Elect to conform

Vote. Vote and be recognized. Vote and be one of us. Vote or be segregated. Vote or be judged. Vote, vote, vote -- or die.\nNov. 7, 2006, came and went. The Democrats completed their drive for Congress , and the young voters of America once again stood up and let their voices be heard. And what was the sound that came from the collective voice of American youth? A triumphant call that roared the Democrats to victory or an appalled grumble longing for GOP control? Both, actually. But consider what went unsaid by the young members of each political party. \nRather than express concern for the political implications of this week's events, I wonder: What has caused an increase in young voter turnout over the past few years? (The number of registered voters aged 18 to 20 was up 10.2 percent for the 2004 presidential election, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.) It's not that politics are more heavily discussed on college campuses, nor is it necessarily that professors and elders are becoming more adept at educating the next generation. \nI think there's one plausible cause for the increase in participation among young voters: the fear of social isolation. \nIn 2004 and 2006, IU College Democrats and IU College Republicans did their best to promote the principles of their respective parties among the student body. As successful as these and similar groups appear to have been, such abundant voting may result from the younger voters' desire to be accepted into groups. Discussion of politics is often less about the merit of the arguments than it is about choosing sides and tossing rocks across party lines. Where are those who do not pick? In the middle, to be stoned by both groups.\nThis idea was brought to televisions nationwide in 2004 when Sean "P. Diddy" Combs launched his Vote or Die! campaign, meant to inform young people that voting is not only important but also sexy. Also supporting such a social message is the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization Rock the Vote, which "harnesses cutting-edge trends and pop culture to make political participation cool." Available for purchase on the Rock the Vote Web site are the common T-shirts and baseball caps, but another garment is also advertised: the ever-practical thong underwear that bears the Rock the Vote insignia. \nThis is how American democracy is presented to the youth of the nation: A place where there are two options-- vote or be deemed "uncool" by a popular rap artist, and thus by all of his followers (a fate equal to dying). It is a place where the most important reason to vote is to remain sexy and, thus, never be alone. Being hated by half of an age group is acceptable. Being hated by all is damnation.\nVoting is the duty of every American citizen and is a right to be cherished, loved and fulfilled -- never feared. On Nov. 7, 2006, what were the youth of America voting for? Not a candidate that would eliminate terrorism, but for a sense of belonging that would prevent their own terror.