The Evolution of an Activist: Part 2
AFTER THE 2016 ELECTION, SMEETA MAHANTI PHOTOGRAPHED OVER 300 KIDS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 10 AND 17 AND ASKED THEM TO WRITE A MESSAGE TO THE WORLD. SHE CAPTURED THEM AGAIN 4 YEARS LATER AS THEY PREPARE TO VOTE IN THEIR FIRST PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION—AND DISCOVERED THAT THEY HAVE A LOT MORE TO SAY.
Photography by Smeeta Mahanti. See the kids back in 2016 right here.
As part of REP CO’s mission to disseminate and elevate the stories of our subjects, we are proud to partner with MOTHER on the publication of this piece. You can find this story, as well as so many others over on their site!
In November of 2016, shortly after the election, Oakland-based photographer Smeeta Mahanti reached out to her community and invited kids between the ages of 10 to 17 to an open studio. “I asked them to come with a message about their concerns and hopes to share with the world. I wanted kids to understand the power of their voice and their vote. I also wanted to remind them that they don't need to wait until they are 18 to vote—they vote every single day with their choices and actions.”
“Regarding their messages, I made only one request: no hate. I asked them to create statements that were proactive, that kids all over the country could hear, without labeling themselves or others,” says Smeeta.
Was she surprised by any of the kids’ responses? “Their candidness and knowledge of what was happening in the world now. Their voice and passion to fight for social justice was deeply rooted. Kids are innovative thinkers, natural networkers and problem solvers. Both in 2016 and 2020, their voices were not bound by stale conventions. Their awareness and knowledge of how dangerous power can be...and how the fight for social justice begins with them.”
We asked Smeeta if she planned on tracking down these kids—now officially adults—in another four years, to see what they had to say. “I do...these kids are real. I am so curious to see what roles they will play as they begin their adult lives.”
This is Part Two in a two-part series. Check out Part One right here.
How do you think the Gen Z perspective differs from older generations?
“I think that Gen Z's perspective differs from older generations in that we are just generally more aware, honest and comfortable thinking and talking about global issues and taboos. I feel like there are very few cultural barriers for Gen Z (in a good way). I think that this stems, in part, from having access to the internet from a young age. However, I think that broad generalizations about age groups are rarely accurate.”
-DAVIS O’SHEA, Oakland, CA
Which issues are most important to you?
“Currently, the issues that matter most to me on a global scale are violence or oppression related to race, gender, etc., xenophobia, police brutality, the prison industrial complex, the wealth gap, rising nationalism, the climate crisis and the potential of a technological singularity. Oh, and COVID19. On a personal level, I am concerned with how these issues may impact my future as well those of friends and family. I think that these issues are some of the most important because, at least from my perspective, they have been steadily increasing over the past few years and seem to be approaching tipping points.”
What are some of the most significant political moments in the past four years and how did they drive you to create change?
“I think I've experienced a number of significant political moments over the past four years. While attending Berkeley High, I participated in a number of walkouts in response to the 2016 election and (witnessed) several racist messages which were found around the school. More recently, I have participated in a number of UC Santa Cruz strikes led by graduate students and campus workers. I also participated in the recent protests responding to the murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and more. All of these moments have helped me realize that oftentimes these issues isolate people (myself included) and even if these actions don't always lead to the ideal outcomes, they fortify the community.”
Who are the people who have inspired you most over the last 4 years?
“My immediate family has been my main inspiration these past four years. In terms of political issues, social media definitely keeps me informed, but I think that having real conversations with real people—such as family members—ultimately offers the most valuable and eye opening interactions. Likewise, I think that having these conversations, if they can be had productively, can guide all parties to unforeseen conclusions. On a more personal level, having conversations with my mom specifically has really inspired me these past few years. As I've gotten older I've realized that she is someone who has lived by forging her own fulfilling path rather than swerving for the obstacles in her way.”
How has social media impacted how you interact with politics?
“As I mentioned before, I think that social media has had a significant impact in terms of how movements are organized and how information is shared and articulated. However, I think that reading, listening and having person-to-person conversations have ultimately been the most productive for me in my political education.”
Why should we listen to young people?
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."
How do you think the Gen Z perspective differs from older generations?
“I think that Gen Z's perspective differs from older generations in that we are just generally more aware, honest and comfortable thinking and talking about global issues and taboos. I feel like there are very few cultural barriers for Gen Z (in a good way). I think that this stems, in part, from having access to the internet from a young age. However, I think that broad generalizations about age groups are rarely accurate.”
What are the biggest issues affecting your generation?
