Political Illiteracy - The Real Debate

"Damala Tarris and Konald Hump" (digital artwork by C. Sexton)

Growing up, my sisters and I seemed to argue about everything: whose turn it was to do the dishes, who deserved the last cookie, and, on more serious days, who was Mom and Dad’s favorite. These squabbles often spiraled out of control until my mother would step in and restore order with one of her signature phrases: “God don’t like ugly” or “God is not the author of confusion.” At the time, her wisdom didn’t fully sink in. It wasn’t until we were older—when life started teaching us those lessons firsthand—that we truly grasped what she meant. Now, as I look at the current state of America, I hear her words echoing louder than ever.

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that the last four or five years have been mind-blowing. It feels like every issue America has ever faced has come bubbling to the surface, leaving us to yearn for the way things used to be when life was "normal." But maybe we never really knew what "normal" was. If we did, how did we get here?

Instead of justice and peace, we’re witnessing distorted interpretations of the law. Instead of diplomacy, we're seeing tactlessness and insensitivity. Where there was once tolerance, we now find dogmatism. With soapboxes and pedestals seemingly cemented in place, anyone with a differing opinion than our own is deemed unworthy. Confusion has inadvertently become the new law of the land and I believe today's average American politician capitalizes on this. 

Time feels shorter than ever, The average American’s daily life is filled with responsibilities—work, family, and the endless list of things that simply must get done. These 'things' often leave little time for our dreams and aspirations let alone, time for deep engagement with politics, creating fertile ground for political illiteracy. Many people, pressed for time, rely on biased sources like news outlets, social media, and partisan pundits, which can lead to misinformation and false narratives. This manipulation of facts skews public opinion, making it increasingly difficult to separate truth from fiction.

Politicians, recognizing this vulnerability, as stated, often exploit it. By feeding voters selective or distorted information, they manipulate public support and secure votes based on incomplete or inaccurate understandings. The ongoing presidential election is a clear example of this dynamic. The nation is more divided than ever, thanks in part to conflicting narratives amplified by social media, biased news coverage, and strategic campaigning.

Take the recent debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Thanks to post-fact-checking, both candidates made claims that ranged from true to misleading to downright false; each side selectively using or misrepresenting facts to support their positions. A tactic that only fuels voter confusion and deepens polarization.

Unfortunately, many Americans lack even a basic understanding of the U.S. political system and its foundational documents. Civics education has often been sidelined, leaving young people to rely on social media and trends for political information. For instance, a 2021 survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center revealed that only 56% of Americans could name all three branches of government.

To combat political illiteracy, a few solutions stand out. First, schools need to place a deeper emphasis on civic education, helping students understand how real-world political systems,  both domestically and globally, work to encourage critical thinking. Media literacy should also be promoted so people can discern reliable sources from misinformation. Civic participation—such as attending town hall meetings—can also foster a deeper connection to politics. Finally, fact-checking initiatives should be encouraged, giving citizens the tools to verify political claims before accepting them.

My mother was right. “God don’t like ugly” and “God is not the author of confusion.” Truth is never found in confusion, and the ugliness of its spread shows up in the small choices we make every day. To move forward, Americans must commit to gaining a deeper knowledge of their political world—and ensure the next generation is equipped to do the same. Only then can we navigate this insane political landscape where the truth can have a chance going forward.