans registered to vote, and yet, only 136.8 million votes were tallied. Is the lack of civic participation from the 108.7 million Americans in 2016 due to unawareness or apathy?
The answer to this question is quite complicated. Part of the issue may be a result of perpetual cycles of news content inducing fear, anxiety, and ultimately, desensitization. Part of the answer may be due to voting disparities, whether that be due to state restrictions barring those that have a felony record, lack of accessibility in polling places for those with disabilities, excessive wait times at voting centers, or bureaucratic issues with registering. Or maybe, the underlying core of this ignorance lies in cognitive biases reaffirming political polarizations. Citizens may either not take the time to research options on their ballots out of convenience or they may actively seek out information that only supports their viewpoint.
Cognitive bias has profound consequences. Understandably, not everyone has the same values and beliefs. Still, it is vital to be willing to listen to the voices and concerns of those affected by the abuses of power and privilege instead of finding excuses to validate personal beliefs. For me, this is the core of civic virtue and patriotism. We need to hold ourselves accountable, listen, seek education, show empathy, and ask ourselves how we can support the well-being of others.
I really do not know much. I am a nineteen-year old idiot trying to not fail college. What I do know for certain is that the information, the resources, the education, and the ability to engage in active, civil discussions are all present and available within our grasp. It is up to us to take the initiative, leave an imprint on pressing national, state, and local issues, understand the difference between human rights and political rights, and remove the apathy that plagues the electoral system.
Civic duty is your vote, your obligation, and your responsibility. However, the driving desire to perform your civic duty, that unmatched energy, that surge of power- this is your civic virtue. Use it to fight for the things you care about.
