Who defines the needs of a society? Do individuals define their needs or are needs defined for them by those in power? Society is constantly changing and the masses are rising against the establishment. Rebelling against the elite and the corrupt in the world is not uncommon at all, but recently these efforts have been on a higher scale and received lots of media attention. These most recent rebellions have been led by younger generations. Revolution has been synonymous with youth throughout history.
From Libya to Egypt to Yemen and beyond a growing population of young people who are educated and ambitious, unemployed and frustrated, silenced and resentful are forming a coalition and fighting for liberation. These events are resonating so widely because the core problems are common to just about every country in the region. The United States has grown accustomed to the same set of individuals running the Arab world year after year that there is some pretty frantic scrambling occurring as to where the U.S. should take their stand. Young individuals are sick and tired of the status quo and refuse to take it any longer. The pervasiveness of the youth cannot be ignored and the rise of youth and social movements in these various countries illustrates the impact the younger generations have on society.
Lately many political pundits have been inquiring as to when the United States will have a youth revolution and with the struggles facing America today a rebellion may be sooner than later. In the United States young Latinos are the fastest growing populations in the fastest growing states yet our political leaders continue to accept an economy that structurally excludes these individuals. These behaviors and mistreatments are the fuel to a revolution. Currently in the United States we have seen students rally together against the administration and its policies. An influx in youth voter participation has been a trend and these voters want equal representation and their voice heard. Below are links to a Michigan student rally at the Michigan State Capitol Building and Wisconsin student rally at their state capitol building. Many of the issues raised by these students are felt nationwide it is possible that a youth movement could rise right here at home. Peruse these videos and think about the questions below and feel free share your comments.
--Krystal
What are the narratives of the youth in our community?
Do you consider the youth to be a community itself?
"Liberation is a praxis:the action and reflection of men and women upon their world in order to transform it"
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