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This blog is the second in a 5-part series that YouthxYouth has collaborated on with SecondMuse's program, Headstream, to support uplifting the wisdom from Co-creators within Headstream’s Youth Collective program, the Co-Creator Club.
Introduction
Growing up in the 21st century, young people have become increasingly desensitized to catastrophic events, altering our outlook on life and future. Due to our age, we were unable to speak up and voice our opinions about most of these events.
After October 7th, 2023, the general public, especially young people, gained a deeper understanding of what was happening in the Middle East.
The purpose of this blog is to inform the masses about the importance of young people being heard and their reasons for protesting. When we look into the future, maybe ten or even twenty years from now, we must reflect on what we contributed. Did we protest the occupation? Did we speak up about these injustices happening?
Famously said by George Santayana, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it”.
Let us not repeat this pattern of violence; instead, learn the history.
Contrary to popular belief, the war did not start on October 7th, 2023. The events of that day can be traced back to the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which marked the beginning of a complex conflict by supporting the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, leading to tensions and violence between Jewish and Arab communities. This ongoing conflict, marked by significant events such as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the occupation of territories after the 1967 war, has resulted in a protracted struggle deeply rooted in historical grievances and geopolitical dynamics. The tragedies and loss of innocent human lives on both ends cannot be overlooked.
The Silencing of a Generation
The affected women face increased gender-based violence and suffer due to the lack of menstrual and feminine products. Without a single functioning hospital, pregnant Palestinians encounter serious pregnancy complications. Additionally, they are often excluded from peace negotiations, leaving them with limited influence over decisions that directly affect their lives.
Youth suffer from disrupted education and severe psychological trauma, fleeing for their lives, with many having to care for others when they can barely care for themselves. Stories of this gravity are largely ignored. There are various moving pieces that further exacerbate the already gruesome reality:
Intersectionality intensifies the crisis for marginalized identities. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and low-income folks encounter systemic discrimination, further silencing their lived experiences.
- Media bias worsens these issues by prioritizing the perspectives of those in power, reducing the visibility of these marginalized groups, and failing to adequately cover their unique perspectives.
We can’t only hear one side of the story. This selective reporting perpetuates global indifference and deters efforts to address the specific needs and rights of these vulnerable populations.
Consequences
The relentless violence and instability rob people, especially youth, of crucial aspects of their lives, such as education, the security of family, and normalcy. These young individuals, who represent the future of our planet, are deprived of the stable environment needed for healthy development. Their potential is stifled by conflict. We need to prioritize the needs of the affected youth and ensure they have the opportunity to grow up in a world where they can thrive and contribute to a peaceful future.
Impact of Advocacy
We can't settle on amplifying just one perspective. To enact real change, we must listen to all voices and consider diverse points of view.
Recent events on college campuses have underscored the significant impact of advocacy, particularly highlighting the power of youth voices. College students have long been at the forefront of social movements, using their platforms to raise awareness and push for change. Their passion, energy, and fresh perspectives are essential in driving important conversations and challenging our circumstances. However, these efforts are sometimes met with hostility and repression, particularly when they present opposing views to the mainstream and individuals in positions of power.
Silencing these voices stifles dialogue and hinders the pursuit of justice and equality. We must recognize that advocacy is not about imposing a single narrative but about creating a platform where multiple perspectives can coexist and be heard.
Personal Opinions on the Future
Ariana: As a young person, it is important to acknowledge that even in a growing culture of individuality, young people have the tenacity and willingness to unite and fight for a humanitarian crisis.
It does not take a platform to vocalize your opinion, but it does take heart and integrity. If you hold any influence or platform, regardless of age, you have the power to educate others.
Speaking up shouldn't entail compromising your values and sacrificing your rights. There should be no consequences for speaking up about social justice issues, as it is a fundamental right, not something that should be punished. It is probable and a hope of mine to see a free Palestine in our lifetime.
Denver: To create meaningful change, we need to engage in open conversations and avoid preconceived notions about those with opposing views. As humans, we frequently fear the worst and act preemptively to protect ourselves, but this mindset is especially dangerous when it comes to those in positions of power, whose actions can cause significant harm. Instead, dialogue needs to be fostered to truly understand each side's perspective. Genocide is never an acceptable solution to problems. Before any more lives are lost, there needs to be a de-escalation and a ceasefire. Peace and protecting innocent lives, especially children, should be the top priorities.
Call to Action:
In these challenging times, we can make a difference by coming together and taking action.
- Sign petitions to influence decision-makers and advocate for what’s important.
- Donate to reputable organizations providing aid to those affected by conflict, helping to provide food, medical care, and shelter.
- Spread love and kindness in your daily interactions to create a ripple effect of positivity and hope.
If you are young, remember that your voice matters, and things will get better. By taking these steps, we can contribute to a global movement for peace and justice and make the world a better place.
The voices of this generation are calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire against genocide and the institutionalization of apartheid.
Resources
- Fiscal Support: One of the best ways to support Palestinians is to support Palestinian businesses, restaurants, and institutions. The BDS List is an excellent resource for an official boycott list.
- Donation: Donating goes a long way. Operation Olive Branch is an excellent resource for assisting displaced families.
Petition: https://www.change.org/p/united-nations-palestinians-lives-matter?source_location=search
BDS List: https://bdsmovement.net/get-involved/what-to-boycott
Balfour Declaration:
We, SecondMuse, provide a platform to amplify diverse voices, especially the youth in our programs. The views and content in this blog series are those of the individual authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of Headstream, SecondMuse, or YouthxYouth.
Denver Humphrey, Headstream Co-Creator
Denver Humphrey is an athlete, artist, musician, philanthropist, and storyteller. Co-founder of a nonprofit called Fourddo. She is extremely passionate about advocating for youth empowerment and marginalized communities. Her hobbies include reading, writing, baking a good brownie, cooking any pasta, and learning new instruments.
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Ariana Dariel Walcott, Headstream Co-Creator
Ariana Walcott (she/her) is a high school senior from Brooklyn, New York, who is interested in majoring in computer science. She is an Afro-Latino 🇵🇦 who plans to enter the gaming industry, making waves as a Game Developer and, later, a Creative Director. She is passionate about using design and technology to improve the environment and community. She is also passionate about educating in non-traditional settings, teaching at Google Next and Blissful Us, where she will assume the Director of Cryptography workshops position in the summer, creating an engaging and creative curriculum.
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