“I think the biggest issue facing this generation is dealing with the remnants of older generations.”
How much do you think about politics?
“I don't think about politics as often as I probably should. I get exposed to headlines every so often but I find that it can be really easy to spiral out.”
What political shifts have you seen over the last 4 years, both positive and negative?
“The most positive shift has been witnessing grassroots organizing, such as walkouts, protests, etc. The most negative has been witnessing the rise of nationalism around the world and the failure of leadership to acknowledge or address any legitimate concerns.”
Do you feel empowered?
“I feel empowered internally. Externally, I feel that the world is confused. I'm not really looking for validation.”
What most inspires you?
“My family, creating things, my cat, the natural world.”
What changes do you want to see?
“I just want an avenue for meaningful change that addresses violence or oppression related to race, gender, etc., xenophobia, police brutality, the prison industrial complex, the wealth gap, rising nationalism, the climate crisis and the potential of a technological singularity. I'm not sure what that looks like exactly.”
What gives you hope?
“Witnessing grassroots organizing, such as walkouts, protests, etc., has given me the most hope.
What is your greatest fear?
“Being too afraid to achieve my goals, losing touch with myself and the people around me, and heights.”
Why do you vote?
“I vote because I have a destination in mind, even if I don't necessarily agree with all of the ideologies or policies of my candidate of choice. Also, side note, there are a lot of people who should be able to vote but can't. I don't think voting is a privilege, it's a right.”
Any advice you would give to future voters?
“Don't always stay focused on national elections. Pay attention to what is happening in your state, county, city and community and make sure your voice is heard.”
Why should we listen to young people?
“Young people of every generation have always challenged their elders. That growth pattern has happened and always will happen, even if we still value tradition and our history. Our societies and communities are always changing, including leadership. Listening to young people means preparing for the next leaders and preparing for a different future, a better one.”
-SUHAYLA SCOTT, Oakland, CA
How has social media impacted how you interact with politics?
“Social media has proven to be a valuable resource in the fight for human rights and the pursuit of democracy and equality. Although it’s not fully accessible, billions of people utilize it by promoting what’s important to them and connecting with people, whether similar or different. Many of the recent developments in politics wouldn’t have been possible without social media. However, it can be overwhelming on a personal level. The constant flow of information can sometimes make me anxious even though I’m grateful for all the points of view it covers. I interact with politics in social media by intaking and analyzing information while also giving myself healthy space away from it.”
Why should we listen to young people?
“Young people of every generation have always challenged their elders. That growth pattern has happened and always will happen, even if we still value tradition and our history. Our societies and communities are always changing, including leadership. Listening to young people means preparing for the next leaders and preparing for a different future, a better one.”
Which issues are most important to you?
“Racial injustice, police brutality, and the stigma with mental health are important issues to me. Racial injustice and police brutality is important to me because I am a young Black man in America and have faced racial injustice and have to deal with the fears of police brutality as a young Black man. Mental health issues are important to me because I struggle with anxiety and for the longest felt embarrassed to talk about it because of the stigma of mental health.” -JUSTIN WALTON, Oakland, CA
Which issues are most important to you?
“Racial injustice, police brutality, and the stigma with mental health are important issues to me. Racial injustice and police brutality is important to me because I am a young Black man in America and have faced racial injustice and have to deal with the fears of police brutality as a young Black man. Mental health issues are important to me because I struggle with anxiety and for the longest felt embarrassed to talk about it because of the stigma of mental health.”
What are some of the most significant political moments in the past four years and how did they drive you to create change?
“Probably When Trump got elected. The next day me and my entire school marched to City Hall and protested together. We chanted, cried, and brought out other people in the city to join us. It was dope to see.”
Who are the people who have inspired you most over the last 4 years?
“Kendrick Lamar has always inspired me, my little brother, and the youth activists and artists in the Bay Area who are making change.”
How has social media impacted how you interact with politics?
“As an artist and an activist I have always used my platform on social media to express how I am feeling while also educating my peers/followers through my art, so I think it has been a positive. Social media has also been a place where a lot of youth and young adults get their news from, which can be a positive and a negative.”
Why should we listen to young people?
“People should listen to the youth because we are the FUTURE! We are the ones who are going to be running everything one day so I think it is important to voice our opinions on something that is going to affect us. The youth are also just very smart in general.”
How do you think the Gen Z perspective differs from older generations?
“We are living in an age where technology and social media plays a huge part of our world and life. So since we grew up in a time where technology was developing and slowly becoming mainstream we know how to use it “better” and know it’s “powers”.”
What are the biggest issues affecting your generation?
