pathways to politicization

In a post that appeared earlier this week, Mike Connery recommended an article titled "Generation Why” by Liz Brown, the daughter of Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). At the start of the article, Liz quotes a student named Andrew Lyubarsky who states, “The election of 2000 is definitely what politicized me, caused me to think critically about the American system.” His remark, a not-so-surprising statement, triggered a larger reflection: What are the ways that young people today are being politicized?

By politicization I mean simply: “to give a political character to.” I’m using it in a very broad and positive sense, as in the catalyzing of active citizenship and the formation of critical consciousness in a democratic society. What activates young Americans? What calls them to action and causes them to think critically about politics and society?

The following list is in no way an attempt at being comprehensive. These are only initial thoughts that I am offering as a simple reflection and for further conversation.