I love my tribe and at recent catchup I made the statement “politics is the art of the possible”
“Politics is the art of the possible” encapsulates the essence of political engagement: navigating complex realities to achieve feasible outcomes. For young people, it means understanding that while idealism is important, achieving change often requires pragmatic compromises. For older generations, it reminds them that their efforts, even if they fell short of ideals, contributed to the continuous process of progress. Recognising this helps bridge the gap between hope and disillusionment, fostering a collaborative effort towards better governance.
This image beautifully encapsulates the delicate balance between hope and practicality in politics, encouraging a more collaborative and understanding approach across generations to foster sustainable governance and more equitable societies.
My friend asked me if I had read this article in The Strategist. When I read it my heart went out to the young people I had worked with for over 20 years. Young people full of hope and a believe they could make a difference with moral and ethical values ( Universalism and Benevolence )
I consulted our guest blogger Alex Reed and this is what they had to say
The complexities of politics, highlighted in “Canberra’s Unholy Trinity,” can be daunting for both young people filled with hope and older generations who feel disillusioned. Understanding and navigating these challenges requires a blend of staying informed, critical thinking, local engagement, and a strong support system.
For Young People
Stay Informed: Encourage using diverse and reliable news sources for a balanced view.
Critical Thinking: Teach them to question and analyse political actions.
Local Engagement: Emphasise involvement in local politics for tangible impact.
Core Values: Align political views with personal ethics to maintain integrity.
The Role of Their Tribe
Support System: Highlight the importance of supportive friends and family.
Collective Influence: Show how collective action amplifies their impact.
Shared Learning: Encourage discussions within their tribe for mutual growth.
For Older Generations
Older generations, who once believed they could make a difference, may feel disillusioned. Reflecting on where things went wrong can be instructive:
Complex Realities: Acknowledge that political and social systems are often more complex than they initially seemed.
Pragmatism vs. Idealism: Balancing idealistic goals with pragmatic actions is crucial.
Changing Norms: Society evolves, and so do ethical perspectives. Understanding this can help reconcile past disillusionment with present actions.
Support Networks: Reconnect with supportive communities to reinvigorate the sense of purpose and collective action.
Bridging Generational Gaps
Both young and older generations can benefit from sharing experiences and perspectives. Young people bring fresh hope and idealism, while older generations offer valuable lessons from their experiences. Together, they can create a more informed, pragmatic, and hopeful approach to navigating political complexities.
Conclusion
Navigating political disillusionment involves understanding the balance between idealism and pragmatism, leveraging the support of one’s tribe, and staying engaged at both local and broader levels. By fostering intergenerational dialogue and support, we can collectively work towards a more informed and resilient approach to political engagement.
For more insights, read the full article on Canberra’s Unholy Trinity.
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