Yo, media: Tone down the coverage of and speculation about voter enthusiasm, high or low, in the 2010 mid-term elections. Please.
It's starting to sound like people should be enthusiastic if they're going to vote.
Not really. In a republic, some minimal participation in politics is a civic duty, and getting one's sorry butt out to vote is basic.
It's like a job. It's nice if you like your job and go to work all enthused, but it's unlikely you're really chomping at the bit every morning and it's not necessary. In the mood or not, you get out of bed and go to work, and if it's the kind of job where you need to look bursting with energy and chipper, you feel it or fake it.
You know the expression, "painful duty?" Well, a painful duty is still to be done, and it's not like voting is ever all that painful. Sometimes it's just not very exciting.
So, journalists, please — voting is a kind of civic ritual, but it's not a revival meeting or football game or other event where people need to get all emotional to properly participate. Even in an age of sentiment like ours, allow the possibility that people can do our jobs and fulfill simple duties without an emotional wallow.
Richard D. Erlich
Professor Emeritus in English
ErlichRD@muohio.edu
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