by Aimee and Josh
|
retired - old news As passionate individuals, we can all relate to instances in our lives where we feel so strongly about an issue, we are compelled into action. From a small objection to an outrageous comment on a chat show, there comes a time when buttoned lips and silent thoughts are not an option, and, standing their ground as individuals or united as a group, many people have taken an active stand to fight for what they believe. Recently a large number of people have been publicly protesting against the war in Iraq, many of them feeling so strongly that they have created banners, placards, stickers and balloons with statements in all colours, shapes and sizes. We have seen global protests from Antarctica to Egypt and marches on television, or witnessed them first hand, in London and Oxfordshire.
In March 2003 there was a protest march through the centre of Oxford that controversially involved young people during school hours. Article Twelve of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that you have the right to "say what you think and be listened to by adults when they make decisions that affect you." This would support the right to protest decisions by the government, if you do not agree with them ... but, as the protest happened during school hours it raised questions from the media, parents, teachers and the police. |
|||
Young People give their support to one of the recent anti-war
protests in Oxford with home-made banners and balloonsDemonstrating in a busy street full of people is going to be noticed, particularly if it causes disruption, and at this protest, there were cameras, microphones, police and a large audience. While many people supported the protest, others asked whether it was right that young people should be protesting.
However, earlier that day, I had spoken to other young people, not involved in the demonstration, who were unsure how they felt about the war.
It is easy to see how, in the commotion of a protest, we can become swept up by the crowd, but just because you shout your message loudly, does this make it more important? Are people more likely to listen, and if they do listen, will they act on your demands? Should they?
For a young person joining in, or seeing a demonstration can be a confusing experience; it can be exciting, creative, and enlightening, but it can also seem frightening, pointless, and uncertain. But, this doesn't mean young people shouldn't be allowed to demonstrate. After all, isn't challenging our surroundings and questioning the motives, opinions and actions of others crucial to being yourself?
Do you have something to say on this issue, or about anything else? Is it something you want other people to see? You can leave your messages here, on Spired.com using the links below.
 |
Look at other people's messages or send us your own in the Participation section |
|
Read the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child |
[ centres] [ information guide ] [ what's on ] [ connexions ] [ the hub ] [ the forum ]