GenZ’s Political Apathy-ocalypse
09/05/23 • 33 min
The tale generally goes like this: Gen Z is disconnected, disinterested, and buried so deep into their screens that they don't care about the politics going on around them.
But it's also clear that some young people are ready to ignite change if they have to. From the climate marches to the BLM protests to the Maple Spring, young people have been at the forefront of protests and disruptions for a long time. So, is the stereotype of Gen Z as disconnected and apathetic accurate, or is there something we're missing here?
In this episode of The Backbench, you'll hear from young people across the country who share their perspectives on how they engage with democracy. Additionally, you'll hear a conversation between Mattea Roach and Samantha Reusch, the executive director of Apathy is Boring, to understand WHY Gen Z engages in politics in unconventional ways.
Host: Mattea Roach
Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)
Guests: Samm Reid, Azaad Gill, Alex Stevenson, Jenna Inch, Tannia Vijeyenthiran,
If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The tale generally goes like this: Gen Z is disconnected, disinterested, and buried so deep into their screens that they don't care about the politics going on around them.
But it's also clear that some young people are ready to ignite change if they have to. From the climate marches to the BLM protests to the Maple Spring, young people have been at the forefront of protests and disruptions for a long time. So, is the stereotype of Gen Z as disconnected and apathetic accurate, or is there something we're missing here?
In this episode of The Backbench, you'll hear from young people across the country who share their perspectives on how they engage with democracy. Additionally, you'll hear a conversation between Mattea Roach and Samantha Reusch, the executive director of Apathy is Boring, to understand WHY Gen Z engages in politics in unconventional ways.
Host: Mattea Roach
Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)
Guests: Samm Reid, Azaad Gill, Alex Stevenson, Jenna Inch, Tannia Vijeyenthiran,
If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
Backbench Catch Up
It’s summer time, and Parliament’s been out of session for 2 months. For this episode of the Backbench, host Mattea Roach is joined by an all-star panel of Riley Yesno, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop. With updates on stories you may have missed this summer. Did shutting down an illegal border at Roxham Road work? Have we taken any political moves on addressing foreign interference?
We’ll look ahead at what you should be keeping your eye on once parliament returns. With a new cabinet on the hill, what change can we expect? How well is our Conservative Leader’s fresh new look treating him in the polls? Are there any plans whatsoever to address the cost of living crisis?
Host: Mattea Roach
Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)
Guests: Riley Yesno, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop
Background reading:
- Months after closure of Quebec's Roxham Road, more asylum seekers arriving by air
- More and more asylum seekers are coming to Canada. Is it enough to stem a global tide of refugees?
- Conservatives call for committee's foreign interference probe to resume
- The Lose-Lose-Lose-Lose Bill C-18 Outcome: Meta Blocking News Links on Facebook and Instagram in Canada
- Behind Justin Trudeau's Cabinet shuffle
- Conservatives launch massive ad campaign amid surge in polls
- Is Trudeau to blame? Understanding the latest data behind Canada’s housing crisis
Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens
If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases & bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, tickets to our live events, & more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free & accessible to everybody.
You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
Students in Strip Malls
We’re busy preparing for our upcoming live events and working away on an exciting fall season, so we’re bringing you an episode from our friends Allison Smith and Jonathan Goldsbie on Wag the Doug – a monthly podcast that grapples with the realities of the Ford government in Ontario.
They look at an issue that continues to make headlines - the international student market. Allison and Jonathan investigate how Ontario colleges have cashed in on these students and have fundamentally altered the province’s post-secondary education system.
We’re hitting the road for three special live events! Canadaland Supporters get 50% off tickets to ALL events. Head to canadaland.com/events to learn more.
Host: Mattea Roach
Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)
If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.
You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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