The goal of anti-democratic forces is to induce public political apathy. [Graphic=Korea-Japan News]

The word "politics" is interpreted differently by each person. Some see it as a noble act for the people, while others view it as a symbol of intrigue and power struggles. It's a single word, but the meanings it evokes are entirely different. This phenomenon is called the 'polysemy' of language. 

The problem is that this is happening as if it were intentional, flowing only in a negative direction. Hidden anti-democratic and anti-state forces are lurking, seeking to drive politics into a target of disgust. 

These forces conspire invisibly with the media, judiciary, bureaucracy, and large conglomerates to induce public political apathy, aiming to fill that void with their own power. 

Public opinion can be manipulated

Linguist Noam Chomsky already warned in "Manufacturing Consent" that public opinion can be manipulated through "selected choices," and many contemporary media scholars have demonstrated how voters' choices can change simply by the arrangement of search results. We are currently living within that very "designed" framework. 

Their strategy is meticulous. By making politics appear murky and emphasizing only scenes of conflict and power struggles, they instill in the public the perception that "politics is dirty and should be avoided." 

Indeed, the voter turnout for the Constituent Assembly general election in 1948 was 95.5%, but the general election in 2024 was only 67%. With a decrease of about 30 percentage points in political participation over 76 years, this strategy has proven effective. The moment the majority becomes politically apathetic, even a small group of fervent supporters can dictate the course of political affairs. 

Viewing politics as a power struggle is their language. However, in a democratic society, politics is the manifestation of the sovereign's philosophy and a process of contemplating where society should advance. 

When politics is viewed negatively, dialogue devolves into unproductive arguments. But when seen as a platform for the sovereign's philosophy to be expressed, constructive debate and coordination become possible. This makes the community more mature and healthy. 

'Politics' is about confronting forces that seek to corrupt our lives

In a democracy, each citizen is a sovereign. Rights naturally come with responsibilities and duties. If we constantly rely on the information served to us by others, independent judgment will remain elusive. 

For a sovereign's philosophy, introspection and study are necessary. Efforts are needed to ask ourselves questions and seek answers about how to live a better life and where the nation and society should head. We must actively acquire information through various channels rather than relying solely on mass media. 

To say one is not interested in politics is a foolish declaration of "I will live without thinking" and a slave's declaration of abandoning one's sovereignty. Greek philosopher Plato also emphasized that "the greatest penalty for choosing not to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by those who are inferior to you." 

Politics is not something dirty to be avoided, but a public asset that enables us to confront the forces that seek to corrupt our lives. The moment we turn our backs on politics, the hidden shadow forces will quietly cheer and take everything. 

Political Documentary Writer & Spokesperson for the People Power Party Incheon Chapter

◆ Writer Min Byung-gon 

Current) Political Documentary Writer 

Current) Spokesperson for the People Power Party Incheon Chapter