Monday, October 7, 2013

Where Youth Hold The Power

" A young person who feels powerless will see their environment as something that can't be changed and will ultimately give up hope of ever seeing a difference." 

And this is why it's important for us to empower our youth and help them see that their voices are important. If they don't learn this while they are younger then how can we expect them to utilize their voices and demand their needs to be met when they are older? How are they supposed to advocate for their own children and grandchildren if they grow up feeling inferior and like their voices don't count? When reading what the youth had to say in this article it becomes clear that they are increasingly frustrated with not having a voice. It's so clear that we can minimize a lot of the negative behaviors by helping them to express themselves and to find an identity. It's so frustrating to feel as though you just belong to someone (parents, teachers, society) and your opinions don't matter. 

"Like many cities across the country, Providence is a place where young people--particularly youth of color in under resourced communities are marginalized in almost every decision making circle" 


Again we revisit the idea that we are alienating our youth making them feel as though they aren't important  in society and that they're ideas aren't worth listening to. I think that stating this early in the article and then showing what some of the YIA younger members have to say about wanting to help the community was critical in making this article so profound.


"What would our cities look like if we all started to truly see youth as powerful assets instead of problems?"



Imagine a world where we give power to our youth instead of taking it from them, where we include them in ways to change this world. Let them feel like they matter. It's clear that adults don't have all the answers to society's problems, why not gain perspective from a young inspired mind. I think the author is on point when she says that a lot of youth she's worked with are just as good at solving problems as adults. I go to my 13 year old brother for advice at times. He has great advice, and when you listen you can find words of wisdom from all ages. 

3 comments:

  1. I liked what you said in the blog about the importance of youth and their voices being heard I agree

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  2. I really liked the first quote you used in your blog, "A young person who feels powerless will see their environment as something that can't be changed and will ultimately give up hope of ever seeing a difference."

    This is an important concept to consider, and as you stated, we should try to empower youth and help them realize that their voice is important. I also liked how you said that you can find words of wisdom from all ages. I definitely agree with this statement and think that adults really can benefit from a young inspired mind!

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  3. Such inspiring words! I really connected with this phrase: "What would our cities look like if we all started to truly see youth as powerful assets instead of problems?" It's clear you view your younger brother as a great asset and ally. Looking forward to hearing about how you bring this perspective into your field site this semester!

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