Speech: Paving The Future by the power of our voices

The art of communication is one that first formed from the necessity that evolved into a catalyst to maintain or raise the efficacy of progress. Given the crazy past year the world has faced, we face a serious dilemma; where do we even begin to voice our concern when there is a laundry list of topics that need to be addressed? The youth have oftentimes been underestimated, pushed aside, or skimmed over like an old newspaper. This trend, however, cannot remain the status quo as youth are the future, and the notion that we can disregard fellow people is far too normalized. So, how do we, the youth demographic of the world, ensure we can lay a foundation that can sustain a whole planet? We must unapologetically master the art of communication.

The Ethical Obligation to Speak up

We have seen many waves of abuse across the world this past year. Social issues being the most prevalent. From race to public health, we have seen protests for Black lives matter starting in America and spreading to the world, and the coronavirus pandemic that changed everyone's lives in almost every way imaginable. We should propose an alternate reality to see the world if people did not raise their voices. No masks worn, no protests for civil and equal rights, and most importantly, no unity. Given the predictable magnitude of this universe, we see, on the ethical principle of consequentialism, that we have an ethical obligation to speak up.

Many other conclusions have been drawn that fall in affirmation of this notion. According to Kevin Daum, “The greater good should be the priority” and that we should do our best to achieve the best. On the grounds of both utilitarianism and consequentialism, we can see that we do have an ethical obligation to speak up. Extending this to the real world, when we see injustice such as those the BLM movement is against, we can see from ethics author Emmanuel Tchividjian, “We ought not to remain silent when facing injustice and abuse” and we should instead speak out against it.

Source: Harvard Business Review

Facing the Challenges Posed by Obligation

These challenges or obligations can seem scary, especially with the pressure that they can apply to someone's day. The fear of opposition might take over someone's mind, and keep them silent. However, the reality of this specific obligation makes the reality of speaking out less daunting. Once again turning to Kevin Daum, writer for Inc., we can see that others may also form the same conclusion, and “Your insightful observations and conclusions may have surfaced in the minds of others”.

The true fear in speaking up is that you’ll be the sole whistleblower. This, however, is not true. While whistleblowers do exist and are incredibly important, it is highly unlikely that someone will become one. Even if you are the sole whistleblower, you can talk to friends or community members that you are close with to get more people on your side so that the pressure won’t be as strenuous. You can also voice concerns anonymously. Calling the police to make reports, writing letters, and so much more can be done without putting your name on paper under it.

In most situations, however, voicing concerns is done in groups of people. Posting messages on social media to raise awareness, mass letter-sending to corrupt organizations harming people both directly and/or indirectly. These efforts have worked across the world too. Going back to previous examples; pushes for vaccine production, CDC regulation enforcement, civil rights in America, and so many more movements. All of these efforts were driven by people who saw problems and raised awareness of it. It wasn’t just one person, but a group of people driven to execute real-world change. Better yet, this was done by adults, elders, and even young adults and teenagers like us.

How Can You Get Involved? How Do We Ensure The Youth can Spark Change in the Real World?

As a youth, we are daunted with the challenge of carrying the world that will be given to us in conditions that are not ideal. We have to ensure that we can maintain and fix the grievances dealt with us. We can do this by developing consciousness and growing our voices. The first step for fellow youth can be taken without realizing it. By simply reading this article, you are developing a consciousness and growing an activist nature. Both of these can help to ensure our world has the best shot at sustainability possible.

When developing consciousness, it is important to research before choosing a side or stance. Because our world is constantly changing and each country has a diverse political system in place, people can oftentimes be swept into a haze of choosing a side because the other side is “evil”. This is the curse that older generations have been passing onto us. This is why it's so important to develop consciousness and educate ourselves because without doing our unbiased research and discoveries, no substantial change is made. The main takeaway or advice to further develop a consciousness is to realize that we are inexperienced and to find unbiased sources to find causes worth fighting for.

As for how to develop a voice, there are so many ways to get starter experience. As early as middle and high school in America, you can join debate and forensics/interscholastic speaking classes or clubs. In both activities, students/participants can learn how to properly research and weigh opposing viewpoints, as well as gain public speaking skills and experience. While anxiety poses a battle, persevering through it is how to ensure we, the future inhabitants of our world, can win the war.

Source: Intentional Family Life

Sources:

Daum, Kevin. “5 Reasons You Should Speak Up (Even When You Think You Shouldn't).” Inc.com, Inc., 28 Feb. 2014, www.inc.com/kevin-daum/5-reasons-you-should-speak-up-even-when-you-think-you-shouldnt.html.

Tchividjian, Emmanuel, et al. “The Ethics of Silence and of Speaking Up.” PRsay, 1 Jan. 1967, prsay.prsa.org/2018/02/27/the-ethics-of-silence-and-of-speaking-up/#:~:text=We%20ought%20not%20remain%20silent,a%20duty%20to%20speak%20up.&text=%E2%80%9CEcclesiastes%20teaches%20that%20there%20is,and%20a%20time%20to%20speak.

National Speech & Debate Association, www.speechanddebate.org/.