Perspective

The Really Big Tent

   A phenomenon I've always found fascinating regarding ASFAR is the incredible diversity of political and philosophical backgrounds it attracts. People from all political stripes, from liberal to conservative, from socialist to libertarian, join ASFAR for the common purpose of eliminating age-based laws they deem wrong. A question worth probing is: what is the reason behind this?

   I would say it is because of ASFAR's straightforward position and singular focus. Unlike other civil liberties groups, which tackle a variety of issues in different areas, ASFAR focuses on the one area of eliminating age restrictions. Organizations which have a singular focus tend to draw from a broader spectrum of viewpoints than those organizations that cover more areas, because those with a singular focus have much less of a chance of alienating potential members with viewpoints in different areas.

   Another essential part of ASFAR's broad appeal is its lack of statements on economic issues. This, truly, is what I find to be the key to maintaining ASFAR's appeal across the spectrum. People may agree with you about the immorality of age restrictions, but start harping on what the proper economic system should be, and you've just probably alienated half your audience, at least. This doesn't mean that people check their economic principles at the door when they join ASFAR. Quite the contrary. I myself have some very strong principles on the matter (incidentally, I support true laissez-faire capitalism, for those who care to know) but I recognize that ASFAR is not the place to attempt to advance them. There's a million and one other organizations I can join which are sympathetic to my viewpoint, but just as I wouldn't want a one-issue organization dedicated to, say, lowering taxes to suddenly adopt a youth rights position and thus undermine its support base and hurt its chances of lowering taxes, I would not want ASFAR to adopt a broad economic agenda which leans in *any* direction. It would hurt us tactically, and also be contrary to the spirit of the organization as one that welcomes all people who seek to advance the rights of young people by abolishing age restrictions.

   Finally, and not least importantly, is the chord ASFAR strikes with many people. Perhaps they see age-based restrictions as an abomination and monumental example of hypocrisy in a nation that professes that professes that its people are equal under the law. Perhaps they were advanced "for their age", and have experienced first-hand the injustice of judging people based on the particular series of numbers on their birth certificate. Whatever the particular reason, ASFAR *HITS HOME* for many people, as can be seen by the occasionally fiery and passioned debate that takes place on the ASFAR list. Many people, not knowing where else to voice their discontent, and tired of being belittled and ridiculed for what they believe, express their frustration and exhaustion with the current state of youth rights on the discussion list. While we certainly welcome people sharing their stories, there are a variety of other ways through which people can channel their discontent.

Fuel for the Fight

   Often times, it seems that people let themselves get beaten down by the consensus as opposed to standing up for what they believe. When people say things like "You'll never be taken seriously!", You're fighting the wrong fight!", and "Nobody will listen to you!", too often, it seems, the reaction on the part of the principled person is "Maybe they're right?". What one needs to do though, instead of giving up in despair and giving in to the enemy, is to take that criticism and consider it a challenge. Learn to *feed* off it. When people say things in the vein of the negative comments I mentioned above, one must not give in to doubt. One must take that criticism and think "Oh yeah? I'll show them!". One must take the negativity of other people and turn it into something positive. Often, iron-clad principles and deeply held-convictions can seem like a heavy burden to carry considering all the criticism they provoke and the trouble they can cause. But one must realize that the feeling of being burdened is a self-imposed one. One can take the criticisms and turn them into a fuel which will power the engine of your conscious mind and carry you with incredible strength through the difficult battles that lie ahead.