6 - Distrust, Fault Lines and Recreation

Summary

Many young men are frustrated because they feel they are not taken seriously. Many argue forcefully that they want the opportunity to express themselves and be valued as individuals, as well as being given the opportunity to contribute to national development. Indeed, what is the point of the government allocating such a large portion of the budget on education if the youthful population is not going to be heeded and encouraged? If this does not occur then the result will be a waste of the Kingdom’s considerable human capital. Furthermore, if decision-makers believe that young people are in no position to participate in the socio-political and economic processes, then young Saudis will feel that they are being neither listened to nor taken seriously. In contrast, and frustratingly, a young Saudi can get his message across to a global audience through the social media networks that are so widely used. In Saudi Arabia this sense of marginalization can have serious ramifications. Young men bored and frustrated can start getting into fights and driving recklessly or joyriding. This sense of marginalization and boredom is also a contributing factor in increased substance abuse and mental health issues.