As young folk, didn't some of us feel like rebels without a cause?
I am 70. In my era, some of us chose to follow Greenpeace. Others chose anti Vietnam war. Still others embraced the feminist ideology and some the allure of socialism and communism. For myself, I never really embraced a cause. I was too busy enjoying life. But I was always a bit of a black sheep.
Terribly stubborn. Opinionated and very determined in my views on what was black or white or right from wrong. Poor Redhead still tries to rein me in but alas, she hasn't been successful thus far. At 93, you would think she would give up trying, but she tells me " I am still your mother. "
Bugger. She is right of course but in all fairness, I do attribute good parenting to the fact that she now has three geriatric offspring who tend to be a pain in her arse because we won't do as we are told. Let me explain.
In later life, I have become even more stubborn, opinionated and regrettably determined. I blame Redhead. And Dad.
They raised me and my brothers too well.
In fact, as a post-war baby, I enjoyed a very pleasant life. My parents were happily married. My Mum was a housewife who ran a tight ship and provided us with a warm and loving hearth and home. My Dad gave my mother the ability to provide the money to feed us and she in turn spun straw into gold. In short, my father's pay packet ensured that my mother could use those dollars ( or pounds as they were in those days ) into strands of magnificent homely security and comfort.
In the year that I was born, 1955, Rebel Without a Cause was released.
The post-war era was marked by big population growth, the rise of consumerism, and a growing middle class. Yet amid the apparent prosperity, there was also a deepening sense of disconnection, particularly among young people.
Many young people were suffering from the loss of a father figure in their lives. The war had taken a terrible toll on the world and fathers were either absent or physically and or mentally scarred.
The war had stripped this vital role model and left them feeling a bit at sea as the saying goes. I was fortunate: my father came through relatively unscathed.
At its core, Rebel Without a Cause is less about actual rebellion and more about the search for identity.
The “cause” Jim and his peers were without was a greater purpose in life.
They weren’t rebelling for the sake of an ideological movement but rather to carve out their sense of self in a world that had offered them little guidance.
There was scene in the film - the iconic "chickie run" scene, where Jim races against another teenager toward a cliff, symbolising the dangers and recklessness of youth. Do we not see this today with TikTok challenges? But this was tame, wasn't it?
To me, Rebel Without a Cause can be read as a commentary on the importance of young people finding a meaningful purpose. Lack of purpose is central to young people’s inner conflicts - they are searching for something to believe in.
Fast-forward to today, and we see this played out again. Enter Charlie Kirk. Just as Jim and his friends were searching for identity, Charlie had become a figurehead for a new generation of young Americans seeking belonging and purpose. He showed them that having a cause - principled, clear, and motivating - can channel youthful energy toward something constructive.
Charlie Kirk's efforts to provide young people with a sense of purpose and identity are reminiscent of the struggles depicted in Rebel Without a Cause. In the film, James Dean's character, Jim Stark, embodies the confusion and search for meaning that many adolescents experience. Similarly, Kirk aimed to offer a guiding framework for youth, particularly through his organisation, Turning Point USA, which he co-founded in 2012. Kirk's influence was especially notable during the 2024 election, helping Trump narrow the youth vote gap and inspiring rising conservative figures like Karoline Leavitt and Senator JD Vance.
Kirk's approach combined elements of traditional values with a modern, media-savvy outreach, engaging young people through social media, podcasts, and campus events. His integration of faith, family, and patriotism resonated with many seeking clarity and direction in a rapidly changing world. This blend of personal conviction and public engagement positioned him as a contemporary figure who, in some ways, mirrored the role of a mentor or guide for today's youth.
In the wake of Kirk's tragic assassination in September 2025, his legacy has sparked discussions about the need for meaningful causes that can provide direction and purpose to young people. Just as Jim Stark's character sought belonging and identity in a post-war society, today's youth face their own challenges in finding purpose. Kirk's efforts to channel youthful energy into constructive causes highlight the ongoing need for mentors and movements that can offer guidance and a sense of mission.
While the circumstances differ, the underlying theme remains: the search for identity and purpose is a timeless aspect of growing up, and the presence of guiding figures.... whether through film or real-life activism...can play a crucial role in helping young individuals navigate their paths.
Contrast this with other manipulative campaigns, where fear is used as a guiding force. The climate change crusades, the social media-driven lockdowns, the ideologically zealous movements - all these can give kids a “cause” but it’s rooted in anxiety, anger, or shame rather than pride, hope, or love.
A 2023 study from the Manhattan Institute found that 60% of teachers reported incorporating social justice themes into curricula, sometimes framing history or society as inherently oppressive. This can destabilise kids by encouraging them to see themselves as victims or oppressors rather than individuals with agency, clashing with the pride and unity you advocate.
The solution is simple: give them a cause worth fighting for. Let it inspire, unify, and uplift rather than frighten, divide, or shame. Patriotism, pride in self-worth, love of family and country - these are causes that last.
It’s time our young generation stops clinging to false idols of fear and starts embracing the enduring truths that built our nations. Old-fashioned? Maybe. Politically incorrect? Perhaps. But it’s better than a world full of lost rebels searching for meaning in all the wrong places.
Shaydee
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