Remember the framework of questions by Danielle Allen I promised on the home page? Well here they are with a few adjustments by yours truly.
Consider the Importance of Youth in Democracy Let us start by reading this transcript of an audio by Danielle Allen on Youth in Democracy, and then use we will use the following questions for reflection and discussion.
Danielle Allen: “...the truth of the matter is that the actual diagnosis of what's wrong in the world around us starts with us, and it starts with young people. If there's any message I could drive home most forcefully today it would be namely this: that young people really see the shape of our world presently. I think they have a better understanding of it than any other generation. But we are not letting young people set the agenda for the issues we pay attention to. I think hearing young peoples' diagnoses, activating them as diagnosers, is the first and most important thing to do. And then, yes, policy experts can come in and help think about the specific diagnoses that have been put on the table and listen to ideas about solutions and work with young people, and work with other people, about those solutions and bring their expertise to bear. But that diagnosis is most powerful when it is a truly democratic process, really bubbling up, and when the voices of youth are heard.”
What does Allen say about the role of young people? Why does she think the voices of young people are crucial to a democracy?
Do you agree with her? Why or why not?
How do we “let young people set the agenda for the issues we should be paying attention to”? Who else should help to set the agenda?
According to Allen, once the voices of young people are heard, what else is needed to help bring about the changes young people envision?
I know it's quite a lengthy activity but I hope you learned something and enjoyed it.
