Together We Can Build A Kinder Place To Live
The Youth Of Today Yearn For A Kinder, Inclusive World
"I remember being bullied by my fellow classmates".
Young, naive, adventurous, and brave are the words we use to describe the youth of today. Curious minds and lofty spirits with diverse talents and capabilities, make youth a force to reckon with in the ever-changing world. However, despite all these glorious parts, as we dive deeper, there exists a dark and grieving reality.
I remember being bullied by my fellow classmates. I remember being fat shamed publicly and being a victim of numerous unjust, toxic things that seemed normal to society. Sure, I am not the only one. There are many similar stories coming to light every day. It could be a casual unintentional ‘joke’ that degraded one’s self-confidence to being pressured into pursuing a career that one doesn’t align with. The society continues to pass on its deep-seated notions, stereotypes, and behaviours on the youth. The ugly part is that most of these practices are unquestionably instilled in many young minds, and as a result, many continue to suffer.
Burdened with expectations, in the rush to prove themselves to the world, and amidst fierce competition, peer pressure, and a pool of ambiguity, the youth feel breathless and stuck. Being looked down upon, bullied, or ignored by mates for not being able to fit the so-called standards of beauty, career, and stability eventually lead to mental health issues, depression and sometimes suicide.
I yearn for the young minds to preach the values of humanity and nurture an inclusive mind-set—the values of respecting one’s choice, one’s appearance, and one’s mental health. The youth should be proactive and consider their interests in choosing careers so that they don’t regret decisions in the long run. Awareness about mental health disorders, drug and alcohol abuse is crucial. Mental health must be prioritized, and counselling should be opted for if needed. It's no shame. The youth of today must follow their conscience and act mindfully to decide for themselves whether a habit or notion practiced for years is morally correct or not, and they should build a spine strong enough to speak against the wrong.
"I urge young minds to use their voice and education to initiate change, defy dogmatic norms, and build a harmonious world – one that cherishes the values of humanity, sustainability, and kindness".
