Perspectives

There is an online student magazine called, Perspectives. It is meant as a meeting place for students of English language, and literature in Slovenia, to help them with their courses, writing, and so on. Recently, one of the members published a post entitled, “Terry Jones…” It’s interesting to read what many young people have to say about “freedom of speech”.

I have noticed however, that just as young people in America, for instance white middle class American or Canadian kids still tend to prejudge blacks in their communities, or at the very least don’t feel the need to interact with them … They might not interact very much with black middle class American or Canadian kids… and probably until this day do not have many, or any black friends, these students are not aware of the weight others’ cultural background, or religion plays in others’ views about “freedom” or “free speech”. In America, probably, you could even say that young people know the local drug dealer’s name (be s/he black, white, Hispanic, Pakistani, or of any other race, social group, or country of origin) rather than any ordinary (descent, law abiding) black University, college, or high school student near them. Of course this is a sweeping generalization. Would such lack of interaction affect their views on “freedom”, “free speech”, or “freedom of expression”? Would some statements be considered normal, or of no consequence while in fact they might be prejudiced?

 Can we put more trust in the young to unite for a good cause than we can their older counterparts? Examine how many businesses owned by well established business people (excluding Microsoft and Bill Gates, for this round) donate to a worthy cause, or  care about the environment, as opposed to the new, small startups owned by first time business people in their twenties? Some of the latter types started a business from the bottom floor up in their teens, and have grown it on the strength of their original products, or services (often “green” products, or services). One such company which hit the “millionaire” mark within a few years works all over the globe in disaster cleanup. Such youthful business people, some only students, see the opportunity to make money and help others in the process. They are not waiting until they own billions, or are grown up to begin making a difference.

That being said, many young people still tend to see things with one lens, a lens that colors their perception of the world as it really is. Admittedly, this is not something uncommon to the wider society. We might say that societies all over the globe have not yet matured to the level where they can put aside differences and work together on important issues, such as racism, or xenophobia, etc. There are pockets of people all over that are trying to tackle this global problem by making common ground for discussions, to have better understanding on all sides of the complex issues, and realities.

Often we see urgent meetings, commissions, or war crimes trials; things that involve government intervention, or a great deal of negotiations, etc. But this is not the kind of action I’m talking about. Nor do I believe that the world’s citizens necessarily want, or need their governments to help them, or interfere in their own efforts to reach out to their neighbours, countrymen, and other people of the world, who all share the same basic humanity, improve relations and create momentum for positive and lasting change. There are community groups, face book groups, religions conferences, and so forth.  It may never come to the point where most people will have a consensus. There may always remain great divisions, and even hatred. But despite this harsh reality, many people will continue to work towards understanding based on their commonalities, and try to overcome their ultimate differences, where those exist as a natural diversity.