Most Lebanese believe themselves to be immune from issues of global concern. Due to this belief, the content of our “political discussions” has been monopolized by concern over our neighbors and fear of global powers that aim to destabilize Lebanon. This is one of the few, if not the sole “political issue” discussed in Lebanon, whether it be on TV by opposing politicians, or at a café between two friends.

This is a grave danger. If Lebanese believe that they are immune to the global economic crisis owing to their supposed isolation, and do not brace themselves for it, they will indeed be hit hard. After all, is our market not one of the most open, therefore susceptible markets in the world? Does our economy not depend on tourism, a sector that has suffered most during this economic crisis? Let us not forget that although we haven’t felt the effects of the economic crisis yet, the nations that contribute to Lebanese tourism have.

Do we also believe that we are immune to global climate change? After all we are a coastal nation, and should obviously be concerned about rising sea levels. Yet no one has even suggested tackling this issue to ensure a sustainable future. Instead we are left with constant bickering and accusations by rival politicians. There is obviously a need for change, yet who can deliver this change to us? Why of course, the only force in history known for instilling rapid change - the youth.

The youth are the oil to the wheels of progress. For it was the youth who voted in record numbers in November 2008 to elect Barack Obama, and defeat the properly named “Grand Old Party”, better known as the Republican Party. It was the youth that began student occupation protests in May 1968 in Paris against the De Gaulle government in France, which led to what is now known as one of the largest general strikes in history.

Yet, too often, the youth are stricken with complacency and apathy, which is exactly what the older generation wants. In the May 1968 Paris protests, a popular poster was distributed by the students famously stating, “Sois jeune et tais-toi”(be young and be quiet), mocking the intentions of the older generation for the youth.

Unfortunately, what the French students were mocking is exactly what is taking place amongst the youth in Lebanon today. A majority of the youth is largely unconcerned and apathetic. This unfortunately leaves all the power in the hands of the older generation, which has obvious negative consequences.

Yet, even more dangerous, many young people decide to get involved politically, but this involves nothing more than adopting their family’s beliefs. This leaves us with young people, who look young, act young, but think old. They sit, listen to their elders, and take notes, and then proceed to head to university the next day, notebook in hand, listing all the points for their party, and all the points against the other party, word for word. They do not realize that not only are they being fickle, but the elders, to further their agendas and prevent real change, are also manipulating them.

Lebanese youth are not incapable. We have seen what they can achieve. We have seen them show up in record numbers to rallies for their designated political parties. Our youth possess the energy and spirit required. What they do not possess is a desire to break from traditions. The youth must realize that Lebanon needs responsible leadership to tackle the issues it is facing. Obviously new politicians are required, but these new politicians will never gain support from old people with old ideas and old grievances.

It is up to the youth then, to demand responsible governance, for they have a remarkable gift, and that gift is ignorance. The youth do not remember the civil war. The youth do not know of old rivalries unless they are dictated to them. Thus the youth have a clean slate, and they can use this combined with their common sense to demand what is really needed for Lebanon and the Lebanese.

What is not needed is accusations and useless talk. What is needed is action, and a great start would be figuring out how to deal with climate change and the global economic crisis, because in the end, it is issues like this that are real political issues. The young people of Lebanon must rally behind anyone who promises to address the issues at hand, and when the youth do this, a successful and new centrist bloc will emerge. They might not take power, but they will be present, and the presence of such a bloc is a very good start.

Published in the newspaper distributed with Al-Akhbar and An-Nahar on Thursday June 4th, 2009

Rate: