Obstacles to Civic Engagement
One of the Obstacles to Civic engagement that Rogat Loeb identifies is a lack of role models. People are not born with the motivation and willingness to engage in public affairs. It is part of one’s socialization in society, meaning that one learns to become a citizen and, more so, a responsible citizen. However, there isn’t enough support from the environment to help the development of citizens. Fewer adults are interested in news coverage about public affairs, and this means that they talk less about public affairs. The media tells fewer stories that inspire belief in society. It has romanticized other topics such as entertainment, sports, and lifestyle, leaving out the most important issues that affect a citizen’s life. As a result, most people have become cynic about politics.
I have lost faith in civil society because the stories I have heard from people that have experienced injustice have left me wondering whether it is worth my time and energy. It also looks like systemic problems that are beyond an individual or a small group’s effort. Nobody inspires faith in what has been termed the “System” anymore – not the media and not the leaders either. Therefore, even for those willing to participate in public affairs, they lack the skills and knowledge to do so.
On the other hand, Dave Meslin argues that political parties is one of the barriers to public participation. He notes that political parties are supposed to serve as an entry point for most citizens to get involved in public affairs. However, they have evolved into unattractive organizations that recycle ideas that people already know. Political parties do not come up with new ideas that challenge the status quo and inspire real change. People notice the pretentiousness in political parties and sometimes the inconsistencies in their philosophies. As a result, citizens decide to stay away from civic engagement.