Written by Jacob Callus
We are tomorrow’s leaders…
A recurrent phrase about youths that we hear too often. It is due to this that one assumes young people possess greater importance for the future, but not necessarily for the present. Due to this mentality, it leads to one of the BIGGEST ironies out there: youths deserve to have their voices heard whilst they are still young. Only to get their words to turn into actions when they are older.
The hypocrisy of this mentality lies in the fact that the same enthusiasm for giving 16-year-olds the right to vote and contest elections, is met with the pessimistic outlook as youths being the epitome of laziness, apathy, and entitlement.
Inconsistency is at its peak when we live in a progressive society. We are willing to put 16-year-olds at the forefront of a country’s decision making but is also ready to bend towards ageist attitudes where young people are looked down upon. Youths are expected to be at a certain level of experience that adults deem to have.
Okay boomer
Rather than letting youths take the reins of the country, those at the helm still seem to be reluctant to do so. They would just rather preserve their status quo. Having said that, a recent internet sensation challenged this concept. Chloe Swarbrick, New Zealand MP, gave a speech on the crisis related to climate change and told a heckler off by saying, “Ok boomer”.
This exchange resulted in a reinvigorated commentary on the relationship between youths and adults. Even in generational prejudices that are still present within society, especially in a power setting like this. If a condescending attitude towards apathetic youth isn’t enough, a similar attitude towards youths who are actually being active is even worse.
This is when the issue is no longer of ageism but becomes one of downright pessimism. That being said, the events of the past few months have shown that young people are prepared to take the lead on a wide range of issues and have politicians as the following suit.
Moving forward
Whether its raising awareness of the damaging effects of climate change, or the ongoing political crisis in Malta, students and young people of all ages have shown that they all can make a difference.
Youths can be the change that the public is yearning for; making a difference nationally and subsequently pushing their agendas worldwide. This can only be possible by changing our attitudes and behaviours. Not by bridging the current divide between the young and the old, but by turning words into actions collectively
cover image: source