A bunch of authors of young adult books got together on the Internet and created a new social networking site, because there really aren't enough of those things floating these days (young adult writers or social networking sites, obviously).
But! Judy Blume and the woman who wrote The Princess Diaries aren't just using the Internet to promote their works or interest kids in reading. Oh no, the site, which launches September 22nd and is called YA for Obama, has a dark and sinister agenda. Care to guess what it is?
The site is aimed at "giving readers who are under 18 a place in the process," according to Melissa Walker, author of the Violet books. "Those are our people, and they want to be a part of this election. While they can't vote, they can certainly use their energy and talents to get others to do so."
Ha ha, no offense to the "children are our future" contingent reading Jossip right now (all three of you) but kids under 18 have absolutely no pull when it comes to this election. Or any election.
Unless the kid in question is the unborn baby of Bristol Palin, in which case, yes, that child is going to decide this election for us.
Editorial Director
So basically you're saying that b/c kids can't vote, they should just not care about politics or the election? We should completely ignore them and wait until they turn 18 to help them become politically aware? That's a pretty short-sighted viewpoint. Everyone should be involved in politics if they want to, and the fact that they can't vote shouldn't change that.
There's nothing more inspirational to adults who get it than to see a candidate like Obama inspiring the next generation of Americans into service.
There are plenty of things kids under 18 can do besides vote - knock on doors, make phone calls, raise money, rig a voting machine…
"…kids under 18 have absolutely no pull when it comes to this election."
You're ignoring the very large number of college students and other over-18s that read YA (this, in fact, includes myself). Those authors are able to pull our attention as well. And, as Liz said, there's plenty for a teen with access to a car or public transport to do where they can also have an influence.
I cannot believe this. The fact that Don't Even Bother Voting is your sub-title. Are you trying to encourage people not to vote?
It sounds like you are saying that just because the people on the site are young and cannot vote that they should just sit back, not care about their future and do nothing to help? The thing is, they CAN help. By canvassing, phone calling, giving rides to the polls. There is no rule that you have to be of voting age to volunteer with a campaign. I am a member of the site and I am old enough to vote. I enjoy my share of YA fiction even if I'm not technically the YA audience.
It is exactly THIS generation that should be most concerned with the election! Their future rides on it. Health care, SS, etc. Telling them not to get involved in THEIR FUTURE, whether they can vote or not, is wrong. Unless of course, YOU are the one with the agenda.
You sound like you're just a little bit nervous that the (EEEEEK) younger generation might, indeed, have some power to influence this election, and certainly elections to come. Thank God (yes, I'm a Dem, and yes I believe God… the two don't negate each other)for youthful energy and passion. And, as already mentioned, being a "young adult" means exactly that. It doesn't mean "under 18." My own YA readers range from age 12 to age 72! Hmmm… sounds like a lot of voters to me.
The creator of the site responded to your post just in case you want to read it. Its not an angry post either. So thats good.
http://yaforobama.ning.com/pro.....ost%3A6814