A powerful current of optimism and ambition exists in the global youth movements.
Young people around the world are banding together with ideologies that propel their societies, countries, districts, towns, and villages forward, advocating for change, progress, and prosperity.
By: Austin S. Fallah, contributing writer
They strive for better futures not only for themselves but also for their families and communities/countries.
However, in stark contrast, a segment of Liberian youth has become mired in abnegation and discussions that amount to little more than noise—discussions devoid of substance, centered around unpatriotic sentiments, and ultimately detrimental to their development.
This addon aims to delve into this dichotomy, exploring the implications of such attitudes while comparing the proactive pursuits of promising youth in other nations with the worrying trends observed among Liberian youth.
The Promising Paradigm of Youth Activism:
Across the globe, young individuals are increasingly becoming catalysts for change.
From climate strikes led by school-aged activists to movements advocating for social justice, youth-driven initiatives reflect a broader understanding of civic responsibility and personal empowerment.
These young activists employ social media to amplify their causes, gather support, and drive accountability among leaders.
They are not just participants in discussions, but they shape the narrative, demonstrating an understanding of their potential to affect change.
Moreover, globally, youth involvement in political discourse showcases a level of engagement beyond mere complaining.
In Sudan, the March for political liberation by young people in the aftermath of years of political dictatorship illustrates how young people are willing to march, protest, and petition for policy changes that they deem essential for their futures.
The overall objective is clear: to advocate for a safer environment, reflecting a thoughtful, strategic approach rather than a passive engagement with their circumstances.
This is a far cry from the apathy that sometimes permeates Liberian youth discussions.
The Cycle of Futility Among Liberian Youth:
On the contrary, many Liberian youths appear trapped in a sustaining cycle of counterproductive dialogues.
Over the past 18 years, a significant portion of this demographic has resorted to unsubstantiated rhetoric that lacks direction or purpose.
Young Liberians may be consumed by trivial debates rather than engaging in constructive discourse promoting national development or personal empowerment.
Conversations often focus on blame rather than finding solutions, making their discussions ineffective and stagnant.
This inability or unwillingness to step beyond nonsensical discussions has manifested in a collective mindset that hampers progress.
The alarming reality is that many Liberian youth have not experienced meaningful change in their lives.
They are reminiscent of cogs in a machine. Their participation is superficial, lacking the innovation and forward-thinking ideologies that have characterized successful youth movements elsewhere.
It begs the question: When will they recognize the importance of moving beyond their current state and engage in conversations that could lead to personal and societal transformation?
The Influence of Leadership:
The influence of Liberian youth’s so-called leadership is crucial to their pervasive apathy.
Many young Liberians look to politicians who flaunt ostentatious lifestyles while their constituents remain impoverished.
These so-called ‘unschooled politicians’ often perpetuate a cycle of failed promises, disillusioning young people.
The correlation between political leadership and youth engagement can not be overlooked.
When leaders demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of their citizens, particularly the youth, it fosters a culture of empowerment and optimism.
In contrast, young people are more likely to engage positively with society in regions where youth have access to transformative leaders—whether through education, mentorship, or civic engagement initiatives.
In Rwanda, for instance, young leaders are groomed to take on responsibilities that contribute to the nation’s development.
Programs foster a sense of accountability, encouraging youth to participate actively in community betterment rather than remaining passive observers.
The disparity in leadership quality between countries with thriving youth activism and Liberia’s current political climate directly affects the mindset of the young population. When roots of despair and dependence are cultivated, nurturing a generation that believes in visions and ideologies capable of promoting change becomes challenging.
This creates a paradox where youthful vigor is squandered on ineffective discourse, perpetuating apathy rather than instilling hope and resilience.
The Quest for Identity and Empowerment:
Another element that highlights the divergent paths of youth globally revolves around identity and the pursuit of empowerment.
Young people in progressive societies often seek to establish their identities through activism and community involvement, pursuing paths paved by their predecessors yet unbounded by tradition.
They explore their potential, confront barriers, and embrace opportunities in ways that strengthen their community ties and national pride.
In Liberia, however, the focus appears misaligned.
Rather than harnessing their collective identity to advocate for a transformed future, many youths indulge in self-destructive and unsympathetic rhetoric.
The emphasis on meaningless discussions signifies a disconnection from their national identity and shared history.
It reflects a mindset bereft of genuine ambition for improvement ambition that typically fosters unstinting pride and a clear sense of direction.
As the youth generation remains fixated on inconsequential discussions, they inadvertently erode the fabric of their society.
A lack of dialogue grounded in reality or guided by knowledgeable roles can perpetuate narratives that fuel division rather than unity.
The consequence of such detachment speaks to a broader identity crisis, where young Liberians can not fully reconcile their desire for nationalism with the current socio-political climate.
A Call for Action and Engagement
A collective awakening among Liberian youths is required to address these glaring disparities.
They need to break free from passive engagement and embrace the transformational power of strategic discourse.
They must hold each other and their leaders accountable, fostering an environment that aims for collective progression rather than resigning to mediocrity.
Engaging with the experiences of youths from more prosperous nations can act as a blueprint.
Liberian youths should be encouraged to develop their ideologies surrounding themes of development, education, and civic engagement not as a means of importing ideologies but as an opportunity to cultivate localized solutions that reflect their unique experiences.
Understanding that they are the architects of their future is paramount.
Moreover, the role of education cannot be overstated.
Schools and communities must create dialogue platforms inviting discussion on pertinent issues for young Liberians.
By promoting critical thinking and empowering youth to contribute ideas for bettering their communities, a shift will likely emerge that steers them away from unpatriotic discourses and toward a vision rooted in pride and proactive engagement.
In summary, the stark contrast between the purposeful ideologies of youth worldwide and the apathetic tendencies observed among Liberian youth underscores a critical opportunity for change.
As the rest of the world witnesses the power of youth activism to instigate societal transformation, Liberian youths must confront the grim reality that mindless dialogues only inhibit their potential.
The imperative is clear: To develop a future marked by resilience, progress, and patriotism, Liberia’s youth must transcend obsolete narratives and engage in meaningful discourse.
Aspiring to build a community grounded in purpose will enhance their personal development and forge a path toward collective national improvement.
The onus lies with the youth, particularly university students, to wake up, harness their potential, and craft a narrative that elevates their prospects and encapsulates the essence of hope for Liberia’s future.
