A Note To The British Youth

It has become reluctantly apparent that this generation of youth has an obsession with inequality and oppression. This comes hand in hand with the acceptance of revelations such as the patriarchy, inherent racism, homophobia, sexism, the list goes on. As we become more aware of what has been going wrong in society, people begin to focus on it more. This is only natural. We see that time is up for sitting back and watching everyday inequalities pass and speaking out to draw attention to these issues is valuable. Criticism such as “snowflake” is unwelcome due to it’s innate unproductive connotations. Yes, it may be harder for Alan, 43, from York, to make a sexist joke nowadays, and I’m sorry Alan, but it’s years of allowing small thoughtless comments to pass that has led us to this point in many aspects. This generation seems to be excellent at calling people out for their misuse of words, which overall should create a more acceptable and inclusive language in the world we are all growing up into. Resulting in an allowance to express ourselves in many ways without being shunned, however, if we want this for ourselves we have to allow it for others.

If you consider yourself to be liberal, you probably know an Alan, and Alan probably isn’t your favourite guy. What is so important is that we allow people to express themselves and create an open space to accept all thoughts. We are quick to shut people down for not conforming to the popular opinion, it’s easy to just report a comment as hate speech and move on with life. Although, if we take the time to calmly discuss with people why we have a differing opinion, they are one hundred percentage more likely to learn. Report a comment, it disappears, they comment it again else where. Or, see a comment, start a conversation where you are not approaching a person believing that you are superior through knowledge or openness to modern progression. If we want people to change their ways we have to discuss how they have come to the conclusion they have, whilst accepting that you have followed a different path to your own results. I would be ignorant to suggest that this type of openness will always work a treat! Some people refuse to have their thoughts altered and will use confirmation bias to scramble through and hurl abuse in an non relative way. That’s also fine, perhaps they are not ready to be open but if you approach them with respect, they may be more inclined to listen seven people later. We don’t need to be in war with the other side, there is already enough hatred in the world. If you talk with a person hugely different to yourself, try to put yourself in their shoes, this can really minimise your hate for what they stand for and consequently produce empathy. I don’t have to be sexist to comprehend Alan grew up with a hugely misogynistic father and has been an Incel for twelve years, I just have to talk to him. The point is, there’s enough hatred in the world to go around, let’s not pretend that it’s only coming from the right. If we disagree we should talk, not shut down.

Furthermore, our openness towards social issues is beautiful but don’t let it blind you to your own privilege. As we become more accepting of the need for change in many ways, we highlight the degrading status’ within society, except the white, heterosexual male. It is common place to see people outraged at the world, often through social media rants or sharing. Jumping on headlines is a dangerous trap that seems to be clutching our generation. People read a headline from a three year old article and hit share without reading into the claim the article has initially made. Partially I think this is thoughtless behaviour to try and show your fellow users where you stand on the political scale. It is a hazardous way to get involved and possibly cause great damage through widespread deception. “Fake news” can be damaging on both ends, sharing lies about a questionable MP that you don’t like could benefit you, but posting an article about a plastic replacement that doesn’t exist could be adding to a general feeling that enough is being done already. The point is, even the articles that honestly doesn’t seem to really matter, do matter! It all revolves around a relentless desire to be heard but not to hear. We MUST exclaim our stance because we have been given the amazing gift of being heard, whenever we want. We can use this productively and not to serve the self. Next time we’re having a rant on social media, be sure to talk to those that disagree with respect and compassion. Perhaps suggest a way to move forward, something we could all be doing to be more conscious of the issues we are pointing out. But most importantly, during these times of ‘progression’ and uproar, don’t forget to acknowledge your own privilege.

Social media outcry and consistent victimisation of ourselves is preventing real change. We need conversations to be happening but we also need to acknowledge that we are people, with power and we can take steps to create change. I believe that gratitude for what we have is incomparably important, understanding that the majority of us have been provided an education and have been incredibly lucky to be raised in relatively safe environments. Making a conscious effort to not overly victimise ourselves, focusing on the fortune we have been served and to make change where we feel appropriate, is incomprehensibly valuable. So let’s stop raving about anarchy and start to create environments acknowledging democracy. Spread your message but be prepared to talk. Register where you hold privilege and use that to help those less fortunate than yourself. Fight oppression with your head held high!

Understanding that we hold power, no matter who we are allows us to take control of our lives. It is easy to blame our sadness on the state of the world or our anxiety on the unknown battle in our minds. Acknowledging that you hold internal and external power will grant you the ability to change. Realise that you can change to a more positive thought pattern, or that all that is holding you back is yourself. Give yourself credit for bravery and intelligence and understand that change, in the world, starts inside of yourself. Complaining about injustice is one way to spread a message but realising that you hold the power to make a change, even minute, is the next step. Feeling helpless amongst society will be embodied within, you can decide to change yourself and you can decide to change society. I don’t mean to suggest we should do some meditation and then storm 10 Downing Street. However, I might just leave that idea out here if anyone’s interested.

Written by Lily Robinson-Hill.

Related posts:

There are several different Cryptocurrency exchanges active today, and each one has their own market structure and exchange rates for any trades that occur. Although many exchanges may trade the same…

Riots used to be called rebellions. Ever research slave rebellions and realized they are not called slave riots? Exactly. All of those were revolts. Rebellions.

Employers are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve their companies. That’s why it’s important to keep up with the latest trends and skills employers are looking for in candidates. In…