Jonathan Larson vs the American Politician

KATHRYN CHAVEZ: "What does it take to wake up a generation?" 

Seriously. How do we as Generation Z wake up Democratic members of Congress who would rather play government than make positive change within government? The release and my discovery of Tick Tick... Boom! resonated with me. A story about a man who feels that he is running out of time to accomplish something of importance, writing musical theatre productions that engage new audiences. The film shares his experience in attempting to get his production, Supurbia, produced after having spent eight years working on it. 

The telling of this journey is powerful because Jonathan Larson is passionate about his profession. He was passionate about what was truly his calling. He sees the task at hand, creating meaningful art, and wants to accomplish it as soon as it can be done. Looking at the makeup of Congress and the lack of legislation passed, I fear many Democrats do not have the same sentiment.

In America, whether it be the filibuster, or health care, or providing quality education regardless of zip code, we have been fighting the same battles for generations. My home state of Texas is gerrymandered to a point it looks like someone took the state, crumpled it in their hands, and then drew lines in the creases. Problems that have answers sit on the sidelines because there is a lack of urgency within the Democratic Party.

Urgency is a feeling I always have with me. The never-ending pile of assignments, overly committing myself, and a million ideas I have for my future have me always running against the clock. But then I look at the people who have legislative power in the United States, and it seems they are just watching the minute hand spin.

"Cages or wings. Which do you prefer? Ask the birds." 

When we do not have the power to vote, when our states are gerrymandered, we become caged in an agenda that a small group of people choose. I am itching for a day when voting is not something we have to fight for so the people can elect those who best represent them.

“You Stop Being A Writer Who Waits Tables, And You Become A Waiter With A Hobby."

It is not easy to run for office, however, and sometimes the people who would be fantastic in elected positions do not have the resources or encouragement to run. I fear that in Congress, some have allowed time and other political polarization to turn them from progressive legislative champions into Representatives and Senators who have a government day job.

The movie’s final number, “Louder Than Words,” is full of questions that Larson has jotted down throughout his life, questions that I often ask myself daily. Why do we follow leaders that never lead? Why do we bother blazing new trails when a convenient one already exists? Why does it take a catastrophe to start a revolution? But the most important one is a deceptively simple one: fear or love? 

It is easy to live our lives in fear –– fear of the unknown, fear that our past will haunt us, and fear that we are not good enough. Fear can stop us dead in our tracks. Meanwhile, living our lives in a spirit of love is work; to find the good in a world of bad, and to trust others and oneself. A life where the future is unknown, using your past as fuel to get through and ideas about the future to navigate with a smile on your face. Government should be about making Americans' lives better and creating a safer, healthier, more enjoyable country to live in. Serving as an elected official is a form of public service, and should be filled with love for the country.

While I am still seven years away from thirty, I know that life moves quickly, and we are never guaranteed tomorrow. Tick Tick…Boom! is a reminder that having a dream, having ambition is something to hold onto and run with. Politics and government do not have to be places where dreams go to die, where motivation gets handed drunk goggles and has to stumble to get anywhere. 

I know that one day the calls of Capitol Hill will be filled with more Jonathan Larsons than Joe Manchins. As Generation Z is reaching the age of eligibility, and our ability to harness the momentum of social media we may be able to turn the tide of how people get elected. As a generation, we also have nothing to lose –– our planet is dying, and with that fire in our belly, who knows what we may accomplish. 

Kathryn Chavez is a First Year Master of Public Policy student at the McCourt School. Originally from outside Dallas, Texas, she graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2021 with degrees in Business Management, Advertising and Fashion Media with a minor in Journalism.