by Charani LCM Patabendige
Published on South Asia @ LSE on 29th April 2024.
Political literacy is a weapon against discrimination, a call for reality and a whistleblower against bribery and corruption. However, political literacy is absent or little or no attention is given and therefore it is imperative to instil and enhance political literacy for varied reasons. Thus, it is crucial to look into what is political literacy, its gravity, the repercussions of lacking it and the need to and how to strengthen political literacy. This article will shed light on the said matters and showcase why it has become crucial to focus on political literacy as a weapon against ill-doings.
As per (Exposure,2023) Political literacy refers to the set of skills needed to participate in democracy, including understanding elections and governmental processes, knowing how to engage in politics and critical thinking skills to evaluate the different viewpoints. However, according to, (McManus and Taylor,2009) political literacy is “not simply concerned with describing or even analyzing political institutions and government but is about being able to have an input and being able to exercise rights and responsibilities”. These definitions display the void of literacy in terms of politics because how many of citizens possess the skills to participate in politics and engage constructively and how many are genuinely interested in having an input and exercising rights and responsibilities diligently.
Before delving into the consequences of political literacy, it is essential to have a glimpse of different categories of civilians. Some are apathetic about politics, some have given up on politics, some are genuinely interested, some get upset only if it concerns them directly, and some notice political shifts only if the media points them out and becomes viral. The first category can be seen in contexts of certain youth in a society where they focus on their career or goals and politics do not matter to them. Conversely, the third category is also coloured by youth activists who are eager change-makers. The second category as per the observations has come to a point of giving up due to many reasons including a lack of trust in leaders and institutions. The final category can be regarded as a victim of media where social manipulations and content falsification exist.
Having said the nature of citizenry as per the author’s observations. Now it is vital to look into how political literacy becomes a curse or a blessing. Political literacy is a subtle threat because the more knowledgeable the voter is more they question the legitimacy of illegitimate decisions, ask for accountability and demand rights. This is why even popular democracies at times in addition to highly authoritarian countries tend to undermine or censor certain news or opinions. Where in light of national security, to preserve peace ensure stability and maintain tranquillity, the government has the authority to restrict certain fundamental rights. However, if news or incidents are concealed to prevent education or notify the public of governmental decisions which have a stake, then there is the issue of why is it done, on what grounds and the impact of it. The issue is truly grave because governments as the guardians of citizens are duty-bound to abide by laws and uphold the welfare of the public.
Regardless of the aforementioned factors, many people are politically illiterate causing them to be ignorant of their rights and duties in both individual and collective capacities. This has resulted in many downsides including not being represented. The politically illiterate individual may abstain from voting or demotivate peers from voting. Abstaining from voting directly affects since a considerable amount will not be represented. However, abstaining from voting may be signalled showcasing displeasure on a regime wanting a change in it. Another repercussion of political illiteracy is the escalation in misinformation, disinformation, misinformation as well as hate speech. Worsening the situation media in both print and digital platforms make news eye candy and spicy to attract more followers causing miscommunication and manipulations. Thus, this results in the public believing a falsified narrative or missing imperative elements due to deviation from real facts, which have a legitimate and genuine interest in them. In addition to the said consequences, another challenge is the inability to reap the benefits of public policy initiatives due to citizen’s lack of participation. For example, if the government introduces a law to curb falsehoods and monitor content, less educated individuals or individuals without interest will lack the knowledge or eagerness to seek the rationale of policies.
Therefore, it is vital to delve into the security threats associated with political illiteracy. Unlike in past at present, national security has extended its curtailed definition into horizons including political, economic, social, energy, information and cyber security. Concerning the article, it is evident that political illiteracy undermines political security causing political instability. When speaking of political security democracy cannot go unnoticed. According to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, democracy is a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." In light of the said definition if citizens refrain from voting it causes erosion of democracy, since citizen perception is not voiced. In addition, it is important to draw attention to the fact that having political literacy directs people to cast votes for appropriate people who will serve the country. If people lack political literacy they will get caught up with social media-induced perceptions and propaganda which will result in the election of a candidate who does not deserve the position. In addition, the threats of misinformation, disinformation and hate speeches associated with politicians and governmental institutions have a direct bearing on manipulations and probable protests causing polarization and divisions. Terrorists and profit-driven individuals will exploit the distrust and add more burden by funding groups causing ill doings to gain advantage. In addition to political insecurity, it also causes economic insecurity affecting financial stability. Explaining, if the public is unaware of the gravity of economic decisions and their impact on them, they will turn a blind eye by supporting it causing losses too. On the other hand, there is also the possibility that citizens will oppose political decisions on the economy without understanding the benefits of it in the end. For example, misconceptions about trade agreements and taxation policies can lead to misguided preferences.
Therefore, it is crystalline that political illiteracy results in a series of repercussions, which is threatening. To strengthen and foster political literacy a multitude of steps can be taken. Keeping in mind, that such actions cannot be done single-handedly. The family, which is the basic unit of society, have an indispensable role. Parents and the elderly should openly and constructively discuss and debate about current events and foster political awareness. Schools and universities also have a role in integrating political knowledge and enhancing representations by allowing healthy debates, which will teach them to respect and empathise with one another. In addition, media entities have a vast role in abiding by media ethics and regulations including community guidelines. The government as the guardians of the public should look into the best interest and welfare. To instil political literacy, it is crucial to instil media literacy, information literacy as well as political literacy. The government should also allow public participation in the democratic process and be accountable for their actions. Opposition also has a role in engaging in constructive debate rather than mere objections and criticisms. Finally, yet importantly, the international community should share best practices and support initiatives for democratic education.
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* Ms. Charani Patabendige is an Acting Research Analyst and a Research Assistant at the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier think tank on National Security established and functioning under the Ministry of Defence) The opinions expressed are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute or the Ministry of Defence.