In a heated political and social climate such as the one we find ourselves presently in, it may seem easier to stay out of politics. To some, it may look like a simpler path to just ignore the national conversations at hand and remain neutral to all issues. However, that’s really the last thing you should do.

Sure, by remaining neutral and keeping your mouth closed, you are likely to avoid uncomfortable conversations or heated arguments. You probably won’t have to worry about offending anyone or maintaining people’s respect for you.

To those who think it may seem easier to stay out of things – you’re wrong. If there’s ever been a time to take part in the conversation it’s now.

It absolutely baffles me when people have the nerve to tell me that they “stay out of politics” because they “don’t want to rock the boat” or “don’t care to get involved.” Not only is that coming from a place of being blindly unaware of one’s own privilege but it also demonstrates how half of our generation is failing to pay attention to the world.

It is privileging to not have to watch our politicians decide and play with your fate everyday. By being white, straight and cisgender, a lot of what is being discussed in the news does not likely have an impact on my rights or how I’m treated. Being a woman, however, I do feel the need to pay attention to conversations about reproductive rights as well as listening to the misogynistic locker room talk that goes on in Washington. Being a responsible American citizen, I pay attention.

No, I don’t have to worry about waking up one morning and hearing that the President called my country a “sh*thole” like he has said of the countries some of our international students belong to. No, I don’t have to worry about Trump’s stricter immigration policies affecting my family. No, I don’t have to worry about being attacked in my community because of hateful speech against my identity that has been popularized by the white men in power. But I worry for those who do.

As a part of a majority demographic and as an American citizen, I take it as a responsibility to care and pay attention to the political climate in this country. By paying attention and by being aware of the world around me, I am better equipped to stand up to and tackle the injustices I see in my life, whether they directly affect me or not. By staying informed, I am able to have empathy and compassion for my LGBTQIA+ ladies, men and non-binary friends, my POC sisters and brothers and any other minority group that may face oppression in this country.