Greta Thunberg: Just Because You Couldn’t Have Done It Doesn’t Mean She Can’t

"When you speak out on a controversial subject, you’re going to get attacked. Particularly when you’re calling for major systemic changes, those with a vested interest in the status quo will use whatever argument they can to discredit you. Whether those attacks are true or not is beside the point.

I understand that. That’s how the game is played. But there’s one particular series of attacks that have me so angry I’m sitting at the keyboard writing a stream of consciousness essay, which I almost never do.

That’s the idea that Greta isn’t for real. She’s a child who’s being supported by rich politicians. She’s being manipulated by her parents. No 16 year old could possibly make such clear, articulate arguments on her own. She’s a pawn… and therefore whatever she’s arguing for is invalid.

Bullshit.

Of course her parents are supporting her. They see their daughter is passionate about something – something important – and they’re supporting her quest. What would be wrong would be to send her off alone… or worse, to try to force her to conform and be a nice little girl like everyone else".