With attack after attack, many are left bewildered by the fact that gun control is still considered a controversial topic in the United States. Having done little in terms of legislation and seeing no results in taking this approach, people have been waiting expectantly for a change in course. That waiting then ended in the aftermath of the February 14, 2018 mass shooting which occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL where in the days following the event, survivors decided to say #EnoughIsEnough.
After losing 17 classmates in the shooting, junior Cameron Kasky founded the Never Again MSD committee for political action on gun control. Led entirely by students, this organization has roped in major support from benefactors such as George and Amal Clooney as well as the Obamas. The group is responsible for starting the #NeverAgain and #EnoughIsEnough social media campaigns to increase awareness and action on gun control. It was also the engine behind organizing the March For Our Lives national walk out and march on Washington, D.C.
As important as these issues are, what has been of most intrigue to many is the power these young students have created for themselves. What they have been able to accomplish through their resistance and protests is more than a singular viral event or a long term trend on Twitter.
What they have created is a movement completely propelled by the fire and grit of young, eager Americans. And yet, unlike the recklessness or panic of previous social and political revolutions, they have mobilized thousands of people in a tactful and controlled way. Having come together as group, these individuals have begun to finally bridge the gap between politicians and people to create a government for the people by the people.
As aforementioned, the group has Cameron Kasky, a now rising senior, to thank for laying the foundation for the collective. It was for The New Yorker that Kasky explained “doing nothing will lead to nothing.” A self described “theater kid” Kasky has a flare for the dramatics but believes it is imperative that people understand the situation which unfolded at his high school needs no embellishment nor script to be considered horror.
His eloquent but unscripted dialogue on the topic of gun control contains a maturity and passion that make his efforts effective. Joining Cameron Kasky in the effort to enact change are a number of students all determined to see a difference from their work. Alex Wind, David Hogg, Emma Gonzalez and Jaclyn Corin have proven to be just as influential to the team, having joined alongside Kasky to create this task force.
Emma Gonzalez
Jaclyn Corin
Alex Wind
David Hogg
What is truly remarkable is their efficiency in mobilizing not just themselves, but an entire generation of people who as a majority don’t even have the right to a vote yet. The breadth of their campaign delivers their message into the morning news of parents and voters across the country. Having sat for countless interviews, given speeches, marched alongside their peers and written pieces for major publications, these teens are only just getting started and have no intention of fading out of the spotlight as soon as the next big headline strikes.
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