Vote of Confidence

One of the ways that human beings learn to be civic is when civic activities become a part of everyday life.  In Chapter One of "Rhetoric and Civic Life," the author brings up an interesting point in saying that most children do not know the meaning of several words in the Pledge of Allegiance, or the meaning of the Pledge as a whole, yet they recite it every day before school.  The text points out that while children may not know the precise meaning of the words they recite each morning, they still understand the concept of the importance of patriotism and loyalty to the United States of America.  When civic activities are introduced to us so early in life, these activities become ingrained in us and become natural.  Eventually, once we learn to understand and appreciate the value of these activities, we truly become civic.

I remember the first time my dad took me to vote.  It was a crisp, fall day and I was wearing a pilgrim costume in preparation to rehearse for my school's Thanksgiving play.  I was in kindergarten and I was just beginning to confidently cut on the dotted line and recite my ABC's.  Even though I did not know anything about the candidates or the current events dominating the election, I felt so proud when I received the "I Voted Today" sticker and when my dad showered me with praise for being a "good American."  In that moment, I picked up the importance of voting and being an active citizen, even though I knew nothing about the process.

Each year, my dad took me back to the polls.  I'll admit that my main incentive for going back year after year was the free cookies.  However, as I advanced from coloring to painting, from ABC's to novels, voting became more serious and interesting for me.

Last year, I was able to vote for myself for the first time, which gave me a great sense of pride and efficacy.  I believe this is what being civic does for us as a whole.  Learning to be civic is so important because it enables us as citizens to feel involved in society.  Introducing civic activities into our lives at a young age prepares us to become successful, productive members of our communities and gives us the potential to contribute positively to society as whole in the future.