The American election has huge effects on all generations, but the upcoming one will have a large impact on this generation in particular. In today’s day and age, information is easy to find using the Internet or social media. This means that younger generations have no problem following the election and keeping track of what is going on. They are more involved in the election due to the easy access to the information, however many do not take the time to do their own research. They instead rely on what they see in the news and on social media, and so their knowledge is shallow. This generation has a huge role in this election and how it will go, and in turn, this election will have a big impact on them – even if many of them do not yet realize it.
After interviewing three Americans, two of which are studying political science, and the third studying international relations, I have a very good understanding of how this election is going to effect Canadian and American people in this generation. They all believe this election has, and will have, an impact on Americans coming to Canada to study and get away from the election and politics. However, it’s hard when they are constantly being asked about the election, their opinions on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and who they think will win.
Emma Walsh, a student with Canadian-American citizenship, said this year especially, she came to get away from Trump.
She said she believes he has a decent chance of winning and it scares her. She also said she and many others believe that people were not taking him seriously enough, and that this world could get very dangerous very quickly if he comes to power.
“I think it could effect us in really serious ways,” said Walsh. “I think we need to stop being naïve that Donald Trump is not opposed to all things nuclear war.”
Nuclear war is very possible, and could have very serious and unexpected changes to our world. Our generation would be affected very drastically if all of a sudden we are pulled into another war and being forced to fight. If international relations are broken between countries, it could be bad for students studying abroad. They could be left stranded in another country, or forced to come home early from their study programs.
Adam Horan said he believes this election will cause people to take a bigger interest in politics if they aren’t interested already.
“I think people are going to realize that anyone can become president, and anyone can vote, and their votes can make a difference,” he said.
Horan said he hopes that it will in turn encourage more people to get out and vote in elections and help make a difference.
The American election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Whether Trump or Clinton will win, no one really knows at this point. What everyone does know is that whoever does get elected will have a big impact on this generation and the generations to come.
