First Year Hon. Mention: Young People as Social Actors in Conflict Zones

CCY 1999, Introduction to Children, Childhood & Youth Studies. CD: Alison Halsall.

Abstract

In this first-rate argumentative essay, the author presents the persuasive thesis that children and youth are not passive victims in time social and political conflict, but active participants who make their own choices within the bounds of the agency afforded to them. Using Deborah Ellis’ Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak (2004) and Marjane Satrapi’s The Complete Persepolis (2000) as source texts, the writer careful traces through this insights gleaned from listening to children’s voices, and the cautions to bear in mind as well. The paper features excellent attention to (and explanation of) evidence from both sources and is a particularly quick and interesting read due to its conscious paragraphing and readable prose. With such a compelling argument so smoothly presented, this paper is well-deserving of recognition in this Faculty-level competition.