The Allure of Illusion: Why Kenyan Youth Prefer Fantasy to Reality

Illusions are all around us. From the media we consume to the dreams we hold for the future, they offer a tempting escape from the mundanity of everyday life. But why do so many Kenyan youth prefer illusions to reality? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why.

A Sense of Control

Life in Kenya can be tough, especially for young people. Unemployment rates are high, and opportunities can be scarce. In such a challenging environment, illusions can offer a sense of control. By imagining themselves as successful, popular, or wealthy, Kenyan youth can feel like they have some agency over their lives, even if their current circumstances don’t reflect that.

Peer Pressure

In many cases, illusions are socially constructed. For example, if a group of friends all believe that being wealthy and successful is the ultimate goal in life, it can create a sense of peer pressure to conform to that illusion. Kenyan youth may feel like they need to project an image of success and happiness, even if it doesn’t reflect their true feelings or experiences.

Escapism

Illusions can offer a temporary escape from reality. If life is difficult or stressful, it can be comforting to imagine a different world where things are easier and more enjoyable. This is especially true for Kenyan youth, who may face a range of challenges including poverty, violence, and discrimination. In such circumstances, illusions can provide a much-needed respite from the harsh realities of daily life.

Lack of Role Models

Many Kenyan youth grow up without positive role models to look up to. In a society where corruption and inequality are rife, it can be hard to find people who embody the values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance. Without these role models, young people may turn to illusions as a way of defining success and happiness for themselves.

Fear of Failure

Finally, illusions can be appealing because they eliminate the risk of failure. If a Kenyan youth never tries to achieve their dreams, they can avoid the pain and disappointment of not succeeding. This fear of failure can be particularly acute in a society that values success and achievement above all else.

In conclusion, illusions can be a powerful force in the lives of Kenyan youth. They offer a sense of control, peer pressure to conform, escapism from reality, and a way of defining success in the absence of positive role models. By understanding these motivations, we can start to address the root causes of why illusions are so appealing, and help young people to build a more positive and realistic view of the world.

Written by

Basilio Karani Miringu