Young Voices Missing in the Fight for Democracy

The current political climate in America is tense, with many worried about the direction the country is heading. Despite this, the streets aren't filled with the usual sea of young protesters. Instead, it's mostly older generations holding signs and voicing their discontent. This is a big shift from past movements where young people were at the forefront. During the George Floyd protests, young adults were highly involved, making up a significant portion of the demonstrators. But now, when it comes to opposing Trump's actions, their presence is noticeably smaller. This isn't because they support him; polls show that a majority of young people disapprove of his performance. So, why aren't they out in force? One reason could be that young people are focused on other pressing issues, like the high cost of living. But that doesn't fully explain their absence. Many young people are directly affected by Trump's policies, such as increased deportations and demands for proof of citizenship. Yet, they're not showing up to protests in large numbers. Another factor might be the lack of faith in the political system. Young people have seen movements gain momentum only to fizzle out without real change. They've watched as institutions and individuals they thought would stand up to Trump have instead made deals with his administration. This can make activism feel pointless. The older generations need to take some responsibility here. The world we've created doesn't offer clear paths for young people to make a difference. If we want to see change, we need to create opportunities for meaningful action. Conventional protests aren't cutting it anymore. We need new strategies that can engage a broader range of people and deliver real results.