From Parkland to the Polls: How Youth Activism is Shaping Politics
The wave of youth activism is sweeping across the globe. The recent rallies, protests, and walkouts have shown us that the youth are not just the future but are actively shaping our present. This activism is fueled by a growing dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, especially around issues of gun control, racial and social injustice, climate change, and political corruption. This article explores the recent youth activism movement, particularly the Parkland survivors’ movement, and its impact on shaping politics.
The Parkland Survivors Movement
On February 14, 2018, a gunman opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 students and teachers. In the aftermath of the shooting, a group of students at the school, led by survivors Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, and Cameron Kasky, rose to national prominence for their outspoken calls for gun control. The students’ movement quickly spread, organizing marches and walkouts across the country and in Washington D.C., where they held the March For Our Lives rally that drew over 800,000 attendees.
The movement has focused primarily on advocating for stricter gun control legislation, including universal background checks, bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and funding for gun violence prevention research. The students have been unrelenting in their calls for change, with Emma Gonzalez famously declaring “We call BS!” in a fiery speech calling on elected officials to take action.
The Impact on Politics
The Parkland survivors’ movement has had a significant impact on the national conversation around gun control and has led to some tangible changes in legislation. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Florida enacted a law raising the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21 and implementing some modest gun control measures. Additionally, in March 2018, Congress passed the Fix NICS Act, which strengthens the background check system for gun purchases.
These changes would not have been possible without the activism of the Parkland students and their peers across the country. By mobilizing their peers and using social media to amplify their message, these young activists have shown that they have the power to make a difference, despite not being able to vote.
Beyond Gun Control
While the Parkland survivors’ movement has primarily focused on gun control, youth activism is touching on a wide range of issues of social and political injustice. Climate change is another issue that has mobilized young activists worldwide, with students participating in global rallies such as the Global Climate Strike and Fridays For Future campaigns.
Inequity and police brutality against people of color have also been focal points for youth activism in the United States, with the Black Lives Matter movement gaining nationwide attention in recent years. In addition to issues of racial and social injustice, youth are also becoming more engaged with political corruption and the role of money in politics.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has played a significant role in empowering and amplifying the voices of youth activists. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have provided a way for students to connect with one another and share their message with a broader audience. The Parkland survivors’ movement, for example, gained significant traction on social media, with viral videos and tweets by student leaders spread rapidly across the internet.
Social media has also allowed youth to organize and mobilize more effectively, as seen with the numerous national and global rallies and marches that have occurred in recent years. These platforms have also enabled youth activists to bypass traditional media structures, allowing them to shape the narrative of their movements without relying on mainstream media outlets.
Conclusion
The recent surge in youth activism is a powerful reminder that the voice of the younger generation can have a significant impact on shaping the social and political landscape. The Parkland survivors’ movement, with its focus on gun control, is just one example of how youth activism is shaping politics today. The movement has sparked a national conversation around gun control and has led to meaningful changes in legislation.
Beyond gun control, youth activism is touc\hing on a wide range of social and political issues, including climate change, racial and social injustice, and political corruption. Social media has played a crucial role in empowering youth activists, providing them with access to larger audiences and allowing them to organize more effectively.
As young activists continue to make their voices heard on a growing range of issues, we can expect them to play an increasingly important role in shaping the political landscape for years to come. Whether or not the establishment listens, one thing is certain: the youth are here to stay.