At this very moment, there are movements all over social media – artistic, social, spiritual and/or political. All in an attempt to mobilize people, communities, nations, the world.
At this very moment, there is a country not far away that has mobilized its youth to eliminate an oppressive regime & political corruption, to defend human rights, and to demand change.
Brave, young men and women are rising up to end injustices.
Sounds all too familiar, right?
- The Cuban Revolution leading to the Bay of Pigs
- The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s
- Vietnam Protests and the famous sit-ins
- Pro-democracy rallies at Tiananmen Square
- The Arab Spring against an oppressive regime
- Peaceful marches and protests against gun violence of our very own Parkland, FL students
And yes, while youth around the globe has a powerful “history of pushing for social change,” emerging technologies has allowed it to take on different forms. As Marshall McLuhan has said, “The medium is the message.”
- The letter carriers during the American Revolution
- Fidel Castro’s communist views in an underground newspaper
- Adolf Hitler’s infamous speeches broadcast on radio
- U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats
- The brutalities of the Vietnam War or the 9/11 catastrophe on television
- The Venezuelan uprising on social media
MEDIA is a transformational weapon that whether used intentionally or unintentionally, can change policies and ignite the spark for revolutions around the world. It is a breeding ground for battles yet to be fought.
When you think about it, at this very moment nearly every continent is experiencing this global youth movement to save the world by using social media. These young people are voicing their cries for help, advocating for change, hoping the rest of us can take a moment to STOP and LISTEN.
At this very moment, a country’s regime has mindlessly killed and tortured their youth for rising up. Again! It’s a country we rarely hear of, a “Republic” that sadly most Americans can’t even find on a map, let alone pronounce it.
It is a country that is no stranger to civil war, experiencing small bouts of peace here and there. Now history is repeating itself; the difference this time around is that the voices of its youth are roaring on social media.
They are brave, young men and women who have taken a cue from the movements of its young predecessors in an attempt to save their country against oppression. They are students, that are not backing down in-person or on-line.
And this time, the young people of the Central American Country of Nicaragua are too standing strong. #SOSNICARAGUA
So whatever your stance is on the political spectrum, it doesn’t matter – the bottom line is that the future is crying out for help. Wherever your feet are grounded at this very moment, the future needs you. Isn’t it time that we begin to listen? Whether you’re on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and/or etc. – get informed, don’t be afraid to join their fight for change – our future is depending on it!
In the words of Newton Minnow, “I urge you, I urge you to put the people’s airwaves to the service of the people and the cause of freedom. You must help prepare a generation for great decisions. You must help a great nation fulfill its future.”
Check your social media. The future is waiting. How will you aid our youth activists and become a catalyst for change?
