From Los Angeles…
Rethinking Heroes with Cary Harrison: Two 12th-graders show sage understanding of books, academics, brains, and a bold future - if they’re allowed to have it!
We often think of heroes as established figures with a lasting impact. However, history shows that many heroes have been young people who risked everything for an uncertain future. Today, as freedom hangs in the balance, we confront the perils of our time: dictatorships rising in the east and west, propaganda, and lost civil rights - an unholy trinity threatening humanity's progress.
So, what is dictatorship? It's rule by fear, where one person's power overrides the people's voice. A single entity dictates truth, silencing dissent and opposition.
What is propaganda? Manipulated information spreading like wildfire, fueling hatred and dividing nations. Does this sound familiar?
And what's at stake? Your civil rights: fundamental freedoms dwindling, leaving vulnerability in their wake. Speech suppressed, assembly restricted, equality eroded.
From Eastern autocracies to Western democracies in decline, warning signs are flashing red. The danger is real, pervasive, and escalating.
But remarkably, many young people refuse to surrender. They're rising against oppression, uniting for freedom, and reclaiming their inherent rights. They champion truth, defend dissent, and demand accountability.
Notably, many of these young heroes are from former Soviet bloc countries, where education remains a valued tool that empowers everyone - knowledge. Unlike in some US states, where governors like Ron DeSantis have restricted history, banned over 1,000 books, and made being gay a felony, alongside discussions of climate change.
What's the difference between these governments and Putin's Moscow? It seems there are more similarities than differences.
We'll explore these perils, expose their roots, and examine a united front against tyranny. These students believe the future of our world depends on it.
I've had the privilege of teaching critical thinking and media literacy in Switzerland to exceptional students at Institut Montana in Zug. One of these students, from Lithuania, connected her school with us to discuss the world's realities on public radio. Lithuania, situated in the heart of the former Soviet bloc, surrounded by Russia and Ukraine, has recently experienced fascism, dictatorship, and authoritarianism.
Hearing from these young minds offers a fresh perspective, untainted by corporate media biases. Please welcome 18-year-old Atėnė Goštautaitė, a senior high school student. She is one of the founders of her school's writing club and represented Lithuania in Germany through the prestigious PAD exchange program, where she joined students from over 80 countries.
Atėnė's accomplishments include participating in Erasmus programs focused on ecology and culture. She speaks English, Lithuanian, and German and has studied business and entrepreneurship. Additionally, she has been a dedicated dancer for 12 years.
Joining Atėnė is 18-year-old Nojus Mačulis, also a 12th grader in Lithuania. Nojus is passionate about finance and economics and founded his school's finance and investing course, paving the way for his future studies in economics. Beyond academics, he enjoys reading novels, playing basketball, and competing in track and field.
Nojus is also committed to community service, volunteering at a local homeless shelter and helping organize TEDxYouth for his school.
00:00 Introduction to Rethinking Heroes
01:03 The Fragile Balance of Freedom
01:35 Understanding Dictatorship and Propaganda
02:46 The Role of Education in Empowerment
03:59 Connecting with Lithuanian Students
06:59 The Importance of Voting and Youth Engagement
15:43 Project 2025 and Its Implications
29:07 The Hidden Messages in 'The Wizard of Oz'
29:43 The Power of Propaganda: Influencing Decisions
31:24 Historical Examples of Propaganda
32:52 Modern Propaganda and Media Control
37:52 The Impact of Emotional Manipulation
38:40 Signs of Misinformation and Deceptive Tactics
40:32 A Global Perspective on Propaganda
48:10 Advice for the Future: Staying Informed and Critical
53:01 Final Thoughts and Reflections
RethinkingHeroes.com
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