Young people did not abandon politics. The dictatorship and the opposition forced them to fear it
A couple of weeks ago, my "breaker tripped," as we say in good Nicaraguan, and I started looking for material on philosophy. I ordered "Sophie's World" from Amazon, which I promise to finish reading because at university I barely got through a couple of chapters for Professor Margarita's class. I've also watched some videos and podcasts, but nothing too pretentious. Rather, this search stems from a quite human need to understand what's happening to us, what big, essential questions are for, even those that seem to lead nowhere.
TL;DR
- Young Nicaraguans' phrase "not everything is politics" reflects a fear of political engagement, not apathy.
- The dictatorship has politicized and 'contaminated' all aspects of life, making political participation dangerous.
- Many young people have become politicized quickly but have paid a high price, leading to caution.
- The opposition in exile often communicates in a language disconnected from the daily lives of young people within the country.
- Young people reject politics when it seems like a fight between disconnected leaders and recycled slogans, especially when associated with trauma.
- Traditional politics often fails to truly listen to or represent young people, merely adding a 'young face' without changing the discourse.
- The fear of politics is not a rejection of the country but a deep-seated need to protect one's life from a political system that doesn't care for it.