In a scene straight out of a blockbuster script, Mexico is experiencing protests against their government. The vibrant, tech-savvy generation has harnessed the power of social media to rally against what they see as a corrupt and insecure regime. Much like we’ve seen in other parts of the world, where disillusioned youth have mounted campaigns to shake the throne of power, Mexican youth are done playing nice with the outdated playbook of politics.
What sparked these protests? The rallying cry echoes from the murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, as citizens voice their anger over crime and impunity. Critics have pointed fingers at President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government, questioning their handling of the issue. With political figures being murdered, it’s understandable that tensions are high. Videos of protestors tearing down fences around the National Palace paint a picture of a nation in distress.
President Sheinbaum, of course, has questioned the motives behind these protests, suggesting they were organized by right-leaning political opponents and fueled through social media bots. Nonetheless, there’s an undeniable momentum behind this movement. When people’s lives are overshadowed by the specter of unchecked crime, citizens are more than ready to express their frustration.
Now, why should this matter to folks living north of the border in good ole’ USA? Simply put, what’s brewing in Mexico serves as a cautionary tale. If the younger generations feel left out in the cold by the older leaders or are handed a plateful of problems with no solutions, they’ll eventually raise their voices or their fists in protest. And while such scenes may look enthralling from afar, nobody really wants this kind of chaos coming home to roost.
As these protests rumble on, we here in America could take a moment to reflect on how we’re treating our own youth. Providing genuine opportunities for the younger generation should be a no-brainer to prevent them from seeking extreme measures. If history has taught us anything, it’s that young people lied to by systems meant to protect and uplift them will find a way to make their voices heard, just like in Mexico. Watching Mexico tonight is like catching a glimpse of a dystopian landscape come alive. An opportunity lies here to ponder and adjust, lest we find ourselves in a similar scenario of discontent.
