Use Your Voices: The Politicalisation of Young People
Discussion about young people and politics has always existed, often suggesting we don’t do enough. Yet, 2019 seemed to mark a turning point. It was a year of political engagement and grassroots activism never before seen in British political history. The Queen even namechecked young climate activists in a speech. Yet, what catalyzed this change? Was it Brexit? Donald Trump? The Climate Crisis? Young people are becoming more and more politicised out of necessity. We are living in such turbulent and uncertain times that it has become impossible to ignore the global problems we face, and whether people admit it or not these issues all link back to politics.
Growing up, politics wasn’t something I ever learnt about at school. It isn’t an accessible thing, and often the older people in my life were quick to remind me that it’s something for adults to worry about - not children. Instead, I grew up learning about politics from my wonderful (and very staunch Labourite) dad and from what I saw online, and these shaped the political outlook I have today. I do not believe this is the best way to be taught about politics but when schools refuse to give young people an insight into any political issues, we turn to what we know.
I am part of a generation that is defined by social media; it is something older generations criticise us for; and yet, it is here that we are finding our voices. Though sometimes Twitter feels like shouting into the void, it is a space where communities flourish. So many resources are shared, we can learn so much, and it is a place where people can find their own communities. Equally, more and more people in influential positions have begun expressing the importance of caring about politics: you only have to look as far as Stormzy’s Brit performances to see the fearlessness people are beginning to have. Young people have cultivated their own ways of learning about politics through a medium they are familiar with: there are places for young people to debate political issues on Facebook, there are hashtags with political intent and even memes focus themselves on current affairs. By positioning politics on this accessible, and even funny, platform it has instigated a growth of young people's interest in politics. This then begins to become physical acts, for example societies at university, and student ambassadors are becoming more and more important regarding decisions made. It was the impact of students that determined safety nets in many universities due to Covid-19, and though this may not seem inherently political, it is. Though more young people are more interested than ever in politics, 1 in 3 young people are still not registered to vote. Surely, something has to give.
Whilst I’m not suggesting politicising the entire curriculum, nor am I suggesting forcing children to decide on a political standpoint at school, I do believe more could be done to emphasise the importance of forging your own opinion and taking an interest in what’s happening in the world around you. It teaches empathy. Times are more polarised than ever. Not teaching young people about the importance of conversation and discussion means that people instead refuse to listen to the opinions of others, if they do not reflect their own. It is, then, conversation that needs to be opened up. Current affairs need to be discussed, and political issues need to be discussed, much earlier on. If discussion begins in the classroom, then it is what we become accustomed to. Instead, if we forge our own opinion on an individual, and usually virtual, platform it is likely to be similar to those around us. After all, at its heart politics is a question of morals and priorities. By sprouting the importance of discussion and differing opinions as children, we remove the anger that comes at being faced with a different opinion. We can instead discuss and learn together, rather than creating further polarised livelihoods. I feel that people who are firm in their own beliefs, though this alone is no bad thing, find it impossible to progress within their beliefs. This is a dangerous thing, as I feel that the opinion in your life that most often needs to be examined is your own. You need to constantly learn and understand how you feel about issues, to be able to discuss them. Oftentimes this growth comes through someone speaking up about an issue that perhaps you ignored or disagreed with.
Though political opinion in young people needs to be encouraged, seeing how young people are shaping the political landscape is exciting. You only have to look as far as the Extinction Rebellion, and Greta Thunberg (Time’s Person of the Year), to see the power we have. We are present in voting, and in demonstrations, and in petitions being made. Most recently, it has been seen through the Black Lives Matter movement. Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, spoke out about how she believes this generation of young people are “much like” her and her father, and believes the seeds of change have been planted. We must continue to use politics to ensure change, as much as we must encourage discussion. Anger at polarising opinions is normal, but we need to become better at discussing things. If the news and current affairs fills you with rage, you definitely are not alone. But instead of ignoring it, turn your anger into knowledge. Without sounding like a massive cliche, young people really are the future of politics and we really have a lot of things to sort out. So, we best start somewhere.
Written by Kate Birch
I’m a literature undergraduate studying in York, and preparing for my move to London to start my MA. I love poetry and book reviews, and currently run an Instagram account where I post one of these ( @slowrreads ).