Democracy Day is September 15 in the United States. News organizations across the country launched it to report more and better information about the crisis facing democracy in the United States.
Government and politics fascinated me at a young age, making me curious about the problems around my community. I would watch the nightly news every day starting in the fourth grade; I’ve been told that it is peculiar that it was my favorite TV show. But it’s true, the way we often view politics is personal. Often an anecdote or a news story molds the perspective and opinions that shape how we view the world.
That’s the passion that helped me to become the Youth Lt. Governor of Washington under the YMCA Youth and Government program and, last month, the youngest male delegate in Washington history to attend the Democratic National Convention at 17 years old.
It’s great to remember what passionate politics can bring to the table, but in essence, politics can seem to be a divided issue where relationships between others are strained, and yet it’s a topic many Americans don’t feel comfortable speaking about. I question from time to time if this is a career worth looking at, considering all of the stress and obstacles that it may bring. But politics doesn’t have to be this way, instead, we need politics to bridge ideas together to form a more perfect solution at the table.
I read "Good Arguments: How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard," by Bo Seo, a two-time world debate champion who discussed consuming a “healthy informational diet.” When we see news clips or information that directly aligns with our personal beliefs or opinions, we feel a sense of validation that whispers this is the only narrative. That diet isn’t rich, and just like the food plate chart in health class, a healthy diet needs to be dense and balanced. Thus it brings challenges: to open up to constructive criticism, and to the importance of growing how we identify our values in the world.
Another story I would like to tell you is from a conversation I had in Chicago. On the bus ride back from the convention center, I sat next to a union worker. He told me his story of being a negotiator for over 20 years. I was fascinated to hear about the vital importance negotiations have on policy presented today. One side of the argument can claim “compromising” is losing, but instead, he views this as an act forward for the greater good, which is to end conflict. These two examples should teach you that it’s easier to talk, but rather it’s harder to listen to each other. And that’s the truth when it comes to discussing politics.
So how do we listen to each other? More importantly, how do we civically engage with the power of promoting civility in our community? It all starts with one conversation at a time. I think of each conversation as an onion, and the easiest way to dive into the conversation is to talk about the surface-level questions such as about favorite colors or hobbies. This exercise helps train our minds to instead focus on the commonalities between one another, before judgment. As you progress down the layers into the core of disagreement, it may seem hard to fully agree on a compromise but, still, by actively listening, you have shown respect by being open to one another.
It takes a village to fully build on the progress our community has made within the past decade. It takes a village to heal from sorrows that plague us. It takes a village to inform one another, and it takes a village to care for one another. All of us here came in with one idea, the idea to create a sense of belonging. No matter how old you are, how you identify, or what your background is you can get involved in your community.
We need to come together as co-workers, neighbors, relatives, peers, spouses, or any relationships you carry a priority first. I encourage everyone to strike up a conversation with someone you disagree with, often through the lens of showing love over hate & acceptance over rejection. You never truly know someone without those conversations. That is the America I want to see, where we fully express our right to public discourse with the intent of building the voices of tomorrow that will shape a better chance for our communities, one word at a time.
Gavin Cruz is a senior at Olympia High School. These comments are taken from his speech at the YMCA Breakfast for Belonging event at South Puget Sound Community College on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
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JHermes
Beautifully expressed, Gavin. Best wishes for your continued success.
5 days ago Report this
RedskinPatriot
I'm excited to see our youth engaged so early in life. It is nice to know that there are others who are concerned about the dialogue we are having in this country.
With that said, I will make this point. Our Constitution is pure genius, period! Conversations about politics and government are the very essence of our Constitution. In fact, it is why they, our framers adopted it within the 1st Amendment - it is the first thing they thought off. The problem is most folks forget the word "peaceably" prior to "assemble". Emotions often clutter the back, and forth. Add that to biased news organizations and it creates panic and fear among the people. This usually ends with individual passion turned to anger which is why we have seen so many public outcries and disruption across these United States. The term peaceably is often forgotten...
Now, my hope is Gavin continues his passionate train of thought as he matures and sees what other governments have done over the 200+ years America's Republican form of government has stood. We may continue to enjoy our freedoms of discourse as long as we can keep our Republic (I remember hearing something similar to this phrase before...)
Well done young man, thank you!
Ryan Burton
5 days ago Report this
olyhiker
An amazing young man.
5 days ago Report this
GinnyAnn
Gavin expresses himself wisely and thoughtfully. I hope he continues to pursue a life of public service, where we so desperately need listeners and negotiators. Gavin knows the difference between bombastic politicking and statesmanship. I know he could become a strong leader in whatever area he chooses to engage. I sincerely hope more young people learn the lessons he has to teach all of us. My older generation seems to have forgotten what we fought for back in our idealistic youth. May Gavin keep us on the right track.
5 days ago Report this
Callie
Thank you Gavin
4 days ago Report this