Generation Q (the Quiet Americans) - a NYTimes article written by Thomas Friedman.
"America needs a jolt of the idealism, activism and outrage (it must be in there) of Generation Q. That’s what twentysomethings are for — to light a fire under the country. But they can’t e-mail it in, and an online petition or a mouse click for carbon neutrality won’t cut it. They have to get organized in a way that will force politicians to pay attention rather than just patronize them."
where's the outrage in college campuses? and what role does online activism play in the overall goal of social change?
you guys are the real experts when it comes to these questions. i'm looking forward to hearing your comments.
>daniel
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2 comments:
I think that we (youth) have a wonderful opportunity at our hands in making an impact on the political situation in the United States.
Of course, I am cynical in a way as well. When you have a sitting President that does not listen to what anyone says, it is hard to feel as though we youth have our voices heard.
But I am hopeful that in the next election a new President will recognize the strength and power that youth has. Hopefully, they will recognize that what we need is more affordable education, health care and social security that won't depreciate by the time we hit retirement. If the next President doesn't begin this process, I am really hopeful that the youth will mobilize. I have this optimism because I have to, I believe its the only way things can be done.
Mass protests and demonstrations may not be the way to go in order for this youth movement to actually succeed though. We must be innovative and use the tools that we are all almost near experts at (ie computer skills) in order to make things happen.
If we fail to meet this challenge we will all become what the baby boomers became; bitchy old hags that are nostalgic for the past when things were much simpler.
I agree with you Joel in the sense that computers need to be involved. We all spend hours everyday staring at our screens. Its time to stop doing it to waste time and to do something meaningful. However, I don't think electronic media can do it all. I think that its difficult to really inspire people and get the attention of the people in power by using only electronic media.
But this brings me to another topic. Hopefully, everyone noticed the protest that took place on wednesday. I couldn't help but be disappointed at the meager size of it. I am wondering why that happened. I don't think that there is any lack of hate for the war in iraq. I have difficulty finding students who support it. But why then aren't students motivated to participate to end the war?
I think some of it has to do with the feelings of nostalgia surrounding protests. Organizers always try to revive protest and demonstration atmospheres by referencing the 1968 and bringing people like Bill Ayers to speak. I think people can learn from that movement, but they need to realize that we are not in 1968 and things are different. Youth organizers need to provide themes and connections that relate to youth today, not nostalgic representations that are no longer very relevant.
I also think some of it has to do with the lack of results. There have been a lot of large and very powerful protests opposing the Iraq War, but what has happened as a result? nothing. The government doesn't listen and more people die. I think students feel their efforts would be futile and a waste of time. Rather, its more important to concentrate on their futures and being happy living in their bubbles.
We need to come up with new methods, methods that really capture what young people are feeling today, not 40 years ago. With enough hard work and collective spirit, I think it can be done.
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