Perspectives of the Youth are now heard

Do you ever feel, as a young person, that your views are not being listened to?

If you do, now is the time to step up and speak out.  In a world full of confusion and controversies, especially on the internet and social media, CALD Youth urges young people to reimagine how and what they can do through the podcast, The Youth Perspective. Launched in June 2021, the first season of the podcast is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, RSS, and Soundcloud. The episodes offer a fresh perspective on misinformation, youth activism, and women’s empowerment in politics.

For the first episode, A Seat at The Table, self-exiled Former Hong Kong Legislative Council member Ted Hui Chi Fung shares how the youth can make tangible change, drawing from his experiences as a youth activist who got persecuted for speaking out. He also encourages the youth to find the bravery to stand up and push forward: “Young people should drive their seat and place it on the table no matter what.”

And since the Philippine elections are just a year away, the second episode Influencers, Activism, and the Social Media tackles the possibilities and impacts of influencers endorsing a politician and how they can make a difference in the coming elections. Filipino influencers Macoy Dubs and Kakie Pangilinan share the same sentiment that people should be extra careful in their respective platforms since election fever is beginning to heat up. “If we are to endorse a politician, we should make sure that they have the same values that we have and that they really make a better Philippines,” says Macoy.

“Dictatorship is the opposite of Liberalism. Liberalism is the political philosophy that ensures checks on power. And those checks on power usually operationalize through rights… When the states start curtailing those rights in favor of a centralized authority, then you get a dictatorship and that is what is happening in the Philippines, China, Russia, among others,” explains Cultural Historian Leloy Claudio on the third episode entitled “You, Me, the Presidency.” In this episode, the continuous rise of dictators and strongmen leaders is discussed and how these leaders’ long-term effects can dominate the political landscape in the years to come.

The art of remembering and forgetting has a thin line. Episode four, The Art of Remembering and Forgetting, addresses the issue of historical revisionism which purposely (even maliciously) advance a particular political discourse. According to the New York times, democracy requires individual responsibility, which is impossible without critical history. So why does historical revisionism occur and how, in the digital age, do we counter it? Thai politician Egg Kanawat shares his perspective together with Marc Siapno from Commission on Human Rights in the Philippines. 

While some countries have made progress towards gender balance in politics, the vast majority are still behind. Produced with Women and Gender Institute (WAGI), episode five, The Dignified Voice, explores the ongoing gap between men and women in politics and economic standing. In this episode, how positioning can impact structural power relations between women and men is also tackled.

Season 2 coming soon

The second season of the podcast will be launched in September. The episodes will discuss other burning issues of the day such as winning the elections, innovation, transformative politics, networking, and leadership. Some episodes will also be produced with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and Friedrich Naumann Foundation Taiwan Office.

Despite all the challenges that countries face today, there is still hope. Young people are massive sources of energy, creativity, and new ideas which can spell the difference in today’s tumultuous world. 

So, what do YOU-THink? Listen to the Youth Perspective here and follow our social media sites for more information.