To the “I’m not political” folks…

Reflecting on the phrase "I'm not political" has really made me think, and honestly, it’s a sentiment many of us might have echoed at some point. I know I certainly did. For a long time, I genuinely believed that not everything had to be political, and that by staying out of the fray, I was simply protecting my peace. But as I've grown and seen more of the world, I've come to understand that this perspective often comes from a place of privilege, or sometimes, a form of ignorance. It’s not always about malice; sometimes, it truly is a lack of awareness, perhaps because the education system didn't equip us to see the bigger picture. But there's also a type of willful ignorance, where we choose to ignore it because it's uncomfortable or doesn't directly affect our daily lives. The truth is, the ability to live without being constantly aware of political decisions is a luxury. For many, politics isn't an abstract concept; it's about their job, their healthcare, their children's education, or even their basic rights. When I see discussions online, I often remember that phrase: "that's PRIVILEGE babe!" It really hits home. If you can genuinely say you're not political and truly mean it, it likely means the system is working well enough for you that you don't feel the need to question it. You're lucky. But for others, every policy, every election, every public debate is deeply personal because it directly impacts their existence. To them, saying "I'm not political" can sound dismissive of their struggles. So, what does this mean for us? It doesn't mean you have to become a political pundit overnight or get "kicked off" social media for your views. It simply means recognizing that your decision to engage, or not to engage, has consequences. It’s about moving beyond simply having "no feelings" about political issues and understanding that being informed is a civic responsibility. Start small: perhaps follow a diverse range of news sources, listen to different perspectives, or learn about local issues that affect your community. You might be surprised how much you learn and how much more connected you feel to the world around you. It’s a journey, not a destination, and it starts with acknowledging that politics is, in some way, part of everyone's life.