By Khaled Almaeena

I was sitting with a group of young people and the subject was the state of affairs in the region. For two hours there was impassioned conversation and it was exciting and energizing to see these young people talking openly and fluently discussing issues more skillfully than many twice their age would be able to do. It also revealed the level of estrangement between them.



The topics varied — from good governance and politics to the media. I was surprised by the power of debate and the no-nonsense attitude of these young people who were seemingly immune to many of society’s hardened attitudes.



They discussed accountability, the need for a freer society, acceptance of differing and opposing viewpoints and the importance of focusing on societal development and growth with the participation of all sections of society including women.



The young pointed out that their elders failed to tackle some of the genuine issues of society. The media was to blame, they added, since it lulled the general public by focusing on gigantic developments rather than on issues of interest to the common man.

The media was too concerned with “hailing and praising” and arguing over mundane matters.

The points raised demonstrated the great divide that exists between generations and the different sections of society.  It also proved that there has not been any move toward societal integration and, mind you, I do not mean regimentation.



The young believe it is a question of identity and accepting cultural values. As a media person I readily agree that over the years the media has not fared well. Forget the usual gripes about “government control,” “censorship” and other “restrictions”. We are to blame ourselves for not creating awareness of creeping social ills, environmental challenges and other impending problems that may arise in a fast changing and fiercely competitive world. The media is more keen to further agendas and its own commercial self interest and to curry favor with the powers that be than to focus on the genuine aspirations of society.

 

It is also a failure of the media not to focus on the young except in a patronizing manner and it is a failure in critical thinking to suppose that the majority of the young are too far away and their language of communication totally different from many of those who are the present leaders in the media industry.

 

The young want a voice and being ignored for years have now adopted the new media and are using technology to reach far more people than traditional forms of media can.

 

Social media has created new players who have a more profound impact and wider reach than many senior media people — many of whom scoff at those involved in the new media. It’s a matter of change or be swept away.



So accusing the youth of being “misguided” is absolute nonsense. It will not lead us anywhere.



It is important that the mantle of leadership in the media be gradually handed over to the young — who are intelligent, technically proficient, and have their hands on the pulse of society and are the caretakers of the region’s future.



In addition, these young men and women are strong, educated and not lacking in confidence. And this should not only apply to the media, but all facets of society.



A combination of age, wisdom, experience, enthusiasm, education, confidence and critical thinking will go a long way to accelerate the engine of growth in the region and bring it up to par with others in the world community.



We want to be a nation of producers rather than consumers.



 

The author can be reached at [email protected].