Charlie Kirk and Billy Graham: How Gen Y and Z Nagas view Them

Charlie Kirk's existence and death was not free from debates, reactions and discussions, around the world. Nagaland was not an exception. In Nagaland, there were two groups, one that admired his speeches and might cherished his legacy. On the other hand, the other group, called out his views, which were often seen as homophobic, transphobic, sexist, regressive, racist, anti-DEI and the list runs wild. However, Charlie Kirk was seen as someone who loved Jesus and projected himself as a person whose foundation was built on Christian faith and values. 

Charlie Kirk might not be so popular among the older Naga generation, but Billy Graham was and still is across Naga generation. No doubt, they belong to two different eras, and Charlie is fit to be a grandson of Billy, age wise. Nonetheless, there are no two opposing views when it comes to Billy Graham, he was loved, liked and admired but same cannot be said about Charlie. When Billy Graham visited Kohima, Nagaland in  November 1972, he brought about inspiring spiritual awakening among Naga Christians. However, if Charlie Kirk was to ever make a campus tour in Nagaland, there could have been some backlash, at least on social media.  

The public perception of Billy Graham and Charlie Kirk differs greatly, and the reasons for this can be attributed to their distinct styles, messages, and historical contexts. Graham's message centered on personal salvation and a direct relationship with God. He appealed to a broad audience by avoiding overly complex theological or political debates. His simple, direct, and energetic preaching style was accessible to millions. Whereas,  Kirk's style is/was often described as aggressive and confrontational. He has been a central figure in the 'culture wars,' using his platform to promote a specific, and often inflammatory, brand of Christian nationalism and right-wing populism.

Billy Graham was known for his personal charisma and a reputation for genuineness and sincerity. He was often described as humble, kind, and without a hint of preening or self-importance. This made him a trusted and respected figure. Unlike Graham, Kirk's work is overtly political. He founded Turning Point USA to mobilize young conservatives and has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. His messaging often includes denouncing political opponents and promoting conspiracy theories.

Graham advised numerous U.S. presidents and engaged with the national discourse. While he had his own political beliefs, he often sought to be a spiritual leader for all, rather than a political partisan. He made efforts to integrate his crusades, a significant step at the time, and was often seen as a force for unity, even if some of his positions on civil rights were criticized by activists like Martin Luther King Jr. for being too moderate.  Kirk has made a number of highly controversial and widely criticized remarks about race, gender, and other social issues. For example, he has been known for promoting the *'Great Replacement Theory,' making disparaging comments about Black public figures, and advocating for specific, conservative social policies.

Lastly, Graham was an early adopter of new media, using radio and television to reach millions. However, he maintained a distance from the 'televangelist' label, particularly as other television preachers became entangled in scandals. His ministry, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, was known for its sophisticated organization and was widely seen as above the fray of financial or personal impropriety. Kirk's career has been built on social media and a style of 'debate' that critics describe as designed to humiliate and provoke, rather than to engage in good-faith discourse. This has led to a reputation for being a polarizing and confrontational figure, which is a stark contrast to the perceived humility of Billy Graham.

Thus, Billy Graham holds respect in the hearts of Naga Millennials and Gen Z, while options are divided when it comes to Charlie Kirk. 

*Great Replacement Theory: Charlie Kirk has been widely criticized for promoting and endorsing versions of the Great Replacement Theory, a white nationalist conspiracy theory that claims there is an intentional plot to diminish or replace the white population with non-white immigrants, particularly in Western countries