Whoopi Goldberg says, ‘We have not taught young people to stand for stuff,’ . Whoopi Goldberg’s comments on “The View” have sparked a firestorm of controversy, with many accusing her of being out of touch with the younger generation. Despite recent protests and activism on college campuses and beyond, Goldberg claimed that young people are not being taught how to stand up for their beliefs.
Goldberg’s co-hosts, Joy Behar and Sunny Hostin, pushed back on her statement, with Hostin noting that young people are indeed standing up for their beliefs, but may be doing so in different ways than previous generations. “We need less influencers and more leaders,” Hostin said. “We need fresh blood.”
Goldberg’s comments have sparked a wider conversation about the role of activism and protest in society, and how younger generations are engaging with these issues. Many have taken to social media to share their own stories of activism and protest, using the hashtag #WeAreTheOnes.
“I’ve been protesting since I was 15,” wrote one user. “I’ve been arrested, pepper-sprayed, and harassed by police. But I won’t stop fighting for what I believe in.”
Others shared stories of organizing rallies, writing letters to their representatives, and engaging in grassroots activism.
Goldberg’s comments have also sparked a debate about the role of older generations in supporting and amplifying the activism of younger people. Some have accused Goldberg and her generation of not doing enough to support and uplift the work of younger activists.
“It’s not about teaching us how to protest,” wrote one user. “It’s about listening to us, amplifying our voices, and supporting our work.”
Goldberg’s comments have also been criticized for perpetuating a harmful narrative that young people are apathetic and disengaged. This narrative has been debunked by numerous studies and reports, which have shown that young people are more engaged and active than ever before.
In fact, a recent report by the Pew Research Center found that 70% of Americans aged 18-29 believe that activism and protest are effective ways to bring about change.
Despite the backlash, Goldberg has stood by her comments, insisting that she was simply trying to encourage young people to get more involved in activism and protest.
However, her comments have had a lasting impact, sparking a wider conversation about the role of activism and protest in society, and the ways in which different generations can work together to bring about change.
As one user wrote, “We don’t need to be taught how to protest. We need to be listened to, amplified, and supported. Let’s work together to create a better future for all.”
