Hi, I’m Cameron Kasky, and I’m 18 years old. After a tragic event at my school, my friends and I decided to change how people talk about school shootings. We felt it was our duty to protect our country, especially when our leaders weren’t doing enough. We started a movement that grew mainly through social media, using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with others and spread our message.
Initially, we didn’t plan for our movement to be centered around social media; it just happened naturally because that’s how we communicate. However, it wasn’t easy. Throughout the year, we faced a lot of online harassment and threats. We were treated like adults but not protected like kids. I’ve posted things online that I might regret later, and many of us learned important lessons about how we interact on social media.
There are many aspects of the Parkland movement that inspire me, though some I wish had been different. I’m proud that people remember Parkland not just as a place of tragedy, but as a community that stood up and said, “We won’t let this happen again.”
One important lesson I wish I’d learned sooner is that while the internet isn’t the same as real life, it’s becoming a big part of it. Social media should help us connect with people, not replace those connections. Behind every account on platforms like Twitter, unless it’s a bot, is a real person. It’s easy to forget that our words can affect others.
We are now part of a huge network of connections, and we must be responsible for our actions. I used to look down on others and put myself above them, especially those who disagreed with me. During a heated town hall debate at CNN, I confronted my senator, Marco Rubio, about his ties to the NRA. While I was passionate, I regret comparing him to the shooter from my school. I realized I was part of the problem by trying to make him look bad instead of encouraging constructive dialogue.
Despite the challenges, I’m thankful for the national conversations we’ve started. In the future, I’ll approach things differently. We met counterprotesters at our events who often shared negative comments online. When we broke down barriers and engaged with them as fellow humans, it changed everything.
I met a man in Texas who admitted to criticizing me on Twitter but said our interaction at a counterprotest taught him something valuable. He introduced me to his family, and they shared how our connection changed their perspective. This experience reinforced the importance of seeing those who disagree with you as fellow human beings.
In political discussions, treating others as enemies won’t lead to productive outcomes. Instead, we should engage with the mindset of wanting to learn. You can gain the most insight from those who hold opposing views. Assume that everyone you speak with has something to teach you.
The best thing we can do is uplift others rather than tear them down. It’s okay to critique my message without attacking my character. These topics are emotional because they affect us deeply, and many of us hold our beliefs due to our upbringing. It’s essential to be open to changing hearts and minds, including your own.
Reflect on your own use of social media. Write a journal entry about a time when you engaged in a meaningful conversation online. Consider what made it productive or unproductive. How did it affect your perspective on the topic discussed?
Participate in a role-playing debate where you take on the perspective of someone with an opposing view on a current issue. Focus on understanding their viewpoint and practice engaging in civil discourse. Reflect on what you learned from this experience.
Design a social media campaign that promotes constructive dialogue on a topic you are passionate about. Outline the key messages, platforms to be used, and strategies to engage positively with diverse audiences.
Create an empathy map for someone who holds a different opinion on a controversial issue. Identify their feelings, needs, and motivations. Discuss how understanding these aspects can lead to more productive conversations.
Engage in a workshop where you practice giving and receiving constructive feedback. Use scenarios related to online interactions and focus on how to critique ideas without attacking individuals. Reflect on how this skill can improve online discourse.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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My name is Cameron Kasky, and I am now 18 years old. After a tragic event at my school, my friends and I came together to try to change the narrative surrounding school shootings. Our responsibility is to protect our country, and if our elected officials aren’t doing it, we felt compelled to step up. We started a movement that was largely mobilized by social media. We used platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with others and share our message in an accessible way.
Initially, we didn’t plan for our movement to be social media-based; it just reflected how we interact with each other. However, it was challenging. Over the course of the year, we faced significant online harassment, including numerous threats. We were treated like adults but not defended like kids. I have shared things online that I might not be proud of in the future, and many of us learned valuable lessons about our interactions on social media.
There are many aspects of the Parkland movement that I find inspiring, as well as some I regret. One thing I take pride in is that people remember Parkland not as a city that was devastated, but as a city that stood up and said, “We will not allow this to happen again.”
One lesson I wish I had learned earlier is that while the internet may not represent real life, it is increasingly becoming a part of it. Social media should enhance personal connections, not replace them. Behind every account on platforms like Twitter, unless it’s a bot, is a real person. It’s easy to forget that our words can impact others.
We are now part of a vast network of connections, and it’s our responsibility to be accountable for our actions. I used to look down on others and put myself on a pedestal, treating those who disagreed with me as lesser individuals. During a town hall debate at CNN, emotions were high after losing people I cared about. I confronted my senator, Marco Rubio, about his ties to the NRA, and while I was passionate, I regret comparing him to the shooter from my school. I became part of the problem by trying to make him look bad instead of fostering constructive dialogue.
Despite the challenges, I am grateful for the conversations we’ve sparked on a national level. However, I will approach things differently in the future. We encountered counterprotesters at our events who often shared negative comments online. When we broke down barriers and engaged with them as fellow humans, it changed the dynamic.
I met a man in Texas who admitted to criticizing me on Twitter but expressed that our interaction at a counterprotest taught him something valuable. He introduced me to his family, and they reflected on how our connection altered their perspective. This experience reinforced the importance of viewing those who disagree with you as fellow human beings.
In political discussions, approaching others as adversaries won’t lead to productive outcomes. Instead, we should engage with the mindset of wanting to learn. You can gain the most insight from those who hold opposing views. Assume that everyone you speak with has something to teach you.
The best thing we can do as individuals is to uplift others rather than tear them down. It’s okay to critique my message without attacking my character. These topics are emotional because they affect us deeply, and many of us hold our beliefs due to our upbringing. It’s essential to be open to changing hearts and minds, including your own.
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This version maintains the core message while removing any inappropriate or sensitive content.
Social Media – Platforms and tools that enable individuals to create, share, and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. – Social media has become a powerful tool for political movements, allowing activists to spread their message and organize events quickly.
Accountability – The obligation of individuals or organizations to account for their activities, accept responsibility, and disclose results in a transparent manner. – In a democratic society, government officials must maintain accountability to the public to ensure trust and integrity in their actions.
Dialogue – A conversation or exchange of ideas between two or more parties aimed at reaching a mutual understanding or resolving a conflict. – Engaging in open dialogue about cultural differences can foster greater empathy and cooperation among diverse groups.
Perspectives – Different ways of viewing or understanding a particular issue, often influenced by personal experiences, culture, or background. – Considering multiple perspectives is crucial in critical thinking, as it allows for a more comprehensive analysis of complex social issues.
Community – A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common, often working together towards shared goals. – The local community organized a town hall meeting to discuss the impact of the new policy on neighborhood development.
Connections – Relationships or links between people, groups, or concepts that facilitate interaction and understanding. – Building strong connections with others can enhance collaboration and innovation in addressing social challenges.
Engagement – The act of being involved or participating in activities, often with a focus on meaningful interaction and contribution. – Student engagement in civic activities is essential for fostering a sense of responsibility and active citizenship.
Criticism – The analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a particular idea, policy, or work, often aimed at improvement. – Constructive criticism of government policies can lead to more effective solutions and better governance.
Learning – The process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching, often leading to personal or intellectual development. – Continuous learning about historical events helps students understand the present and shape the future.
Growth – The process of developing or maturing physically, mentally, or socially, often resulting in increased capability or understanding. – Personal growth is often achieved through overcoming challenges and reflecting on one’s experiences.
