Student Activism - Essay Example

Student activism is observed as the crucial force for social change especially in times of political turmoil (“Student Activism,” 2002). The history is replete with many examples such as China’s May Fourth Movement which happened in 1919 and the Youth Pledge in Indonesia which occurred in 1928. These events have shown the immense sympathy of the youth population toward their respective country. The May Fourth Movement in China had gathered more or less three thousand Chinese students in Tiana square to protest against its government’s weak response to imperialism and feudalism (Tse-tung, as cited in “Selected Works,” 2004). On the other hand, the Youth Pledge in Indonesia had helped the Indonesian youths to voice out their concerns about colonialism. The pledge provided that the youths of Indonesia will “build a new and independent nation which was later on achieved in 1945” (McTique, 2009). In other cases, student demonstrations “have toppled powerful dictatorship, military juntas” and even ended wars (“Student Activism,” 2002). Truly, student movements can effect political change by gathering support from the rest of the community. Itserves as the conscience of nations (“Student Activism,” 2002). Moreover, it reminds the people “of the founding ideals of their countries” and the aim for dignity, justice, and equality in times of political turmoil (“Student Activism,” 2002).                                                                     Nonetheless, despite the aforementioned historical accounts on the significance of student activists in society, some vehemently oppose it. One of which is the government. It is a contention that governments are generally against any activist movements especially those from the youth sector. This is plausible since a government must always protect and defend its honor before its constituents. It looks forward to preventing any form of aggression from the people. This is because a government is made by the people who correspondingly have the ultimate power to destroy it. Thus, to preserve its existence, a government must serve the interest of its citizens and prevent any individual or entity to destroy the trust and confidence reposed to it. As a fact, some “repressive governments jail and murder student activists, close down college campuses during times of crisis and enforce strict guidelines about what can and cannot be taught in school systems” (“Student Activism,” 2002).

Conclusion

            Political change can be so risky in some instances. The young population as the major force behind most of the movements for this transformation even experience oppression from the government itself. However, due to their vigorous character and great sympathy for their nation, these youths are of homes often to fight for the fundamental principles of society. It is always their aim to enlighten other people about the pros and cons of being a passive part of a political system. Consequently, these students would not be able to organize movements to effect political change if they are stopped from being educated. In either case, education is vital to effect change in one’s community.