My Generation Failed in Activism

In an era where social justice movements dominate headlines and activism permeates almost every aspect of life, the evolving landscape of advocacy in the name of protests has failed. My generation stands at a crossroads, grappling with the necessity for change while navigating the pitfalls of homogenous activism.

The fervor for change among young people today is undeniable. From climate strikes to racial justice protests, my generation has shown an unparalleled dedication to challenging the status quo. However, in our quest for justice, there’s a dangerous trend emerging – one rooted in authoritarianism and a binary view of social issues.

The resurgence of protests on campuses have dominated news coverage with Gen Z and millennials. The irony of these abhorrent campus demonstrations is that they exhibit the very same authoritarian behavior they claim to stand up against- by demonizing and dehumanizing their fellow Jewish classmates. These protests have become a hotbed of dangerous rhetoric, using antisemitic tropes to further their cause. 

The phenomenon of selectively choosing victimhood reveals a troubling double standard within societal discourse. While advocating for justice and equality, these protestors headlining TikTok accounts are cherry-picking narratives of victimhood. This selective approach not only undermines the credibility of genuine grievances for both Palestinians and Israelis but also emboldens harmful stereotypes and divisions.

Absolutism in activism, characterized by a rigid adherence to a single ideology or approach, threatens to undermine the very values our academic institutions seek to uphold. When we demand conformity of thought and ostracize those who deviate from the perceived norm, we perpetuate the same oppressive structures we aim to dismantle. My generation must recognize that diversity of opinion is not only inevitable but essential for any form of social cohesion.

Contrary to past moments like protesting Vietnam, the current protests are taking a dark turn by targeting Jews based on their ethnicity, identity, and political opinions. This highlights a concerning paradox where individuals claim to be anti-racist while engaging in racist behavior. There seems to be a lack of self-denial and self-reflection in my generation, as these actions contradict the very values of tolerance and equality that we profess to uphold.

Authoritarianism rears its head when we prioritize power dynamics over genuine dialogue and collaboration. When activism becomes about asserting dominance and violence rather than fostering understanding, we lose sight of the very purpose of protesting, which is to bring about change against future injustices.

Moreover, we must acknowledge the clear red line of dehumanizing others in the pursuit of justice. Hate and violence cannot be disguised anymore in the name of victimhood. Threatening Jewish students, assaulting them, and not allowing them to get to their classes is not activism. This resurgence of antisemitism must be stopped.

Meaningful change is not achieved through domination but through cooperation and compromise. My generation stands at a pivotal moment in history. We have the passion, drive, and energy to effect change, but we must be mindful of the pitfalls that threaten to derail our progress.