COMMENTARY: Examining how everything is political
Aristotle once said man is a political animal, and a society and its politics begin with the individual and their association with others.
Today, it is more difficult than ever to avoid the issues that make up political discourse. In a divisive time and age, reporting of public figures and entities’ views on issues like race, gun control and immigration is a common occurrence. As a result, it has become common for many to say they do not like when certain entities (whether they be higher education institutions, celebrities, public figures, etc.) “get political.”
But what does it really mean to “get political” or “politicize” an issue? Can one really enter into a state of being political and then apolitical? Many have certainly come to think so. But at what cost?
Such a sentiment represents a growing mentality that politics can be separated from everyday life, but an analysis of society and the meaning of the term politics proves this is not the case. The actions and interactions of humans lead to the societal structures and political systems of the past, present and future.
In America, where leaders and laws are decided by representative democracy, the interconnectedness of society cannot be understated. The actions people take are a result of the political structure they live in and vice versa. Therefore, everything is political.
What is politics?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘political’ as anything relating to government, the conduct of government, or “concerned with the making as distinguished from the administration of governmental policy.”
The formation of government, its conduct, and the administration of its policy begins with the individual and their interactions with the others in their society. The actions of the individuals in representative democracy determine the leadership, governance and outlook of society and vice versa.
With this definition in mind, this entails that every action in society is political because it represents the governmental structures and political systems where an individual resides.
A state is the result of the association and interactions of the people. Just because political figures like governors or senators are not involved in a situation does not mean it is not political. The cynical attitude towards politics is a result of society’s less-than-positive conception of politics.
The formation of government, its conduct, and the administration of its policy begins with the individual and their interactions with the others in their society. The actions of the individuals in representative democracy determine the leadership, governance and outlook of society and vice versa.
Topics discussed among politicians that are considered “political issues” are really just the most popular topics and issues that society cannot agree on at the time and are a product of society’s current concerns and anxieties.
The current state of America (or any country for that matter) and the issues that make up political discourse are a direct result of how the individuals who make up the population have interacted for over two hundred years.
Shying away from politics
Many however, do not see this and society thinks politics are separated from daily life in a manner similar to separation of church and state. Many become annoyed when major political topics enter spaces (like entertainment, media and public spaces) they wish the issues would not.
The recurrence of political issues in entertainment, media and public spaces is one reason why people express annoyance at things “getting political.”
The United States represents more than 200 years of an experiment in representative democracy. The country is diverse, bringing a variety of viewpoints on various issues, leading to necessary and productive discussions to improve our society.
The Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of speech to its citizens. The ability to say “I do not like when things get political” or “I stay out of politics” is a political statement in itself and a right guaranteed by the political systems in place.
Despite this, many choose to avoid politics because of a fear of arguments and the controversy that can arise when discussing certain social and political issues.
It is normal to have reluctance about discussing divisive or sensitive topics, but this culture of refraining from discussing social and political topics exacerbates problems instead of addressing them.
The discussion of an issue in society is like addressing a certain illness of the body. If the illness (or potential for one) goes on ignored and discarded, a negative reaction of various magnitudes will occur.
Issues of race, gender and immigration would not be such major issues if society as a whole (or majority) were able to reach a solution.
Until society can resolve the issues that make up popular political discourse, their recurrence in various forms is inevitable and should not come as a surprise.
Discourse with an open mind
The leaders and laws are determined by the people in a representative democracy, and the discussion of issues among the people being represented is just as essential as voting.
A society where the people elect their leaders should not take the ability to discuss, debate and ultimately determine political issues for granted.
The key to possibly fixing the fear of political discussion is to encourage and have positive political discourse and discuss all issues with civility, poise and rationale.
People refrain from politics because of the inevitable differences in opinion. Desisting from discussion only encourages people to be closed minded about their views and not consider other perspectives, which stunts progress in resolving issues among people.
A political issue cannot cease until resolution happens, and that requires education, discussion and action.
People are not always going to agree with one another. Higher education provides opportunities for students to learn about and discuss different ideas and concepts without discussions turning hostile.
Universities have always worked to educate students on various issues that make up the political discourse of their. UHCL offers classes that allow students to expand their mindset on various issues, as well as panels and discussions around political topics.
Learning about these topics help students realize their role and power in society, while also understanding that separating oneself from politics is easier said than done. An individual has every right to refrain from the discourse that make up the discourse of their time, but they should also realize they are still part of, affecting and impacting the political infrastructure of their society.
Aristotle compared society as a whole to an organism, with every member playing a different role and making up its well being. No illness arises out of nowhere, and its spawning is a result of its many internal parts. Whether people want to admit it or not, all of society is connected and its individual’s actions are what makes up society’s drive towards a collective good, the very essence, purpose and endgame of politics.
