Listening to the Young

Doug Wright tells us why politicians should listen to young people.

''Politicians need to listen to young people as they have many attributes that can be utilised. They are energetic and hardworking, so they can go faster and longer when set a challenge no-one else wants. Because they are young they have something to prove resulting in passionate fighting for causes close to their heart.'' ''Organisations would also benefit if they listened to younger people. Many charities employ many young members of staff and, as a result, are successful, passionate and energetic in what they set out to do.''

“Young people are the future.” I hear this phrase thrown around a lot by old men in grey suits who think clubbing is what Fred Flintstone does when there’s no food on the table. Politicians need to listen to young people as they have many attributes that can be utilised. They are energetic and hardworking, so they can go faster and longer when set a challenge no-one else wants. Because they are young they have something to prove resulting in passionate fighting for causes close to their heart. They can predict trends in tastes and preferences and by keeping a pulse on everything allows them to be creative as they want nothing more than to be unique.

Older politicians could benefit from young people’s opinions because younger people can think outside the box. Due to lack of experience and knowledge they have fresh perspectives on new policies and existing solutions, creating better, more efficient governmental policies. They can connect with other young people allowing them to know what they think and want, giving older politician’s the advantage of an inside perspective. Knowing what young people need now and in the future can help the government implement policies that actually benefit them and help achieve success. The more successful young people are, the stronger the economy and the country will become.

Organisations would also benefit if they listened to younger people. Many charities employ many young members of staff and, as a result, are successful, passionate and energetic in what they set out to do. Sometimes, in struggling new organisations such as small charities or businesses, it is this young energy and passion to drive for success that keeps them afloat during the early years and bad times. This also shows in many established entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Alan Sugar, and Donald Trump who all had a vision when young to be successful. Despite failures, they learnt from their mistakes and continued until they got what they wanted to achieve.

I think that if young people want to be listened to then they can’t let their passion destroy their vision. When this happens young people come across as rude, angry, arrogant, threatening and immature, and are therefore not taken seriously. If their vision can outlast then I think it can contribute to a country that is a more vibrant and better place to live in.