Front and center of the climate change debate stands a talented, Swedish sixteen-year old that coincidentally has the coolest name in activism: Greta Thunberg. Her speeches have made waves within the mainstream media and also within the international affairs community. This is quite a feat for someone Greta’s age. I just wish I was shown the same enthusiasm when I fought the good fight ten years ago – when I was also sixteen. Greta’s and my platforms are literally identical. I also have beautiful blonde hair and blue eyes. You can understand how perplexed I am today whenever I see any Greta content. Let’s get one thing clear: I am not bitter. It is a dream to finally get these ideas popularized and see young people mobilize. I just can’t help but think – did I not reach her level of popularity because of my name? It’s a nice name, a family one at that. I typically dismiss these thoughts because of how much I admire my own name. Maybe the public wasn’t ready for my progressive ideals at that time – indifferent reception is often the death of thought-provoking activism. Maybe Greta just has an invisible x-factor, which is totally fine! Keep spreading the message!
By Ima Perv III
Staff writer