By Elissa Strauss, Photo: Steve Pfost/ Newsday RM/Getty Images, CNN Health, April 22, 2022
It has become harder for children to experience childhood as a time of blissful ignorance about the state of our planet. Climate change, racism, discrimination, poverty and gun violence are affecting their daily lives, giving them plenty to be upset about it and often inspiring them to fight for change. Role models such as Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai prove that sometimes when kids take action, adults listen.
Aspiring Thunbergs and Yousafzais tend to be drawn to online activism and social media, the destination for many young people curious about causes and eager to express themselves. It can be a great way to spark interest, but it's not always the best way to effect real change. For that to happen, kids need to understand the power of quieter, slower and historically effective approaches to activism, says Gal Beckerman -- those that tend to take place off of social media.
In his new book, "The Quiet Before: On the Unexpected Origins of Radical Ideals," Beckerman examines social movements throughout history, chronicling how effective revolutions tend to start with intimate conversation and deliberation about issues, not shouting in the streets or, today's version, online. His lessons are relevant to young activists, including the many who are fired up by Earth Day to heal and protect our planet.
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