On teenage activists | Teen Ink

On teenage activists

July 3, 2009
By iheartgoldfrapp GOLD, Owings Mills, Maryland
iheartgoldfrapp GOLD, Owings Mills, Maryland
17 articles 0 photos 0 comments

I have a secret. It's not something anyone knows, or would expect from me.
I hate teenage activists.
Before you imagine acts of violence against me, let me explain why I would rather befriend an unabashedly apathetic teen than one who sends letters to his or her congressman and signs all the petitions.
Teenagers notoriously do things they wouldn't otherwise give a second thought to because they think it's cool, and activism is no exception. Whether it's a so-called environmentalist making little effort to reduce his carbon footprint -- mistakenly believing a couple "Save the Whales!" stickers is enough -- or a vegan wearing leather, teenage activist hypocrisy is rampant.
Secondly, I've heard too many teenagers whine about how difficult it is to be a vegetarian or vegan (it's not), how other teens are shallow (they aren't, at least in most cases), and such moaning is too often counterproductive to what they aim to accomplish.
As though that were not enough, some teens simply don't do their research. Contrary to popular belief, online petitions accomplish little, if anything, of substance. That's because it's impossible to verify every individual signature. And let's be honest: Congressmen only care about your opinion if you're in their jurisdiction, and even then it's fuzzy.
I realize that not everyone fits this rigid description. Actually, I've made many of the mistakes listed above, and more. But I learned from it and moved on, and that's what distinguishes bona fide activists from those who simply want to look good in the eyes of their peers.


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This article has 2 comments.


on Jul. 23 2009 at 1:15 pm
americanteen97 SILVER, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
8 articles 0 photos 79 comments
Yeah. Some teens do go over the edge but it is because the y aren't dedicated or have goals. to make a point we should use peace not violence.

Sunshineyday said...
on Jul. 16 2009 at 2:36 am
I for one beleive that to truly be an activist, the cause has to be in your heart. The teens who do the annoying things listed above are usually not dedicated, and are trying to look cool or fit in. They are actors, not activists.