Why should we even care? Teenagers are labeled as the troublesome, incomprehensible group out of touch from reality and going through an identity crisis on a daily basis. They are often dismissed as the irrelevant and insignificant part of society.
Yet they represent the future, bringing in new perspectives that are unique to their generation. Others cannot mimic or generate the same innovative ideas because they were not exposed to the same movements and environment as this millennial generation. The millenials are constantly adapting in accordance to the current societal shifts and global changes, and their willingness, openness and awareness are all crucial elements to how the society can progress.
And as Kofi Annan, former secretary-general of the United Nations remarked, “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If, however, they are left on society’s margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.” Their potential to contribute and advance the modern society should be embraced and realized.
However, powerlessness often plagues the youth. According to the United States Census Bureau, “Overall, America’s youngest voters have moved towards less engagement over time, as 18- through 24-year-olds’ voting rates dropped from 50.9 percent in 1964 to 38.0 percent in 2012.” The problem lies in the frequent lack of youth empowerment. With their voices unheard and opinions dismissed, the youth ultimately lose motivation for societal involvement. This is a grim notion, a reality that needs to be addressed. The pattern of dismissive attitude toward the youth’s voice cannot persist.
At the 2015 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards, First Lady Michelle Obama stated that “there are millions of kids… with talent all over the place, and it’s hidden and it’s untapped… We wouldn’t know that all this existed without any of these programs and that would be a shame.” Whether it be through paintings, music or writing, teenagers and youth need and deserve a place to share, to realize their potential and to empower themselves through creative expressions.
And platforms such as the Redmond Reporter’s “Teen Voices” column will enable such empowerment. The teenagers, whose words are often limited to their immediate school setting, can extend their reach and influence by appealing to a larger audience in the greater Redmond community. Their voices will not be silenced nor will their opinions be dismissed as underdeveloped and premature, and their creativity, no longer overlooked, will instead be celebrated. It is time to involve the youth into our community, to provide an outlet for their too-often silenced voice.
Rachel Lee is a senior at The Overlake School in Redmond.
