The Anatomy of Youth: The Blunt Truth

Having read the first chapter of the Anatomy of Youth, “Perspectives of Youth,” these are my thoughts.

I am often portrayed as a rebellious young adult, indulging in reckless behaviors, as depicted by the media. However, do we need to conform to these stereotypes? In a society that dictates our identity, young people are often deprived of the autonomy to make decisions independently. It seems that adults struggle to acknowledge our capability to reason and express ourselves. Our opinions are frequently disregarded, despite the reality that we are the generation poised to confront the challenges left by our predecessors. How can we strive to engage in addressing these issues when a staggering 75% of us feel powerless in effecting meaningful change?

Who are we, truly? What is our potential? We inherit the aftermath of previous generations, yet we’re constrained by perceptions of being “too young” or “too naive.” Personally, I tire of the patronizing and presumptive attitudes of some adults. If they possess all the answers, why do we face such significant problems? Solutions require unity across ages, genders, and races. It’s essential to realize that one day, we will be the professionals shaping the future world. Therefore, we must learn to express our opinions and actively participate in crafting the future.

Lowering the voting age could amplify the voices of young people. However, the question remains: will we truly be heard? Even as adults, the youth of tomorrow may still face marginalization. In essence, we and the adults are not so different. We all share emotions, thoughts, and laughter. Our democracy should reflect this inclusivity, ensuring that every voice is heard, irrespective of age. I urge you to ponder: what kind of democracy denies women, the elderly, or young people the right to vote? Where is the true democracy?

For more insights on youth perspectives, check out The Anatomy of Youth: The Blunt Truth, A new anatomy of youth, and The Anatomy of Youth: The ‘Lost Generation’.