OPINION| Age? Fine... You can whine

UnorthoROX Viewpoint

Age? Fine… You can whine

Turbulent skies have been an inevitable occurrence for the last couple of months in the political stratosphere of the Philippines. With only just a few weeks remaining until the National Elections, the rate of voter engagement regardless of age, sex, and religion has bolstered relatively over the weeks in every possible avenue. Leading this eventful and revolutionary scene in the Philippine elections are the educated youth, who have been the most vocal and active demographic compared to others. A truly lovely sight for J. Rizal, but not for everyone, apparently.

The political involvement of the youth has been continuously on the rise since the 2020 lockdown. The access to articles from verified sources and in-depth research of the current issues have transformed the young into politically aware citizens. Usually embarking on transforming the digital spaces of social media into a column of fact-based opinions, the youth also gravitate toward challenging disinformation head-on.

As of February 2022, 56% of the 65.7 million registered local voters fall under the youth bracket. This data provided by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was further realized when the youth treaded the rallies and protests with their progressive principles as soon as restrictions on public gatherings were eased by the government.

Such activities have received positive, enlightened responses complementing how wholesome it is for them to be taking a step in the country's political discourse. However, quite a few displeased individuals seemed to look at this initiative as an ill-conceived comedic matter, claiming that politics is not a conversation the youth should dwell upon because they are still young.

A Case of Superiority Complex?

No one will argue otherwise how much this society, the elderly, at large, tries to silence the politically active youth who seek concrete reform. The youth being labeled with numerous insults and receiving massive backlash for speaking up for the betterment of the country is not fair, especially when the 1987 Constitution itself supports such involvement.

Article II, Section 13 of the 1987 Constitution states that "The State recognizes the vital role of youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs."

In today's modern systems and upbringing, one might wonder why a responsible act from a patriotic group of budding individuals would receive such ridicule from people of the older generation. A case of superiority complex, perhaps? Definitely.

“Anong alam mo? Bata ka pa.”

Shutting down a non-traditional statement by bringing up age gaps is the most traditional way of undermining a youth's progressive nature. More often than not, elders use phrases along these lines to reiterate that someone's opinions are not valid for them because apparently, they are older, therefore, wiser.

This thinking might be true in some cases but definitely not in the political context, especially when one's opinion is backed by collated shreds of evidence rooted in the country's history itself.

“Hindi ka pa buhay nung panahon na ‘yan.”

Some people do not think as much as they talk. In recent months, words such as this have been spoken at an indescribable rate as if articles fact-checked by verified sources do not exist.

"Hindi ka pa buhay nung panahon na 'yan." is an old person's blatant attempt to make someone feel uncomfortable for being aware of political affairs without realizing that them, having been able to live through that specific period and failing to see the severity of the situation is far worse.

Refusing to see the truth for what it truly is, harms us and our future just as much as not refusing to accept the lies they claim to be facts. Being blinded by one's prejudice is the reason why the progress this country desperately needs never comes.

Roots Embedded in the Past

Youth engagement in politics is not a rare phenomenon in the Philippines. Tracing back the pearl's long history of colonial oppression and political repression, the youth have always been at the front line of the Philippines' nation rebuilding and fight for democracy--- from rising against foreign oppressors to ousting a thieving murderer and a power-greedy dictator.

The youth of today's age can do the same; they have ideas, and they can make them work if the right people listen. For years, they have been trying to prove their relevance, only to be shut off merely because of the number of years they have breathed air. It is not fair that it continues to happen when there are numerous proofs that the proactive youth can be so much better than traditional conformists, especially if given the right platform. Just take that one young mayor in the capital as an example.

"The Youth is the Hope of our Nation."

Indeed, the youth is the hope of our nation. Therefore, it is important that their voices are heard. No one knows better what the future society needs than the people who would be living in it. As the bearers of the next generation, they are entitled to have their opinions heard, considered, and valued, especially because all decisions set for approval in the next couple of years would create significant repercussions in their future.

In the heart of civic commitment and political involvement, age should never become a tool for shrugging fresh viewpoints down the curb. For the youth to succeed in their future endeavors, the older generation should stop their incessant trivialization of the youth's abilities and start harmoniously working with them. After all, you cannot just expect someone to take over a job and show efficiency when you have never provided them with proper orientation and basic training around the workplace.