Volume VIII, Number I

So much of one’s experiences are shaped by invisible forces. Can peers shape our values? Is corruption inevitable? What makes a good leader? Join KidSpirit writers and artists as they look into the ways in which power and perception, resilience and relationship are intertwined, then continue the discussion off the page to grapple with a crucial topic for our time.

1. Editor Jaden Flach offers a fresh perspective on an age-old question in this issue’s Big Questions article, “How Do We Know What Influence Is Good For Us?” She recognizes that, while people have almost always been influenced by schooling or parents, her generation faces unique pressures thanks to social media. Fortunately, she has compassionate friends who influence her in stronger, more positive ways. Like Jaden, has an image you’ve seen online ever gotten stuck in your head as a “perfect” ideal? Do you find it easy or difficult to control how those kinds of images affect your thinking? Share advice you would give to a friend being negatively influenced by something they saw online.

2. In the Media department, Nanyee Lin writes a glowing review of Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaptation of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. The film about tumultuous sibling relationships inspired Nanyee to consider her own relationship with her sister in “Little Women Speak Big Words.” She coins the term “nonchalant love” to describe the way her family does not explicitly express love but shows care by performing acts of service for one another, and links this to her Asian heritage. How does your family express love to one another? Is your family’s love language influenced by your cultural heritage or faith?

3. In “Youth in Activism,” Mac Fabens investigates how digital social networks have yielded powerful global activist movements. However, he observes how potent online activism strategies, like hashtags and crowd-funding, can be co-opted and capitalized upon by shrewd content creators. Have you or a friend engaged in social activism online? How have you seen young people make a difference using online activism? Do you believe offline activism is more, equally, or less effective than online activism? When? Why?

4. This issue’s PerSpectives article, “A Journey of Strength and Healing,” comes from Leymah Gbowee, a Liberian peace activist and the 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate. She writes, “ . . . a big part of the work I do as a peace activist is to share [my] stories with the world, because I have seen the power of storytelling to both empower and inspire those who find themselves in a dark place.” Have you ever felt empowered or inspired after learning about someone’s life experiences? What about hearing that person’s story was so influential for you? Do you think part of your own life story could inspire or empower others?