Could Young Generations Return Respect, Unity, and Civil Discourse to America?
Years in politics and government have taught me that when Americans with differing perspectives work together in pursuit of a common goal, success and positive change often follow. That’s one of the many reasons I’m proud to lead the Sine Institute at American University, where I’ve seen a great deal of political engagement and a willingness to work together among students and young people from across the political spectrum.
Unchallenged assumptions engulf us in preconceived and usually negative ideas about young people and politics: they think they know all the answers; they would be happy snapping their fingers or waving a magic wand to bring change rather than doing the hard work; they are completely under the influence of what they see on social media and never question its validity; they aren’t engaged in the political process; and they don’t even show up to vote.
But seeing this generation’s enthusiasm and its contributions to the Sine Institute’s events and programs made it impossible not to question these generalizations. Do young people really not care about our nation’s future and their ability to affect it? How do today’s young Americans actually feel about the direction in which America is heading and their ability to make a difference?
To find out, the Sine Institute teamed up with a committee of American University students and the internationally recognized research firm YouGov to poll a diverse selection of young people nationwide about their experiences, values, and outlooks. Our research provided a distinctly different portrait of the next generation’s political attitudes from what is commonly assumed. The data found young people to be a strikingly mature electorate with a savvy understanding of the nature of political power in today’s America. It found that youth have a clear-eyed view of the problems that we face and a solid idea of what it will take to bring about positive change.
At first glance, some of the poll’s results do paint a pessimistic picture. More young Americans reported being more dissatisfied than satisfied with the current state of our democracy. They pointed to the Covid-19 pandemic and the increase in school and other mass shootings as significantly affecting their lives. Nearly as many said that they were not at all enthusiastic about voting as said they were enthusiastic about it, while 74 percent of those polled believe that our system is designed in a way that makes change difficult.
But looking deeper, the poll also revealed results that make me hopeful for the future. I was glad to see high levels of interest and engagement with politics and policy, with respondents putting forward a compelling list of issues that were personally important to them. For example, 75 percent expressed concern about climate change. A majority of young people supported at least some form of access to abortion, with support for abortion in “almost all cases” or “in most cases” among 77 percent of Democrats, 60 percent of Independents, and 38 percent of Republicans. Nearly two thirds said that America would be safer if fewer weapons were available for legal buying and selling. In all, a wide range of proposals garnered support from this group of Americans, including term limits for elected officials and setting aside the Electoral College in favor of the popular vote.
More than sixty percent of those polled reported that they trusted their teachers, a higher percentage than those who trusted the police, the media, and the officials who represent them in Congress. Respondents also reported that they were aware of the presence of rife misinformation on social media platforms, with 66 percent reporting that they don’t trust the news they receive on social media.
Most importantly, the poll reflected young people’s belief in the power of unity. Three-fourths of those polled hold the belief that meaningful political change will be possible if their generation unites to fight for its values. I’m also optimistic about the values that were selected as most important to this generation across the political spectrum — namely, treating others with respect, dignity, and tolerance. In fact, young people say that treating others with respect and dignity is a hallmark of their generation and a point of pride for them.
Like President John F. Kennedy, I try to remain “an idealist without illusions.” I am no stranger to partisan politics, and in this era of political polarization, I understand that the task of coming together as Americans will be difficult. But our polling data offers a silver lining to the cloud of hostility and political polarization that has become increasingly dark in recent years, illuminating young people’s commitment to coming together, respectfully exchanging ideas, and working toward a better future…a future that might not be as dismal as we’ve feared.
With proven interest and engagement in politics and policy, recognition that unity is critical for progress, and a firm belief in respect, dignity, and tolerance, this generation of young people could well be the one that will return civil discourse, respect, progress, and productivity to American politics and life. In the meantime, the Sine Institute stands ready to assist that process as we continue our mission to encourage the exchange of ideas that will bring about a better tomorrow.
For more information on the poll please visit the Sine Institute at:https://www.american.edu/sine-institute/polling-project.cfm
