As a corporate anthropologist, I believe the issue of younger voters invigorated by the Harris/Walz ticket is crucial. A cultural shift is invigorating youth to vote for the Harris/Walz ticket. The energy is pervasive, reflecting broader cultural and social dynamics that shape the future of politics and leadership in the United States. This momentum underscore the significant influence of younger generations. Remember, the anthropologist’s job is to help you see, feel, and think in new ways. Do not focus on this election as just “another election.” This is a major cultural transformation that is going to be remembered for a long time into our future.
Why is a Cultural Shift so Energizing?
Here’s why this matters from an anthropological perspective:
1. Cultural Change and Identity: The fervor of younger voters for the Harris/Walz ticket is a clear sign of a significant cultural shift. As younger generations increasingly prioritize diversity, inclusion, and social justice, these values become central to their political identity. This shift is not just a trend, but a crucial aspect that anthropologists and organizations need to understand and adapt to in order to navigate changes in societal norms and expectations.
2. Generational Perspectives: Different generations often have distinct values, priorities, and worldviews. Anthropologists study how these generational perspectives influence behaviors and decisions. The support for Harris/Walz among younger voters highlights how generational change drives political and social movements, with profound and long-term implications for policy and governance.
3. Representation and Power Dynamics: Anthropology often examines how power and representation are negotiated within societies. The excitement around Harris, in particular, is tied to her role as a symbol of breaking traditional power structures. This enthusiasm reflects a desire among younger voters to see leadership that represents their identities and experiences, challenging historical norms.
4. Social Cohesion and Belonging: Younger voters’ support for the Harris/Walz ticket also speaks to a broader desire for social cohesion and belonging. This demographic seeks leaders they believe will foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Understanding this desire is crucial for anyone who builds or sustains social cohesion within diverse communities or organizations.
5. Impact on Institutions: As younger voters become more politically active and influential, their preferences and values will reshape institutions, from political parties to corporations. This reshaping is not a distant possibility, but a current reality that anthropologists need to explore and understand how these evolving values affect institutional practices and policies, particularly in workplace culture, education, and governance.
Why are these younger voters growing so engaged?
Younger voters are invigorated by the Harris/Walz ticket for several reasons:
1. Representation and Diversity: Kamala Harris, a woman of color and the first female Vice President, symbolizes progress and breaking barriers. Her presence on the ticket resonates with younger voters prioritizing diversity and leadership representation.
2. Progressive Policies: The Harris/Walz ticket is seen as advocating for progressive policies that align with the values of many younger voters, such as climate action, healthcare reform, and social justice. These issues are critical to a generation that is concerned about the future.
3. Authentic Communication: Both Harris and Walz are known for connecting with people authentically and relatable, especially on social media platforms where younger voters are active. Their communication style often feels more genuine and accessible than that of other politicians.
4. Focus on Youth Issues: The ticket has made concerted efforts to address issues that directly impact younger voters, such as student debt relief, job creation, and affordable housing. This focus on youth-centric policies energizes this demographic.
5. Historical Significance: Younger voters are often drawn to the historical significance of the Harris/Walz ticket, particularly Harris’s role as a trailblazer for women and people of color in American politics. This historical significance is not just a footnote, but a source of inspiration and motivation for younger voters.
This combination of representation, progressive policies, authentic communication, and a focus on issues that matter to younger voters has helped invigorate this demographic.
In essence, the vigor with which younger voters support the Harris/Walz ticket is not just a political phenomenon; it’s a cultural one that reflects more profound shifts in societal values, identities, and power dynamics. These changes will influence various social institutions and practices, making it a critical area of study and understanding for anthropologists and leaders alike.
But will the youth vote show up?
The research continues to debate whether the energy that young people are showing for Kamala Harris and Time Walz will turn into votes in the election. As John Holbein, who has researched this over many elections, “young people are not especially interested in voting. In recent polls, for example, about 77% of young people say that they plan on definitely voting in the upcoming November election. For older citizens, that number is 90%. However, a second – and a perhaps more consequential – problem is that young people who are interested in voting often don’t follow through on their intentions.”
What should you do to turn out those young voters? Talk to people. Help them get out of their routine to vote. Support role models. Humans are copycats, and they worry about their personal status. They need to know that voting is an elevator of that status–people admire you because you did it. All too often, voting is done alone. Get a group together and go to the polls, and the celebrate, regardless of who they voted for. Share your perspective. Listen to young people with an open mind. Whatever you do, don’t shoot down the ideas that didn’t agree with yours yesterday. That was history. Now the future is here ready for you to embrace it.
Additional resources for you
- My two award-winning books: Rethink: Smashing The Myths of Women in Business and On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights
- Our new book, Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success, coauthored with Edie Fraser and Robyn Freedman Spizman
- Our website: Simon Associates Management Consultants
From Observation to Innovation,
CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author
Simonassociates.net
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