TED Talks...Apathy!

I believe his points on the barriers to our engagement in local politics ring true.

The long and short:
1. City Hall and intentional exclusion via language and advertisement of local issues.
2. Public space being utilized by those with the most money - they get the loudest voice.
3. Media focus on celebrity and scandals, and when political news is addressed there is little follow-up provided for media consumers. Reinforces the idea that politics is a "spectator sport."
4. Hero worship. Movies often depict "chosen ones" who "have to" save the world. Real leadership is collective, imperfect, ongoing, voluntary, and is about following your own dreams...uninvited.
5. Political parties. Should be a great starting point...yet they tend to feed cynicism instead of providing bold and creative ideas.
6. Charitable status. Groups with charitable status are not allowed to do advocacy (in Canada). And that's where you'll find very involved, passionate people.
7. Elections. Canadians (according to Dave Meslin) are apathetic with elections believing their vote doesn't count.

Any of this sound familiar? Watch the video if you haven't already. It's only 7 minutes and delves further.