In Wales, we should be grateful for this coverage, and the reminders it brings of the election of racist councillors in other parts of the UK and the strategies they use in their campaigns. Young people, many alienated from society, too often become easy prey to simple political rhetoric and pressure, which leads them to believe that their negative circumstances are the result of immigration.
Wales has yet to elect a politician who has overtly fought an election on the belief that all social and economic problems derive from immigration. One of the ways to make sure it does not do so in the future is by ensuring that young people are encouraged to become active democrats. Those of us who work with young people through organisations such as the youth service need to contribute to a process that ensures they are prepared to do so. This preparation is, from a youth service perspective, fundamentally about making sure young people are able to react to a wide range of political options based on a personal code of ethics and values that recognises it is possible to be different but equal.
This is neither an easy nor a speedily accomplished task. It cannot be effectively achieved as a result of tokenism, paternalism, or from a position of adult authority. It is a practice that needs a script and regular rehearsal.
It requires the development of a number of personal characteristics, including the ability to compromise and to face defeat. These take time to develop and we should be careful how quickly we bring young people into the political environment. Recent discussions on lowering the age of voting to 16 could bring with it even greater pressures from such organisations as the National Front and the British National Party, with their recruitment strategy aimed at politically vulnerable young people.
The exploitation of some young people in Wales by extreme organisations is real and must be guarded against at all costs. To do so, we must consider the challenge of enabling young people to gain a greater understanding of the wider democratic processes.
- Got something to say in Soapbox? steve.barrett@haynet.com or 020 8267 4707.
