Published in On Our Selection News September 12, 2013

I found out about the election result from the pulled pork guy.

It was a bittersweet exchange, as my friend had just managed to barter two rolls down to the price of one discounted roll, but the news didn’t slide down my throat as well as a smokey glob of meat (that’s right, the sarcastic young female with feminist leanings who likes to recycle is NOT the biggest fan of Tony Abbott. I’m just as shocked as you are).

Yet, regardless of the outcome, I’m glad for the conversation. There I was – a slightly intoxicated youngster having a political discussion with a stranger. Ahh, democracy is a beautiful thing.

I know what you’re thinking, “just what the world needs, another plucky young journo pretending to know things about politics. Please, tell me all about your ill-informed subjective opinions.” Well, kind reader, that is a fair comment to make.

As far as political awareness goes, I’m relatively new to the scene. In the stages of political development, I’m probably at a Year 1 level – it’s as though my brain has just begun to function somewhat intelligently to be able to process the 123s and (the slightly left-wing) ABCs of politics and I’ve only just mastered the art of controlling my bowels. But I’m getting the hang of it.

However I get confused when people complain about the election and applaud when it’s over so that they can “stop talking politics and get on with it”. Maybe it’s just my childish naivety, but I thought the whole idea of democracy was that the people were supposed to participate. I was under the impression that the political happenings in our country should by discussed all year round, not just once every three years.

I know that we elect politicians to represent our interests in the Senate or the House of Reps (see, I’m learning!) to do the political bidding for us, but that doesn’t mean that we should be passive about the whole thing and ignore politics altogether. We all complain about politicians not doing their job, but how many people consider that they, as citizens, have a job to do as well? We’re supposed to actively put in our two cents about the decisions that will affect us. There have been countless opportunities for people to comment on controversial projects or policies when people cant be bothered to fill out a simple survey. However when this policy comes into play, people are quick to complain. Sure, be cross with the Government, but if you don’t contact your MP or write a letter, then you sir, should be cross with yourself. If you don’t use the political system, don’t abuse it.

Why is politics considered a taboo topic when talking about politics is necessary for democracy to function? As long as it’s civil and doesn’t involve vision of earwax being eaten, it should be welcomed at the dinner table, especially when opposing sides are breaking bread together. We as a society need an idea and a counter argument of that idea to discuss in order to reach new conclusions and to progress.

That’s why I think there’s something important in talking politics with a stewed meat vendor. Because if we as citizens don’t get involved in political debates, then we won’t be considered in political decisions.