It is extremely easy and common to ignore the continuing demise of U.S. democracy and say, “who cares” and “what difference does one person make.” However, this attitude is exactly what’s killing our democracy. The party vs. party mentality, instead of the United States vs. the problem mentality is separating the country more and more every day. Additionally, the younger generations who are newly eligible to vote, simply do not care. Many think that democracy is already “dead” so there is no point in trying to revive it. This sad reality is a slap in the face to those who fought for there to even be a democracy.

With a dramatic decrease of participation in democracy, citizens of the United States of America need to take a good look in the mirror as to why this is happening. From personal experience, it can be said with confidence that a lot of teenagers get their political views from their parents or family. While this may be easier because they just need to agree with their parents, it is extremely dangerous. Many even refuse to vote for the candidate they think would be best in office if they disagree with the candidate’s political party. It is crucial for young voters to formulate their own opinions and ideas in order to continue the ideas democracy was formed on. Another toxic behavior of young voters is that they do not take voting seriously, even some of those who can register to vote, choose not to. They believe their voice does not matter and decide not to vote.

Past generations are continuing to run the country because they continue to vote and participate in American democracy; but then younger generations will turn around and complain about how newer voices aren’t being heard. The situation is just an endless cycle: young voters complaining, refusing to vote because they don’t like what they see, the same voices being heard for several elections. Current citizens up-to-date in politics will not listen to each other’s views enough to respect one another. These young generations have forgotten what it’s like to disagree, yet still listen and the longer this continues, the more our country suffers.