Why is it that Teens like me(age13) are said not to know have a grasp on politics, even when/if we do?

Question

I have been involved in discusions on/about politics since i was like 7 or 8 and even my grandma (who is a Republican, I'm a Democrat) says i "have no idea what i'm talking about" and i "should leave political discusions to the the adults in the family".....the rest of my family ask me my opinons on most every thing so its funny to me that she thinks that my 16 year old sis who has no understanding of politics and often gets help from me on her homework is qualified to talk obout it....

just so u know i may have grown up in a democratic home but i live in oklahoma and have a ton of republican family members..i have always been given a chance to choose my political party...i beleave in the democratic issues...not because my parents instiled them in me but because i think for myself.

ok ....i like alot of the feedback and so i can't decide between them (plus it would be kinda corrupt, as most of the answers i like are in my favor, lol)...so i'm puting it to a vote...thanks to all the ppl who answered!!!

Answer 1

It's probably because you disagree with her and because a lot of what goes on in politics today has to do with events and precedents that were set before your time.

Answer 2

You may know a lot about politics, and you may indeed not be getting credit from your family members for your understanding of political issues. Here are some ideas to consider. As a 13-year-old, you don't have as much life experience as a lot of older people. If you are 75, you have been a part of all kinds of political policies and have seen their effects. This gives these people a kind of authority (not that they're necessarily correct) that a teenager will never have. Also, it doesn't matter what age you are, whether you're 13 or 75, when it comes to politics, everyone needs to listen at least as much as we express our own opinions. If you spend only 30% of the time letting people know what your views are, there's a lot greater chance that you'll learn something new (which everyone can and should do) than if you talk 75% of the time. I'm no authority on politics, and I listen to my liberal friends, talk shows on NPR, and conservative talk radio, just to find out what ideas are out there and then weigh them for myself. School can indirectly teach you things about politics as well. I didn't really understand macroeconomics until I took a college course in it. I still don't claim to be an authority on economics, but my politics changed drastically as a result of my study of how the free market works and the ways that it can fail. So my humble advice is not to buck authority here, but still to weigh in on family discussions whenever you feel like your opinion is not going to be unwelcome. Why not politely ask your grandmother what she knows that you don't that causes her to tell you to stay out of family discussions! I'm sure that, even if you disagree with her politics, you may gain some wisdom that she has to share simply from having lived a long time! And most of all, have fun studying the political process, following bills as they pass through Congress, the Senate, and then across the President's desk, and getting involved in local campaigns! That way your views can be heard and can have an impact in the world and not just fall on the deaf ears of your family.

Answer 3

Adults always think they know best. Sometimes it's cos you might embarrass them by your knowledge. I have to add though, that you are probably very good on your politics but you will not be able to see further than a certain point. That's nothing to do with you personally, it's just natures way of protecting you.

How can I explain: You will think, "oh I love that colour" but not think that the colour will clash with other things; so it is with your opinion. Where you think a party would do well, adults know that that party would sell guns to other countries, send troops in to kill, etc., (this is where in England the saying "you don't think further than your nose" would come in).

Your gran-ma sees a little girl of 13 talking like an adult, she knows that you don't see far enough, this is simply because she was once 13 and knows. I know that you feel you know a lot and you probably do, but believe me you don't quite know as much as you think you know, but only when you are older will you understand what I am saying to you.

You are asked for your opinion because it is helping you grow and it is making you a decision maker, you are being groomed for an adult life. Do me a favour and enjoy your childhood because being an adult is a tough life, you have to work to pay bills. feed your family, buy them clothes, take them on holiday, you have to make sure you have spare money for emergencies. You sound a nice child, stay that way for as long as you have the opportunity.

Answer 4

The problem is that people around the age of 12, 13 and 14 don't understand politics because they believe what their fed on the television, they believe what they read in the newspaper. Most of whats spread through mainstream media is propoganda.. slander. The problem with teenagers understanding politics is that most of the political events aren't only current events, they're linked to events in the past that most people don't learn about or study, until High School.

If you're not properly educated on the past, and it's link to the present, than your opinion on a political matter doesn't mean anything, because you don't know the history of the matter, to make an opinion for the better.

Answer 5

Probably because you're the exception that proves the rule. Most children don't have a good grasp of politics and current affairs, as they have far more interesting things to keep them occupied, and very often they don't have to deal with the consequences of politicians' actions, like paying tax, etc. Sorry, but that's just the simple truth. It must be very frustrating for you, but you sound mature enough to deal with it.

It works both ways, however, as kids do the same to adults. If anyone over 25 is interested in activities normally reserved for children, then they're usually roundly abused by said children "Get a life, saddo" etc.

Answer 6

I suppose in America, as in Britain, young people tend to be more idealistic than adults, so are more likely to favour the Democrats. Here, in Britain, it would tend to be the Socialist party. I think to be a good politician, you need to have aquired a certain amount of wisdom and experience of life from a practical point of view. I don't think that studying politics in an academic way, helps too much when you have to make real life judgements and decisions. Another concern I have about young people is that they may still be reflecting the views of left wing teachers and lecturers. However, you have to start somewhere, and talking about it certainly helps, so good luck.

Answer 7

I hate that. I'm 16, have be well informed about politics for a long time. I've been interested in socialism for 3 years, but the minute I suggest joining a socialist party I'm told I don't know what I'm on about and accused of just following a friend of mine (who I';ve known for about a year, so interest in politics started before I spoke to said person) and banned from doing so by my parents. To prove my case, my mum thought socialists were neo Nazis. Try and find somewhere to express your views though, like a young peoples forum. No reason why you shouldn't because of your age. Don't worry about your parents.

Answer 8

As a 13 year old you don't have the experience to make solid rational opinions. You are too young to vote, so you are really just a teen with democrat leanings. You question is well written and its refreshing to see intelligent youth. You may very well be a Democrat when it comes time to exercise your option to vote, but many things will change in your life between now and then. You will be one of the elusive informed voters when you make your choice.

Answer 9

I too grew up gifted and interested in politics. There reasoning may have more to do with what experiences you have and where you have been. Keep your head. Don't develop opinions based on the news media which does less and less reporting and more and more opinionated every day. Travel.....spend time with people in the grassroots....the people who can not say for themselves. Do not label your self.....be an individual....I have seen to many good people with great ideas end up back in the "box" by labeling themselves Democrat or republican and going with the party.

Answer 10

Even a lot of adults have very little grasp on politics, so when a younger person not even old enough to vote shows a better understanding of politics, they feel like they have been 'shown up' so will belittle you to make themselves feel smarter.

Keep up the interest, and involve your self in any junior political activities, and prove to them that you are switched on

Answer 11

It's most likely because the adults you're discussing with, like your grandmother believer that their experience vs. yours is more valuable because they've been around longer and seen more events. In a way, I think they are correct.

However, to have the youth engaged in current events is vitally important to maintaining a strong civil society, educated on the issues important to today, and prepared for the challenges we will face tomorrow.

Don't get discouraged. Discuss with them wisely and eventually over time, you will gain their respect.