Whatever Happened to Civics?

ACT I

Narrator: Once upon a time, in the hallowed halls of education, there existed a subject—a beacon of
enlightenment—known as Civics. It was not merely a class; it was a rite of passage, a compass for navigating the murky waters of democracy.

The students, wide-eyed and curious, sat in rows, their desks etched with graffiti and dreams. The teacher, a sage with chalk-stained fingers, stepped forward.

“Welcome, young citizens! Today, we embark on a journey—a journey into the heart of our nation. Civics is not about memorizing dates or reciting the Preamble. It’s about understanding our rights, responsibilities, and the delicate dance of power.”

And so, the curtain rose on Act I.

ACT II

The years passed, and Civics morphed.

Student 1 (whispering):
“Why do we need to learn this? Can’t we just Google it?”

Student 2 (rolling eyes):
“Yeah, like, who cares about checks and balances when we have TikTok challenges?”

The teacher, now armed with a PowerPoint, soldiered on.

Teacher (with a hint of desperation):
“Class, let’s discuss the three branches of government.”

But the students were busy swiping left, their thumbs more adept at scrolling than civic engagement.

ACT III

The stage shifted to the real world.

News Anchor (intoning):
“Breaking news: Citizens protest, demanding change!”

But the signs they held were misspelled, and their chants lacked coherence.

Politician (smiling for the camera):
“Vote for me! I promise free Wi-Fi and avocado toast for all!”

And the people cheered, blissfully unaware of their crumbling infrastructure and mounting debt.

ACT IV

Back in the classroom, the teacher sighed.

Teacher (leaning on the lectern):
“Where did we go wrong? Civics used to ignite fires within hearts, but now it’s a footnote in a history book.”

The students, now adults, shuffled papers in their cubicles.

Employee 1 (muttering):
“I wish I knew how the electoral college works. Maybe then I’d understand my paycheck deductions.”

Employee 2 (typing an angry email):
“Dear Congressman, fix the potholes or face my wrath!”

And so, the curtain fell.

EPILOGUE

In the twilight of democracy, a lone candle flickered.

Narrator (softly):
“Whatever happened to Civics? Perhaps it’s buried beneath selfies, soundbites, and sensationalism. But fear not, for the curtain may rise again. Let us reclaim our civic duty, stitch the fraying fabric of our nation, and remember that democracy isn’t a spectator sport—it’s a participatory act.”

And so, dear audience, let us heed the call.