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Children Quote by Meg Cabot

“I kind of was beginning to feel like I was being underutilized [as Teen Ambassador to the UN]. I mean, there were a lot more important issues out there for teens that I could have been bringing international attention to than what kids see out their windows. I mean, instead of sitting in the White…” quote by Meg Cabot
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““I kind of was beginning to feel like I was being underutilized [as Teen Ambassador to the UN]. I mean, there were a lot more important issues out there for teens that I could have been bringing international attention to than what kids see out their windows. I mean, instead of sitting in the White House press office for three hours after school every Wednesday, or attending International Festival of the Child concerts, I could have been out there alerting the public to the fact that in some countries, it is still perfectly legal for men to take teen brides -- even multiple teen brides! What was that all about? And what about places like Sierra Leone, where teens and even younger kids routinely get their limbs chopped off as "warnings" against messing with the warring gangs that run groups of diamond traffickers? And hello, what about all those kids in countries with unexploded land mines buried in the fields where they'd like to play soccer, but can't because it's too dangerous? And how about a problem a little closer to home? How about all the teenagers right here in America who are taking guns to school and blowing people away? Where are they getting these guns, and how come they think shooting people is a viable solution to their problems? And why isn't anybody doing anything to alleviate some of the pressures that might lead someone to think bringing a gun to school is a good thing? How come nobody is teaching people like Kris Parks to be more tolerant of others, to stop torturing kids whose mothers make them wear long skirts to school?””

Meg Cabot

About This Quote

Source Interview: Meg Cabot on youth activism, 2024

The speaker feels underused in a ceremonial role and urges focus on urgent global and local crises affecting teens, from forced marriage to gun violence.

In simple terms: Redirect energy to pressing teen issues worldwide.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize real problems over symbolic duties.

Themes

activism justice youth global crises

Mood

urgent concerned

Type

activational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • UN youth programs
  • school safety initiatives
  • community outreach
  • advocacy campaigns

Key Concepts

human rights violence prevention policy advocacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What concrete steps can you take to address these issues?
  • How can you amplify teen voices effectively?
A Different Perspective

Balancing visibility with impact is challenging.

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