THB Youth Activism is Performative - Full Debate
James Kerjik: The Spectacle of Modern Activism
James Kerjik argues that contemporary youth activism is largely performative, prioritizing spectacle and awareness-raising over substantive change. He contrasts this with historical movements like the suffragettes or the Civil Rights Movement, where activists made significant sacrifices for worthy causes. Kerjik uses the example of NYU students protesting Professor Jonathan Haidt, who critiques oversensitivity, to illustrate his point that young activists may lack the experience and knowledge to effectively address societal ills. He suggests that modern activism focuses on 'holding space' and 'providing allyship' rather than engaging in the slow, difficult work required for meaningful social change.
Shaswa Lameichani: Activism's Core vs. Surface
Shaswa Lameichani argues that the proposition's focus on 'performative' activism ignores the core of movements. She posits that performance is a strategy of the included, and youth activism, driven by structural exclusion and cost, is fundamentally human, not performative. She uses the example of 76 deaths in Nepal's youth movement to highlight the real cost involved.
