Where Has the Passion Gone?

The most recent issue of Time Magazine carried the headline Youthquake; How the World Will Change When the Next Generation Leads.  One of the feature articles was on how the youth of Hong Kong are leading the protest against Beijeng’s attempt to limit the freedom that differentiate that city from the rest of China.  The article related how the young protesters say they would rather be martyrs than inmates.  One of the protesters name Calvin is quoted. “I would rather die than be arrested.  If I die at least the fury would sustain this movement.”

I recall the images of the Hong Kong protests that were carried on the news a few weeks back.  In many ways it brought back memories of the protest against the Vietnam War in the late 60’s.  Like today’s residents of Hong Kong, youth of the 60’s passionately opposed what they viewed a government oppression. It all came to a head in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic Convention. While I was back in Michigan for the summer but I remember watching in horror as Grant Park, a place of which I was very familiar, became a battle ground. 

I hope that the Hong Kong protester's effort have a more lasting impact.  The peace protesters of 60’s grew up and blended into the American landscape.  They became bankers, business executives, and attorneys.  Now they are in their sixties and seventies and most have retired.  As “older Americans” many of them struggle to understand the needs and struggles of today’s younger generation. 

Unfortunately, I do not see the same passion among today’s teens and young adults.  Interest in politics and social problems is at an all-time low.  A recent Current Population Survey found only 42% of 12^th graders planned on voting in the Presidential election, down from 52% in 1970.  The same survey found only 14% would contribute to a political campaign, compared to 21% in 1970. 

It appears that many American young people are as apathetic about the state of our nation as they are the state of church.  The passion over inequality, environmental and political issues that seem so passionate among young people around the world seems lacking here. That makes me sad.