The Power of Passion: Revitalizing Student Activism in a Changing World.

Student protests have been pivotal in driving major changes on a global scale. Some had a profound impact on social and political landscapes like the Soweto Uprising in South Africa against unequal education, the Greensboro sit-ins that led many businesses and public facilities to abolish their racial segregation policies in the United States, and the Velvet Revolution in 1989 where the students toppled the Czechoslovak government leadership and brought Václav Havel to power. These protests were catalysts for advocating, human rights, democracy, and equality.

The current student activism in response to the horrific situation in Gaza is no exception to the rule; it is a potent reminder that when students mobilize, it is because something is flagrantly wrong and demands to be voiced. Student movements continue advocating for justice and human rights, and their current involvement in raising awareness about Gaza underscores this tradition. When students take to the streets, organize rallies, and utilize their platforms to speak out, it is because they perceive a grave injustice that requires immediate attention and action. Their activism is a powerful indicator that the status quo is unacceptable and that their collective voice is essential in driving change and bringing global awareness to the plight of the people in Gaza.

It is appreciated that governments worldwide often assess student protests with a mixture of caution and concern due to their potential to disrupt societal order and challenge established authority. These protests, which can range from advocating policy changes to demanding political accountability, are seen as symbolic of broader social unrest and dissatisfaction. Governments fear that allowing protests to escalate could lead to political instability or even violence, especially considering the significant media attention and youth influence that such movements often garner. Authorities often tread carefully in handling student protests, balancing the need to maintain order with respecting the right to peaceful expression and dissent. Politicians are fully aware that police interventions could turn the tide in the students’ favor and amplify the movement and the message.

While everyone agrees that student activism has been particularly influential and transformative, its role in shaping historical narratives and sparking larger movements for societal progress is being severely countered by governments in the Western world today. This statement is supported by the frail impact student activism has despite the digital age. Mobilization and awareness are refuted regularly on social media and online platforms through the promotion of trivial and futile ideas. Policymakers may not inhibit student activism on issues like climate change, gun control, equal rights for LGBTQ and planned parenthood when it suits their agendas to suggest that they support the freedom of expression. However, revolutionary challenges such as critical political views, polarization in society, government crackdowns on dissent, and apathy among some segments of the population will meet vicious opposition by the same policymakers.

Globalization modified the reach and intervention of foreign powers to support or dissuade some movements according to their own agendas through social media and online platforms. It would be na?ve to think that intervention of the same nature is not happening at home.

I personally believe that passion, creativity, and determination should be encouraged in student-led movements. They should be trained to spot and understand potential interventions and stimulus, whether from local policymakers or foreign powers on social media and online platforms. The youth must have a say concerning the future. They should be able to shape it. Our generation benefited much due to the engagement of students.? Throughout they had their transformative role in society and played a significant part in addressing major issues and advocating for positive change. Surely, errors were also made, but I think every generation is entitled to its own fair share of blunders and successes!