77117 HRC inside.ps, page 1-56 @ Normalize - Human Rights ...

Youth Perceptions of Cultural Diversity and Human Rights IssuesLack of communication with theyouth sectorTo make better and more informeddecisions about people, family,community, study, work, recreationand life in general, youth had to beaware of their viable options. Thereneeded to be better mechanismsto impart, receive and reflect oninformation and knowledge. At someeducational institutions there wasgood communication, despite thehigh pressures, however the focuscould be narrow and more variedcommunication styles should beincluded.Relationships with authorityRelationships across the generationaldivide have often led to clashing withfigures of authority at home, in thecommunity and with institutions. Partof this is related to how youth wereassumed to conduct themselves. It wasalso felt that some groups were heardover others.Young people’s relationships withthe police were raised as an area ofconcern. The youth felt that the policepicked on and stereotyped them. Therewas little understanding and empathy.In potential conflict situations, likeparties, the youth felt that the policepre-judged them and acted in anaggressive manner. However it wasalso felt that youth’s own behaviourdid not inspire confidence and trust.Pressure on YouthThe accountability of good citizenshipweighed heavily on the youth. Whatis happening in the world todayhad repercussions on their schoolcommunities. Addressing some of thepast generation’s experiences — suchas global warming, pollution, war,nuclear waste and superannuation— was important to improve the worldand make it a better place to live.Some youth felt that youth magazineshad an enduring influence on theirself-image and lives. They felt that theywere under pressure to conform tomedia-generated hype about youth.This was contradicted by its urging ofyouth to find themselves and becomeindividuals.Planning for the future by determiningwhat one will do after school was anadditional pressure. However even ifone did make the correct decisions,there were barriers to realising one’sfull potential.There was little time for recreation andmeeting one’s responsibilities. Thesepressures could lead to using drugsand alcohol, in some circumstancessuicide.Political CorrectnessIt is important for young people tospeak out around issues in theircommunity. Political correctness arosefrom the curtailment of the freedomof expression. A better understandingof this right was required, particularly33