There's no doubt the 2016 presidential election has been a whirlwind of emotions and one of the most talked about campaigns ever — and it will continue to be until the next POTUS is elected. So, I get why there are individuals who have mixed feelings about voting. They might be confused, don't like the candidates, or are having difficulty weighing the pros and cons over who will make the better leader for the United States. However, to not vote at all? Well, that's how one pop singer feels. In a June interview with Billboard magazine, Meghan Trainor says she has "no desire" to vote. That's a huge statement — and one that's not sitting well with many, including myself.
The 22-year-old artist admitted voting isn't at the top of her list and said,
"I should be way more aware, and if it was [Clinton] or Trump, I'd definitely vote for her. But I've never voted and I don't have any desire to."
Upon first reading her comment, I went through a range of emotions. First, I understand Trainor's sentiments about being more aware. Sometimes I feel like I need to be better at understanding politics, the candidates, and ensuring I'm on top of everything happening globally and in the political world. There's always more to learn. I'm sure there are others who feel the same way.
Though, if the "Me Too" singer knows she needs to pay attention more, then why doesn't she? It almost seems like she's saying, "Yeah, I need to be more aware, but oh well, I'm not." Her comment has a lazy connotation to it.
Second, if Trainor knows she wants to vote for Hillary Clinton, then why doesn't she? It appears she feels strongly about her over Donald Trump, so why sit back rather than exercising her right to vote? It just doesn't make sense, and I'd like to hear more from her about her thoughts on voting.
Furthermore, saying she has no desire to vote (whether that may be directed solely at the 2016 election or not) is mind-blowing. It's important to note that, thus far, Trainor has only had the opportunity to vote in a presidential election in 2012 (she was born on December 22, 1993 and turned 18 in 2011). I know when I turned 18, I was excited to finally have the chance to vote, but I guess some people don't feel that way.
Voting is a right that many people have had to fight for, so anyone who is able to vote and wouldn't want to? It's disappointing, especially since Trainor is a woman. I don't know about you, but I see her negative comments about voting as a huge slap in the face to women's suffrage. Women fought for the right to vote and it's disrespectful to those who went above and beyond to ensure gender didn't determine someone's voting rights.
I can only imagine how Susan B. Anthony would feel about all of this. However, when it comes to the public, they aren't holding back their reactions. Let's just say there are many who feel exactly as I do.
As noted above, Trainor is a role model to young individuals. I can only imagine how this is influencing them. More young people need to be encouraged to vote and let their voices be heard, not the opposite. Maybe Trainor doesn't think her vote matters or won't make a difference, but it will. It's more harmful not to vote. Remember what happened with Brexit?
Obviously, if Trainor doesn't want to vote, she doesn't have to. I, nor anyone else, can or should force her to. It's her choice. But, her comments are disappointing, especially when women are still fighting for equality. I would think she would want to lend her voice to that and try to contribute to the country with her vote, but I guess that's something she's not worried about.
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