At 16, why does society refuse my opinion?

Question

A few days ago, I attended a youth seminar organised by my local town council.To cut a long story short, we (the attendees of the seminar) raised issues about all sorts of things - including ID cards for under 16s so that you can't be charged extorcionate prices for movies, etc. This got me thinking: if that wasn't organised by the council, how could we have made that suggestion? We couldn't.

The fact is that society ignores young people until they are 18 - then suddenely they are expected to cast a votes on a certain political party? No wonder voters are dwindling.

So, I suppose, my question is not why is my opinion refused, but why is it not embraced?

After all - I am the future...

Answer 1

I remember volunteering for a political campaign when I was 17. I was nervously positioned at a busy intersection handing out leaflets. A man grabbed one, glanced at it, and snorted in disgust at the candidate's neatly trimmed beard. "He needs to shave," was the only comment, and his mind was set for election day. I remember simmering in the irony that, come the election, his opinion was more valuable than my own.

That's just to say that yes, 18 is a pretty darn arbitrary number. And even then so many teens don't vote that you may not have much clout in your demographic. If there's hope, I think it's that grassroots movements tend to be effective, especially on a local level. You may not be able to vote, but you can convince neighbors and family members that an issue is important and organize them to make sure politicians listen.

Hang in there.

Answer 2

I have the same problem. It's the same as when you go into a restaraunt and get bad service b/c the servers are used to teens tipping poorly. It's an issue that will probably never be resolved. The ones with the power to change it (the "adults") won't because it doesn't affect them. The ones who want it changed (minors) can't change it because they don't have the power.

The best thing I can say to you is don't forget about this issue once you hit the voting age. Always remember that there are young people who know and understand politics. Try and change the way the system works when you are old enough to have the power. :)

Answer 3

Sixteen year-olds have not earned the right to an equal say in the running of the community. Most decisions made by governments won't affect you until you are older, and you probably don't pay taxes. Most sixteen year-olds lack the maturity and judgement to be trusted with the vote. A five year-old is also the future - should s/he vote, too? And don't blame the voting age for falling turnout. Until 1969 or so it was 21 and the turnout was higher back then.

However, David Cameron seems desperate to ingratiate himself with youth - maybe you can get him to take up your cause.

Answer 4

Because you have not yet contributed to society and more importantly you have no real life experience. I think they should raise the voting age to at least 25. Having heard some of the opinions coming out of university's its really scary.

Sounds harsh and unfair? Well get used to it.
Because that is what real life is all about.

And another thing that I think people of all ages should learn. Just because people make the time to listen to you does not mean that they have to agree with you. Whether its your boss at work or the government. Good management is about listing to other peoples points of view, but making your own decision.

Answer 5

First of all, you can get an ID if you are under 16. I had a Texas ID card and a checking account when I was 13.

Plus when you start working and paying into the system you will completely understand why we regard adults as better to make decisions.

Answer 6

your opinion is not refused and its good to hear OTHERS opinions no matter what age ... and why should I embrace it you have a lot to learn yet and one of the first things you have to learn there have been people saying and doing things well before you were even born so respect is due on both sides and arrogance wont get you anywhere do you think we are all stupid even if we are over the age of 16 try life experience and actually your future is in my hands at the moment ...hope its a good one

Answer 7

There has to be an age of majority, and currently that age is set at 18. Prior to that, the law judges you to be too immature to make legal decisions for yourself, with some exceptions. This is to protect you rather than restrict you - if 14 year olds, for example, could get themselves credit to buy whatever they wanted, do you think that most of them would be sensible? You are obviously mature for your age, and I understand why you find this frustrating, but look at some of your peers and I'm sure you will see why the law feels they need protection from themselves! If you are really interested in politics and want to be a part of the decision making process, contact your local MP or representative from the party you believe best serves your interests - believe me, they will be very interested in your opinions.

Answer 8

You are not the future. The future is now and we are all in it together. You are ruled by old men and they will always rule till you are old too. So how can you be the future when you don't even rate now? No one will listen to kids because the activities on this planet have been worked out before Jesus even arrived. There is really nothing new to add. That's why they smile politely and tell you to hop along.

Answer 9

Because when I was under 16 I would've voted for anyone that promised sex and drugs.

Besides. I've NEVER heard anyone 16 or younger say something political that was intelligent. Your opinion's not embraced because your peers all act like fools. So wait 2 years then try to enact somethign that'll help 16 yr. old's get their voice out. Knowing how growing up works... once you get to 18 you won't care about 16 yr olds anymore.

Answer 10

You are absolutley right.
Point is that society tries to put you down and make life difficult for you if you don't come from a priviledged (i.e. money) background. They want to channel all the energy of youth and make you tired by making it impossible for you to have an individual life. Dependency helps them to keep you in line, dependency on your parents on food, and money, dependency on Brands (Nike, Addidas, Puma) and so on. It would be easy to give everyone proper health and propre individually chosen education.
But thats not what the gouverment wants, they want to control you!!!
That's why they make life for you difficult.
Thats why people in need (i.e. Heroin Addicts, Alcoholics) get no help. They are there where the gouverment wants them.
On the floor, knocked out!