Teenage activist: Michael Williams

Teenagers are supposed to be consumed by apathy. But when the attack on Iraq opened last week, who were first on the streets to protest? School children. Michael Williams, 16, tells what got him motivated.

When I came back from the demonstration last week, I was really charged up and on a high. It was inspiring to be surrounded by people of my generation who are not prepared to compromise; not prepared to say 'oh, okay then, I'll support the war'.

The war is a big issue at school. There are anti- posters and leaflets around and people are talking about it, arguing, disagreeing. Certainly a lot of strong feeling.

The majority are against. Some people feel really strongly against and some are less worried. Actually, a few support it.

War can be quite exciting to someone my age, but I'm trying not to lose sight of the fact people are dying

Whatever side you're on, everyone agrees that America will win in Iraq. They'll win the war, but the big question is what will happen then. The effects of this war, not only in Iraq but what happened with the UN, are going to be felt for years to come.

Now you might be able to say that's all in the future, but it's people of my age who are going to have to deal with the fall-out. Over-population, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism - when these problems come home to roost we are going to be in the frontline. We'll be dealing with the consequences.

It's not accurate to say that teenagers are apathetic and only worried about trivial things. In terms of traditional politics, we may not be tied to one party, but I've seen people younger than me get fired up about this war - they're old enough to know what's right and wrong.

Message to No. 10

And it's patronising. At the demo last week, Tariq Ali told us: 'Don't let yourselves be patronised.'

Children were quick to speak up

The thing I got really angry about was that people said: 'oh they're just demonstrating to bunk off school; sloping off is their motivation' as if teenagers are always looking for the easy way out.

Well, if we're going to talk in stereotypes, then I could just as easily say 'they're just a bunch of clueless old fools'. But I'm not lowering my argument. Patronising us is just short-sighted.

Yeah, I did take time out of classes to go to the demo, but it wasn't to make a point against my teachers, it was about sending a message to the government. We're not going to school, we're going to have our say about this war.

Inspired to act

Lots of people from my school went down, and not just sixth-formers like me. A couple of pupils had even organised a trip. The staff weren't too happy about people dropping out of lessons, especially the younger ones.

But the fact is the war has enfranchised more people into the role of activist.

Iraq's problems will have to be dealt with by future generations

I'm not totally opposed to war. I can see a situation in which the military must be used as a last resort.

But this has to be through the UN. I think that's the heart of the issue. The UN being undermined is quite possibly a more important issue than the war in Iraq.

It has set a precedent and it could put back global co-operation. Does this mean that in the future the US can stray into very unreasonable conflicts?

I think about it, but the war doesn't seem very real to me. I don't know anyone who's gone out to fight. The concept of war can be quite exciting to a young man, someone my age, especially with all the news coverage.

But I'm trying not to lose sight of the bigger picture and the fact that people are dying in Iraq because of what our country is doing there.

I know our protests will not stop the war. But we're saying that we won't be walked over and ignored.

Some of your comments so far:

There is a reason why you have to be aged 18 and above in order to vote. School "children" lack the maturity, intelligence and experience to enable them to have a useful opinion. Their views should be heard, but only taken lightly. I'm sure many will look back on this in a few years time when they have matured and realise they spent too much time following the crowd.
Wayne, UK

Let's hope that these young enthusiastic voices are not dimmed by the hum drum of society once they reach working society.
Robyn, UK

The only good thing to come out of this war is the politicisation of British youth.
Kevin, UK

The last few weeks have been great, they have reminded me what youthful naivety looks like. When I was the same age it was animal rights and CND, I am now 35 and a little more realistic. All I would say is at that age it all looks very clear, black and white, right and wrong. As people grow older they change, their outlook on life changes too (everyone does). I think its probably a good balance having generations with different view points
Jez Daughtry, UK

Michael Williams does not offer an alternative to war. Oppressive regimes will not just go away.
Hazel , UK

Well this is a good thing as I'm also a teenager and here teenagers in Pakistan are very curious to go and take part in the war as we believe this is a war not on Iraq but on Islam.
Fawad Imam, Karachi, Pakistan

Well done Michael! And all the other young people who are not afraid to stand up and be counted, if I were a teacher I'd be marking your protest down as a citizenship field trip and you'd be getting an A*!
Marc Rothera, UK

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