Jen Gerson: The right to disengage from the Omnicause

The purpose of an education can't be to churn out an army of well-intentioned activists, throwing their bodies and minds at every passing injustice.

You know what also helps build community/ Join a sports team!

By: Jen Gerson

It seems to be the season for panel discussions and conferences, and so I will begin this column with another anecdote from a speakers' dais. This particular meeting involved a collection of teachers, brought together in mutual concern for the state of anxious young people in a dying world. During the event, one member of the audience solicited advice from the assembled experts about what they could do to help their students navigate a world increasingly beset by social, political, and financial instability — to say nothing of the threat of climate change among others. 

One of my fellow panelists offered a very practical bit of advice, and one that I suspect would be well received in most circles. 

Activism! Get those kids and teens involved with making a difference in the world! 

While I understand the benevolent intentions behind this counsel, something about it didn't sit quite right with me. It was the sort of advice that should be correct. It feels correct to tell young people to empower themselves by raising awareness and going to protests and even raising money for charity.

And, yet, I have a terrible suspicion that this advice is not only wrong, it is in fact, very badly wrong.