College Protests and Youth Activism

College protests are driven by a deep sense of conviction among students who feel the need to take strong actions, like setting up encampments, to move the needle on important issues. However, progress is hindered by the lack of dialogue, inability to embrace differing perspectives, and the presence of hardened views on all sides. This phenomenon is particularly observed in elite institutions where privileged youth seek fulfillment and a sense of attachment by engaging in protests. The behavior of youth activists can be likened to the Occupy Wall Street movement, where young people found community and intimacy around shared grievances. The drive for strong convictions and attachment stems from a lack of prior experiences in feeling strongly about anything, leading to negative actions filling the void. The key to progress lies in fostering dialogue, embracing differing perspectives, and seeking meaningful attachments to issues that truly resonate with individuals.