Introduction
Principally, the youths make up approximately a quarter of the world’s population. However, even with this staggering number most adolescents in many countries are usually discriminated upon in regards to job opportunities; hence, significantly making up one of the largest disenfranchised community. For instance, most youths in South Africa, especially the blacks find it hard to secure jobs. In essence, this has been a pain resulting in most of them feeling deprived of their rights as native citizens and the most energetic in that country. On a similar note, many youths in South Africa, who believe that it is enough, and thus, time to fight for their rights have taken to the streets and held demonstrations as a start to their journey to equality in terms of opportunities.
In essence, the youths make up 52% of the South African population. However, it is the terrifying portion of this number that puzzles many, and this is because 68% of these youths make up the unemployed section of the society. Therefore, one would argue that their staggering number acts as an asset to them since they make up the portion of those without power. Principally, Saul Alinsky argues that power is not necessarily what one has, but what the enemy believes one has and with their number the South African youths have to drive fear and have those who oppress them high on their heels (Alinsky, 1971).
In principle, with that staggering number, the youths in South Africa have the ability to influence the political structure of the country. Moreover, with a universal suffrage law passed, they have an upper hand if they opt to utilize this advantage. Furthermore, with 42% of South African youths being well educated to college level, they also have an advantage in terms of qualifications. Therefore, their pool of college graduates acts as a resource they can use to base their struggle for equality. Moreover, with such a large number of educated individuals they can argue that it is not just a cry of fame, but a factual inequality to the group of people viewed as the backbone of any economy.
Significantly, South African youths have been known to react in a violent manner. Moreover, the government has been used to hearing their grievances after they attack foreigners who go to work in South Africa and also looting shops and other businesses. Therefore, Alinsky suggests that they shift their tactics from the fundamental known to what is unexpected, for example, legal battles (Alinsky, 1971). Furthermore, the revolution is not based on violence, war, or hate, but it is the spreading of a philosophy through any forum one’s resources allows him/her to utilize to gunner support. In essence, by following Alinsky’s second rule, it is wise for the youths to try and educate themselves on the need for peaceful demonstrations so that the norm can be avoided.
Principally, the South African government is used in negotiations, which it uses to stall and never deliver on the grievances aired by the youths. Therefore, it is strategic to have more than one tactic and trick in the bag when dealing with such individuals. In essence, the youths can opt to have a three step plan in motion that features countering the government stalling scheme with either legal way, or demonstration of the unemployed, then the small employed portion can join in. Moreover, with the other working part being their parents and brothers, the youth can organize a mass strike where all workers fight for the right of their fellow countrymen. On a similar note, they can opt to push a referendum to have laws put in place that protects them from such discrimination such as the percentile rule where a given percentage of all contracts by the government given to the youth groups and organizations.
In essence, it is usually hard to control a large group of people. Significantly, people who feel oppressed and ignored tend to have a high affinity to violent reactions (Alinsky, 1971). Therefore, it would be difficult for the rising leaders amongst South African youths to be able to keep the group in a peaceful code. Moreover, this means that the tactical advantage of surprising the government may be lost since they may resume to their known character of anarchy. Principally, ideologies are the core drivers of any revolution. However, in today’s society, people may believe in the philosophy that the movement subscribes to but lack focus on the future benefits the struggle will achieve thus, sell out to the highest bidder. Concurrently, doing so blows unity out and a group divided can make nothing even against a weak adversary. On a similar note, acknowledging that those who sell the group out are usually the same individuals (leaders) expected to protect the group.
In principle, any revolution is a game of chess, and how well one plans and manages his/her moves decide the winner. Therefore, against the government the youths are at a disadvantage since it encompasses everyone. In essence, this means that the youths will be unable to know who is with them or against them. Concurrently, this tactic of being covered in sheep's clothing and infiltrating the ranks is something the youths ought to be careful with for their greatest enemies are those within their ranks.
Life is a journey of winnings and losses. However, some fights are worth dying for as quoted, and achieving to implement such would result in a significant change in the known social structures of the South African society in general. For instance, by using the large number in election time to vote for a real leader who will hear the grievances of the youths will facilitate change being instigated from within government. Moreover, by organizing a mass national strike would project the image of unity among citizen, forcing the government to act quickly. Furthermore, through educating the youths, it will be easy to fight a legal battle and have the decency not to riot in the streets and dilute the strength of the case.
In essence, every strategic plan has its limitations. Significantly, the youths’ tactic of a mass strike can see more people losing jobs; thus, adding salt to the wound. Moreover, by holding demonstration with large crowds, control is something one can only dream. Therefore, this can and will result in looting and violent encounters with the police.
Conclusion
Principally, it is wise to weigh one’s enemy in comparison to the individual’s ability to handle the elements of the battle. Significantly, revolution is not a war or a result of hate, but a forum to reject oppressing ideologies and unproductive beliefs that only bring doom to mankind. Therefore, it is wise to embrace a revolution that pursues mankind's betterment while at the same time knowing what not to do even when the win does not come one side.
References
Alinsky, S. D. (1971). Rules for radicals: A practical primer for realistic radicals. New York:
Random House.
