Oh, the joy of sitting on a bus immersed in someone else's conversation. Not because you know this someone or because you are even halfway interested in what he has to say, but more for the fact that this person has an opinion and wants everyone within earshot to hear about it. Fine.
No doubt, you've met this person before. More than likely, it was on a day you forgot your cell phone, mp3 player or both. So stranded in a confined setting without any defense from the all-important information spewing from this individual's mouth, you decided to either tune him out or stop and listen.
The results of taking the latter action vary tremendously. Sometimes, the person actually does have something interesting or knowledgeable to say. While riding the bus, I've learned about which professors to avoid and what late-night escapades took place the weekend before. Other times, though, the person has nothing but ridiculous and nonsensical things to say.
Last week, while riding the Outer U-Loop, I listened to a girl rant for 15 minutes about the issue of sexual orientation and the military. Having failed to charge my phone the night before, I couldn't call or text anyone to pass the time. So as the bus rested in traffic and tiny raindrops began to fall outside, I first tried to tune her out.
Tried and failed. Clearly passionate about the issue, the girl's voice became progressively louder as she spoke. All the while her friend nodded in agreement - which frankly, came as no surprise. Rarely, I've found, does the person accompanying the loud-talker care to disagree.
The topic, in and of itself, was interesting enough. But the girl, to her own admission, had almost no knowledge of the current political action regarding the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Nevertheless, she concluded, "If Lady Gaga's against it, then so am I."
Her argument was almost amusing. She had decided her opinion about what is arguably THE most controversial legislation in the United States right now, based on a YouTube video from the country's craziest entertainer. Civil rights, national security and congressional authority had no room to stand. The most important factor in determining whether gays in the military should be able to disclose their sexual identities without the fear of being discharged or discriminated against was Gaga.
All I could think, as I laughed quietly to myself, was, "Wow. This is where the stereotype comes from about young people and quality political involvement - or lack thereof." As a result, although I had every intention of keeping this column apolitical, as a foreign affairs major, I just can't resist going that route.
In two weeks, midterm congressional campaigns will come to a close and finally, we will find out the victors in each race. It may be impossible for eligible voters busy taking in the college experience to stay informed about major issues concerning the federal and local governments. Still, I wonder how difficult it is to learn the basics about what problems exist and how elected leaders and their parties plan to address them.
Voting, particularly during years when no presidential election takes place, is too often undervalued. Too much money, time and effort go into coordinating political races for uninspired outcomes. And in the end, too much information is available for individuals to decide their stance about an important political issue based solely on what a pop star said about it during a speech posted on the Internet.
Stephanie's column runs biweekly Tuesdays. She can be reached at s.waties@cavalierdaily.com.
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