Maybe it started with Alicia Silverstone’s popularization of the phrase “whatever” in the 1990s teen classic “Clueless.”

Whatever the reason for the popularity of apathy, I find it generally distasteful. There seems to be an ever-increasing trend to display a lack of interest in everything … except Facebook. (Apparently, it is socially acceptable to know everything that anyone does at precisely what minute and with whom.)

That aside, I see manifestations of apathy in everything. The most obvious, of course, is political action. Although students have a bit of a lingering association with successful protests and action, the era of students driving issues in the political arena is over. Or at least diminished. I know some might comment on the protesters that you occasionally come across in front of the library — which is good. Definitely a start.

Unfortunately, I’ve found that alienating people and making them uncomfortable is not the most successful way to change their minds, and if your protest consists of five people instead of 50, you aren’t exactly going to get people to take you quite as seriously. Besides, that’s just further evidence of the raging ignorance on political issues — there are only five protesters. I think it’s safe to say that on any given issue, there are more than a handful of people who don’t like the current state of affairs.

Nothing, however, bothers me quite the same way as someone who broadcasts his or her apathy. I don’t think it’s cool when someone lists their political leanings on Facebook as “apathetic.” That is not an acceptable response. You live in the United States, a country full of people who jerk off to the thought of their democracy’s superiority to every other governmental system. So be a part of it. If you want to reserve the right to impose your morals and ideas upon other people, at least bother to take part in the system you can’t seem to stop talking about. Besides, when we’re all old enough to get Social Security and it doesn’t exist, I’m pretty sure you’ll have something to say. Get your practice in early.

I’m aware that I’m saying all of this from the perspective of a student of political science, and thus it is fair to say that I’m in the opposite direction — I dedicate excess amounts of my life to the pursuit of political knowledge. Nevertheless, there’s no reason that every person of voting age shouldn’t at least try to know enough to choose candidates wisely on election days. Just because you think you’re in the Democratic party, it doesn’t mean that a Republican might not be more in sync with your views. Or vice versa. Read a little, if only enough to give you a basic understanding of which candidates stand for what issues.

Try caring for a change; especially now, with elections looming in the distance. What’s the worst that could come of it?

Molly Ariotti is a sophomore geography and political science major. Or something. She was too busy not caring to decide.