How is it that most of my students that are in the class I am TAing for don't know the difference between the political parties? How does that happen?

"But GS, we just don't know the difference between the NDP and the Conservative Party"

"We just don't care"

"What class am I in?"

The apathy expressed by most is disconcerting, to say the least. Not that I have much faith in formal politics, but this is ridiculous. They can recite all the winners from the last four Canadian/American Idol, identify the past five movies that so-and-so actor was in, tell me all about what is "hot" in this year's fashion, but are unable to define what Conservative or Liberal means.

Is this a common thing, or am I just happening to TA the most apathetic group in Canada?