Some explain their apathy by unwillingness to quarrel with loved ones, others — by disappointment in leaders. Why have so many of us stopped taking the struggle of ideas, attitudes and opinions to heart? And how to feel the interest in public life again?
“I avoid any political disputes,” admits Lyudmila, 44, an emergency doctor. — Student years fell on perestroika, I had so many hopes and inspiration! I lived with the feeling that I could change something, but I no longer believe in it. And I don’t go to the polls.” Why such disappointment? Because of the politicians? Because of their promises, which often turn out to be false? Because of the corruption that most of us face? Of course, the words and deeds of many politicians do not contribute to the active involvement of citizens in public life, but our loss of interest is explained not only by this reason.
What for? Refusal not only to engage in, but even to be interested in politics, psychologists consider it quite logical. “Disappointment and readiness to come to terms with the situation largely arise from the lack of results of our social activities,” says psychologist Inna Shifanova. – This is how motivation works: any action generates consequences; if they are pleasant, our brain notes it; if unpleasant, calls to abandon it. We believe that we can influence the life of the society in which we live, go to a march or rally, vote, but the situation about which we actively expressed our opinion does not change for the better. Or even getting worse. This is difficult to accept, “because at such moments we again experience the feeling of powerlessness that we first experienced in childhood,” explains psychologist Yves-Alexandre Thalmann. “Then our parents asked our opinion, but in the end they did not take it into account.” As a result, as in childhood, we again feel frustration and anger in the face of a system that does not recognize us as thinking and responsible people.
- What does politics smell like?
I don’t know what to think. It is difficult these days to form a definite opinion on almost any subject in which we are not experts. “We have a huge amount of information available, but does it help form an opinion? asks Inna Shifanova. Let’s take any topic. For example, nuclear energy: how safe is it? Experts are still arguing and cannot agree with each other. So what are we to think about it?» And some of us come to the conclusion that it is better to stop thinking altogether.
This is too difficult for me. Politics is directly related to the state of financial markets. Not having the skill to follow market trends and understand its patterns, many of us cease to be interested in this side of society, but not in social life. “It is difficult to feel involved in macrosocial structures that are too far from us,” continues Inna Shifanova. “To be involved, you need to understand your connection to the micro-social level.” This is where our weak point is. No matter what civil position we take, prices continue to rise, while oil and the ruble continue to fall. In this situation, many prefer to abandon any attempts to comprehend their position and devote their efforts to private tasks: the improvement of their own lives and the lives of their families.
What to do?
Participate in common affairs
«I’m just a drop in the ocean…» Perhaps such a thought can give up. But the sea is made up of drops. And we can, to the best of our ability, take part in actions that will lead to tangible and useful results. In this way, we will start the reward system in the brain and regain the desire to act.
Act for others
Any action, no matter how small, in the public interest can be considered a political act. Our job is to take responsibility again and find how and where to apply our strength. For example, we can give our time, money, skills within the framework of any association of volunteers or philanthropists. Are we aware of the opportunities to take the initiative at the local level? Have we used all these opportunities?
Realize your values
To understand who we are, it is necessary to understand which group we belong to, what our values are (eg solidarity, equality of opportunity, tolerance, social justice). We can build our lives in harmony with them in the family and with loved ones and pay attention to how they are embodied in the society where we live.