OPINION: “Bernchella” should inspire younger generations

Photo via Emma McIntyre

Ava Jelepis, a Freshman studying Journalism, argues that Bernie Sanders’ appearance at Coachella should inspire the younger generations of voters.

Every year, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival attracts tens of thousands of people, including many celebrities. Coachella is famous for its fashion, celebrity sightings and, of course, its large display of different musical artists. This year, some artists Coachella welcomed to the stage included Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, Post Malone, Green Day and Clairo. However, a stage presence featured this year that you might not have expected to see at Coachella was Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. 

Sanders made a surprise appearance at Coachella on April 12, opening for singer-songwriter Clairo in front of a crowd of thousands. During his time on stage, he urged the audience not to turn away from what is happening in America, but rather to “fight for justice.” Sanders was also joined on stage by Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of the United States Congress.

“This country faces some very difficult challenges, and the future of what happens to America is dependent upon your generation,” Sanders said. 

In his speech, Sanders mentioned economic justice, racial justice, climate change, social justice, women’s rights, the healthcare system and the war in Gaza. Though the crowd cheered loudly for Sanders throughout most of the speech, there was an eruption of boos during the mention of President Donald Trump and his beliefs.

While Sanders is on stage, you can hear crowd members shout out “Fight the Oligarchy!” This is in reference to the “Fighting Oligarchy” tour led by Sanders, along with New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The tour has been attracting huge crowds, with its purpose being “to have real discussions across America on how we move forward to take on the Oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country,” according to Sanders' website. 

Sanders commended Clairo at the end of his speech for using her platform to help fight for what she believes in. “I’m here because Clairo has used her prominence to fight for women’s rights, to try to end the terrible, brutal war in Gaza, where thousands of women and children are being killed. So I want to thank Clairo not only for being in a great band, but for the great work she’s doing.” Other artists should follow in Clairo’s footsteps if they also want to help fight against what is happening in this country and use their platforms for the greater good.

Coachella is a powerful place for Sanders, one of the oldest members of Congress, to give his speech because it attracts large crowds of younger people. One of the main points Sanders was trying to get across was how important younger people are when it comes to fighting for change in America. By opening for 26-year-old Clairo, as well as being on stage with the 28-year-old Frost, the youngest member of the United States Congress, it is clear he is trying to inspire others from younger generations to follow in their footsteps and to fight for justice. 

During the speech, Sanders frequently used the word “you.” To me, by “you” he means the younger generation. Though Sanders has done great work to fight against the current administration and to fight for this country, the fate of America truly lies in the hands of the younger generation. As Sanders said, “Now you can turn away and you can ignore what goes on, but if you do that, you do it at your own peril.” 

Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.