How do you see the future when faced with terrorism and corruption? (AJ)
An adult and a youth give their views on this question.
From an adult: Going over the newspapers, the reader can be left short of breath by the amount of negative news: scandals, terrorist attacks, and violence. And yet this is not the complete picture of reality. The normality of life, good news, the generosity of individuals and groups, the social integration of different cultures – all this exists, but they do not make the headlines. How do I see the future, even thinking about my grandnephews?
Stubbornly, I continue to view it with hope and positivity. Corruption has always been there, but most countries have the tools to fight this scourge. With the generational change, slowly old centers of power are being dismantled and a certain desire for transparency seems to be emerging.
Justice is the antidote to corruption, aided by the values of transparency and ethical behaviour, which prevent us from taking short cuts to the detriment of others.
From a youth: Terrorism seems to me to be a matter of justice. Sometimes rich nations behave as if they are the owners of developing countries, who can just attack a nation with their missiles.
The theme of terrorism may seem to be distinct from that of corruption, but after I started browsing the web, I realized that they have a close relationship. Terrorist groups, such as ISIS, use corruption to weaken the defenses of the poorest states and buy the weapons they need.
Another example is the purchase of oil or the trafficking of human beings. But the blame should not be placed only on those who are corrupt, but also on those who are corrupted and do not react.
Corruption and terrorism frighten young people, and the problems that afflict the world, such as climate change and unemployment, make us fear for our future.
However, we must desire change. Sometimes, when I hear brutal news, as a young person, I have to say: “almost, as a grown up, I will become a politician, so maybe I’ll be able to improve our country a little and help solve its problems.”
However, what comes to mind is the fear of seeing corruption creep into my private way of life. I imagine that many do have this fear. Yet, thanks to the experience of the people who said no to corruption, I can go ahead along my path, whatever it may be, in politics or as a teacher.
Somehow, sooner or later, I must also be able to make things better: I do not know if I’ll be able to, but I should not give up. I believe this and I’m happy, because the future is in our hands. And as Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
