Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
I was recently reading an article about how children and youngsters from the Gulf and Arab region are less likely to speak out when they have been abused by a relative.
Sadly, I would have to agree with the statement the article made.
It is sad that many children are brought up these days taught to keep their opinions and their voices to themselves because it is considered 'impolite' and that it isn't any stranger's business to interfere.
Not only have I noticed a trend of silence within the youth in terms of abuse and harassment, but also when it comes to other things such as crime and injustice, especially when it happens at school. When I think about this issue, I can not help but think of my favourite quote by Edmund Burke that goes, 'All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing'.
Many do not realise the importance of speaking out and making one's own voice heard. I have participated in Model United Nations speech competitions and such like and always hear the same old clichŽs over and over again; I have not yet seen the youth of Bahrain speak out from their hearts and tell the truth about situations which are happening and affecting youth both here and around the world.
Many readers might think that this week's message is a mere over exaggeration, yet to those who doubt I ask you this: how many young writers do you see blogging and writing and speaking out?
Many will say that Bahrain has 'youth societies' which volunteer their time and effort and really make a difference. But what difference does it make that these societies give out certificates to mark young people's accomplishments only to find that the youth have turned away to pursue other things during their leisure.
Let us not disappoint ourselves and our country, fellow youngsters.
Whether opening up a YouTube channel and ranting about the issues that really bother you or starting your own blog where you can vent your emotions; they all help in some way shape of form. So I would urge young people to find a voice and be heard.
I hope that this may not come out as discouragement but rather as words of hope and encouragement that we, the youth, can make real change and improvements in the way we speak out and part take in society's matters.
