In the campaign for the hearts and minds of the UK's youth, the Stop the War Coalition is claiming victory (1). Activism is sweeping through schools, colleges and universities, and the young are voicing their opposition to the current war against Iraq.
|
But there is an ongoing question about how real and lasting this wave of anti war sentiment and apparent politicisation really is.
|
As the current anti-war protests have gathered new middle-class participants, newcomers to political protests, they have also amassed support from children and students who have never previously been politically aware. Schools and university campuses are now the scenes of walkouts, sit-ins and vocal demonstrations (2). There seems to be a strong element of young people in education who do not support the actions of President Bush and Prime Minister Blair.
|
The media has turned its attention to this phenomenon, so rare in what is seen as an uninterested, unconnected and apathetic generation. Could this be a return to the political activism of the 1960s, 70s and 80s; has Britain's youth has rediscovered its radical element? But many of these apparent changes seem to be surface impressions.
|
Talking to students at the University of Westminster in London, most were against the war and were not afraid to say so. At one walkout organised to protest against the outbreak of the hostilities, many of the absences appeared to be with the connivance of lecturers. Laura Evans and Christos Giovanopoulos, both Contemporary Media Practice students, said that their teacher had told them to leave their lecture. Both had been on previous marches and planned to go on future ones. Laura said: 'They're making a mockery of the UN. It is all about oil and I'm worried about possible retaliation.'
|
Others seemed less passionate. Kevin Howick, another Media student said: I'm worried about friends in the Army, but I can't be bothered with protesting. What difference is one person going to make?' According to Tom Clifton, a Media and Radio undergraduate, it was already too late to do anything. 'War will go on anyway,' he said. Other students asked were also against the war, but were missing lectures to enjoy the beautiful weather rather than to make a political protest.
|
The level of activism in schools has also been praised by the Stop the War Coalition. School children have been joining and organising marches, town centres have been disrupted, canteens occupied and suspensions handed down by teachers for truancy. But much of this has been overstated (3).
|
Fiona Howard, a year nine pupil at Harrow High School, said: 'There were a few posters and things but most people can't be bothered with the war and have been going to lessons as usual.' Another pupil, Eve Addison added: ' I know a few people who have been on marches with their parents but there hasn't been anything at school.'
|
Protests against the war seems to be coming mainly from sixth formers, younger pupils only joining in when the ball was already rolling. Perminder Raymond commented: 'At my school it has been mainly sixth formers. The younger pupils don't care about the war. They only join in when they think it's a bit of fun and to wind teachers up.' Not the overwhelming impression of vigorous activism that some reports would lead you to believe.
|
So is this new youth activism real or is it all about missing double physics, financial practices lectures and working on a suntan? The number of young people voicing their opposition to the Iraqi conflict has been astounding in a time when youth politics was seen to be dead. But if you have to ask whether an anti-war movement is really a movement, then it is hardly a strong, coherent political force.
|
It seems the whole issue of a youth anti-war movement is unclear, and that in a time of cynicism for and a certainty of disaffection in young people in Britain, one has to question the apparent heartfelt conviction and sudden protests in schools, universities and town centres.
|
Most of the young people asked did not have opinions on other political issues and were not interested in anything beyond the current conflict. It appeared to be a transitory and localised politicisation of youth. If this is so then it cannot be called a new politicisation, but rather a manifestation of some general frustration and discontent.
|
Going on protests and expressing discontent could be the new craze, rather than a sign of political awareness. The issue of Iraq might have been pounced upon because there is nothing else that young people feel even remotely connected to in political terms. The idea of going on protests is appealing because there are no radical ideas around for anybody to get excited about.
|
Perhaps that is too cynical a view on the situation. Maybe this newfound awareness will transfer itself to other political issues. But that's a big maybe.
|
Read on:
Hiding behind the children, by Jennie Bristow
spiked-issue: War on Iraq
(1) See the Stop the War coalition website
(2) School Children March Against War, BBC News, 20 March 2003
(3) Apathy amid Iraq Protests, BBC News, 20 March 2003
|