“Social media and the internet probably. It has been a positive thing for many but it has also been a negative thing for many. It has lead kids to depression, harm, and suicide, which is a huge problem.”
How much do you think about politics?
“I used to not think about politics at all, but since I am now 18 and about to vote, I have been following politics a lot more then before.”
What political shifts have you seen over the last 4 years, both positive and negative?
“The most positive shift in the last 4 years is that there have been more women coming into politics such as Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and more youth have been active in getting our voices heard, which has been great, but besides that I don’t think there really has been many positives.”
Do you feel empowered?
“Yes. Especially as an artist.”
What most inspires you?
“My community, Oakland, my family, music, nature, and the future.”
What changes do you want to see?
“The first change that I want to see is Trump getting out of the White House! I also would like to see changes in the police department in America and how they train cops.”
What gives you hope?
“The future gives me hope. My generation and the power of my generation gives me hope!”
What is your greatest fear?
“My greatest fear is probably not succeeding in life, not giving my all in whatever I do, or being brutalized or shot by a police officer.”
Why do you vote?
“I vote because there was a time when my people couldn’t vote. It is important to voice our thoughts and our opinions as Black folks in America. There are also still many people in this country who look like me who can’t vote so it think it is important to vote because of that. Also, since I am living in this country I would like to voice and give thought to who I would like to see run America, so that is why I vote.”
Any advice you would give to future voters?
“Research, research, research! Follow the news. Follow who the candidates are and look into what they believe in. Look at what they have done in the past and they’re goals to make this country better in the future.”
What are the biggest issues affecting your generation?
“The biggest issue that is affecting the whole world would be greed for status. I think that you can trace all of the most heinous things that happen in the world back to that greed. Whether it be climate change or prison labor, the hands behind that have an incentive to make the world a worse place.” -DESMOND O’SHEA, Berkeley, CA
Which issues are most important to you?
“Climate change. We’ll all be dead if we don't do something about it. The fight for racial equality—it affects me every day even in Berkeley.”
What are some of the most significant political moments in the past four years and how did they drive you to create change?
“Brett Kaughvenaugh getting appointed, multiple members of my school being outed for sexually assaulting people, being profiled.”
Who are the people who have inspired you most over the last 4 years?
“Isha Clarke, Natalie Wynn, my teacher Ms. Erby, Shayla Avery, AOC, Bernie (kinda sorta).”
How has social media impacted how you interact with politics?
“It just amplifies awareness on all the wrongs of this world.”
Why should we listen to young people?
“Well, if you don't then the world you leave them with will inevitably not be built for them.”
How do you think the Gen Z perspective differs from older generations?
“I think that Gen Z has had a crazy amount of access to information at a young age that other generations haven't had. The internet really exposes you to everything at once, and commodifies everything. It's just hundreds of thousands of peoples opinions floating through space, and Gen Z is the first generation to have to navigate that.”
What are the biggest issues affecting your generation?
“The biggest issue that is affecting the whole world would be greed for status. I think that you can trace all of the most heinous things that happen in the world back to that greed. Whether it be climate change or prison labor, the hands behind that have an incentive to make the world a worse place.”
How much do you think about politics?
“I think everything is political. But policy in and of itself, pretty rarely.”
What political shifts have you seen over the last 4 years, both positive and negative?
“It's hard to judge what has come before me because I'm still young, but I feel like we are really starting to see people tell their own stories and people like AOC fighting against issues she's personally faced. Just the fight against having a room of cis white men telling women what they can and can't do. The worst trend I would say is probably how fast people are jumping to conclusions without digging to find even better solutions. Another really bad trend is the removal racist symbols but not changing the systems in place.”
Do you feel empowered?
“As a person, yes! In politics, not really. I feel like the present system really tries to silence people.”
What most inspires you?
“The populous not tolerating major companies' shitty behavior. Protests. Racists getting socked in the face. My trans friends.”
What changes do you want to see?
“I want to see information be even more free, I want free healthcare, I want systemic change in policing.”
What gives you hope?
“Republicans being really old.”
What is your greatest fear?
“After destroying racist statues and replacing all white voice actors with POC, Republicans convince the public that BLM has ludicrous requests, and continue to act like we've stopped systemic racism.”
Why do you vote?
“To not die, and to not watch others die unjustly.”
Any advice you would give to future voters?
“When voting to change the world, try to imagine a world where you could be born as anybody; poor, rich, black, trans, latino, autistic, and see if what you're voting on will make the world more equitable for you. Also, try reading the exact words they use and take notes on policy. Look towards history to understand what you are voting on, and how it might intersect with the current systems in place.”