Am I a bad person if I don't care about activism?
Not caring about activism doesn't make you a bad person. It just means your strengths and passions lie elsewhere—maybe you're amazing at art, coding, or making people laugh, and those skills can contribute to the world in equally valuable ways.
If you knew that your actions would make a difference, would you be more likely to get involved? What's the smallest possible action you could take that aligns with your values?
Ever feel like everyone around you is shouting about something you don't understand? Friends are going to protests. Social media is flooded with causes. You just want to live your life. It feels wrong. Like you're missing something. Maybe you feel guilty. Like you should care. But you don't. That feeling of being an outsider, of not quite fitting in? You are not alone. Wondering why this feeling happens?
This feeling is often political apathy. It is not that you are apathetic in general. You may care deeply about your family, friends, or art. Political apathy means you're not interested or engaged with politics or social justice issues. This can happen for many reasons. You might feel overwhelmed by the complexity of problems. Maybe you feel your actions won't make a difference. A 2021 study by Pew Research Center found that 76% of young adults feel that political involvement rarely has tangible results. It's okay if you don't see activism as your path.
Aisha, 17, in Mumbai, feels immense pressure from her family to focus solely on her studies. Her parents believe that excelling academically is the only way to secure a good future. Aisha wants to join her friends in climate change protests, but fears disappointing her family. In contrast, Kai, 16, in rural Montana, feels disconnected from global issues. Kai is more concerned with local problems like the lack of resources for their school's sports program. Though their contexts differ, both Aisha and Kai experience a sense of guilt and inadequacy for not engaging in the civic engagement expected of them.
Start small. You don't need to join a march. You can contribute in small ways.
First, identify one area where you do care. Is it animals? The environment? Then, take one small action: Say this: "I want to learn more about [issue] and how I can help in small ways."
- Share a post: Repost something you found interesting.
- Donate time: Volunteer at a local animal shelter.
- Donate money: Even $5 can make a difference.
Small steps can lead to bigger ones. You might find your passion. Or you might not. Both are okay.
Not into activism? No problem. Your worth isn't tied to how many protests you attend. Find what does light you up and do that with all your heart.
🤔 Which thinking lens(es) did you use?
Select all the lenses you used while thinking about this:
Common Questions
No, you are not obligated. There's no universal requirement to be an activist. Your time and energy are yours to allocate. Societal contribution comes in many forms. Being a good friend, a supportive family member, or a skilled worker are all valuable.
That is perfectly acceptable. Not everyone is wired the same way. Maybe your skills lie in areas unrelated to teen activism. Perhaps you are creative, analytical, or technically gifted. These skills are also vital to society. Find where your talents meet a need. Then contribute there. Imagine if every coder became an activist -- who would build the apps that activists use?
Not at all. Remaining apolitical is a personal choice. Do not let anyone make you feel guilty. Many people choose to focus on their personal lives. Some feel that politics are too divisive. You get to decide where your attention goes.
Yes! Many exist. Think about using your skills in service of others. Are you good at writing? Offer to write resumes for people at a homeless shelter. Great with kids? Volunteer at an after-school program. My friend, David, is a web designer. He donates his time to create websites for local non-profits. Find what you're good at. Then find a way to use it for good.
Focus on your immediate community. Small acts of kindness matter. Help a neighbor. Tutor a student. Clean up a local park. These actions create positive change.
No. Morality is complex. It's not solely defined by political involvement. Consider Maya, who dedicates her time to caring for her elderly grandmother. She is not politically active, but her actions demonstrate compassion and responsibility. Her care contributes to the well-being of her family and community. Moral actions exist outside the political arena.
Start with one issue. What makes you angry or sad? Then, learn more. Read articles. Watch documentaries. Follow relevant organizations on social media. Knowledge can spark passion.
Then it is not for you! Do not force it. Find other ways to make a difference. Consider volunteering your time or donating to a cause you believe in. My neighbor, Sarah, isn't an activist. But she donates monthly to a local food bank. Her small contribution makes a big impact. It's okay to support causes without being on the front lines.