My Unexpected Interest in Politics

If you would have told me a year ago that I would become interested in politics I definitely would not have believed you, more because I never really thought it was useful to know anything about it especially with me not being taught about politics at school. It wasn't till last year's general election when I got to vote for the first time that I realised how out of touch I was which was what lead me to do some research of my own. You're probably reading this wondering what this has got to you? Well I'm here to share my reasons on why you should take an interest in politics too!

I think it's really important, essential in fact, for all of us to at least learn about politics because if you think about it we should be allowed to have a say in how our country works. To do that we need to know how and it's something that schools should be educating us on! Don't you think?

#1 It Affects Every Single One of Us

There are policies and laws set in place that affect all of us in our everyday lives. Sometimes good. Sometimes bad. Either way we are paying this government to make decisions on our behalf so we deserve to have one that does the right thing for us.

#2 Knowledge Is Power

Ever been told this before? Well it's true! We need to be aware of what's going on outside our front doors because that way we can overcome the past and make better decisions.
Take the UK's EU referendum: this is the vote on whether Britain should remain in the EU. For everyone (well everyone of voting age) to be able to vote confidently we need to know the pros and cons of each staying and leaving. The best way to do this is find reliable news sources that can give us the information we need without having to read 100s of reports to get there. I'll even get you started because I'm nice like that! The Financial Times* have produced a quirky and informative video on how being in the EU has affected the UK and I think it's a great way to learn, plus who doesn't like a good pub quiz?

Another way of making yourself aware is to just talk to the people around you! Start conversations with them, debate amongst yourselves about important topics and news around the world; you might be surprised how much you can learn from each other.

#3 Make A Difference

There's no point in complaining about the government because of how they're running the country if you're not going to at least try make a change. There have been so many times where someone believes something needs to change but ends up not doing anything about it because they feel like they won't make a difference. Okay I can't guarantee that you'll always win your case but not even trying isn't going to get you anywhere either. Always stand up for what you believe in!

#4 To Have Our Voices Be Heard

Voting is a great start if you want to make your opinion be heard. It's quick, easy and to be fair it doesn't happen very often so you might as well make it count when you can. And with us being lucky to have access to the World Web Wide we are able to share our thoughts with everyone easier than ever! I even done a post about what I'd do if I were prime minister for a day last year as a way of expressing what was important to me during the time of the general election. Find what works for you and use it to its full potential!

I should probably let you all know that I am in no way a politics know-it-all. Not even close. The great thing is I don't need to be, and neither do you! Politics can seem like a yawn to some people but all any one of us really needs is the working knowledge of what's going on around us to then be able to make the right decisions and move forward. And guess what? It's actually really interesting too, which is a huge bonus!

Do you take an interest in politics? Well if you don't already I hope this post has convinced you otherwise and as always feel free to comment below with your thoughts on the system! Also if you're looking to learn more about the referendum coming up in June I'll leave a link to The Financial Times here as they have a lot of info to help understand it all. Thanks for reading and I'll be back soon :)

*This post has been collaborated with The Financial Times. As always all words and views are my own.