Manipulated Minds

"There are no victims in this classroom."
--Louanne Johnson (Dangerous Minds)

Because they have yet to fully develop reasoning processes, young people have little choice but to outsource thought to other, presumably 'thoughtful,' people for information. Young people rely on parents, other elders, and particularly teachers to help shape their minds.

Consequently, the young often become ideal resources for those with political interests. Fill children's minds with misinformation that the kids are told is true, and then trot them out as spokespeople for political change.

Kids are ideal political pawns.

Adults: You should be panicking about the climate

Children: We're panicking about the climate

Adults: Look how our children are panicking about the climate!

— neontaster (@neontaster) September 21, 2019

Last week's orchestration of young people speaking out against global warming demonstrates the scheme. Indoctrinated with a one-sided view of the situation, kids take the podium and speak passionately about saving the planet. Politically motivated adults subsequently chime in, arguing that we all need to fall in behind the passions of the young.

Few of these young people, of course, can articulate the other side of the argument much less defend their point of view against a reasoned opponent.

This is a failure-a crime, it could be argued--committed by those entrusted with helping the young develop their minds to the fullest.

It is sad to think about that future moment when many young people realize that they have been played.