Home » The Youth Advocate Blog » Mental Health » A Moment of Youth: How to Help Young People Navigate the Political Divide

A Moment of Youth: How to Help Young People Navigate the Political Divide

I recently had the opportunity to speak to a group of young people from all walks of life. Seconds went by before I could find the words to say. When I finally did, all that came out was, “I’m sorry.”

I was apologizing for the damage we are doing and the disappointment this political climate is causing. I apologized for what they must witness when two sides are at odds. Millions are suffering, and millions of others are celebrating. They see one side struggling to reconcile with what is happening in America. They see another side rejoicing in what they see as its revival.

The irony is that it feels like the two sides trade places every four to eight years. Moreover, our babies often find themselves caught in the crosshairs of this chaos. Many are confused by the contradictions and disturbed by the distractions and distortions of truth.

Our young people sit beside us while we watch the news and know what we post on social media. Those discussions at the dinner table? Those are conversations they are listening to and watching what we do afterward.

They are keenly aware of the hatred, biases, and prejudices that sometimes corrode our hearts. They notice the belligerent behavior that tries to hide behind good intentions and the things we preach but fail to practice.

They are not yet at the age to fully understand what’s happening, but they will be one day. When that day comes, I hope we don’t have to hear them say, “You lied to me.”

After I apologized to the group I spoke to, tears streamed down the faces of every young person in the room. In that moment, I could feel the emotion displayed by those brave souls while they told stories of survival, resilience, pain, fear, perseverance, and dreams that have yet to become reality.

Listening to them cry out and passionately express their needs and concerns reminded me of our obligation to the young people we parent, teach, coach, mentor, tutor, and encounter daily.

So, I ask this question: what are you willing to give to see this generation of young people do something unprecedented and become the heroes and leaders they are capable of? For me, the answer is simple.

I would give my last breath to modeling what it means to be truthful to oneself in the face of ugliness, not run away from one’s fears, not allow someone else’s bitterness to become one’s own, and to develop an unshakeable faith.

Young people are tired of seeing crowds standing on the right and left, posturing, pointing fingers, and pushing their agendas. They are done carrying the weight of our worries and getting stuck in the muck and mire of our madness.

Our society’s polarization and political division have deposited hopelessness and despair in them, and we must do something about it before it’s too late to say, “I’m sorry.”

Categories

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jason A. Dixon is the author of The Youth Advocate Blog. He passionately amplifies young people's experiences and critically examines the issues affecting them with inspiring and thought-provoking articles each month. Coach Jason is also one of the top youth motivational speakers for middle school, high school, and college students and the CEO and Founder of Inspire 2 Reach Higher. You can follow Coach Jason on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments