By Cassandra Chew
Political Reporter
casschew@sph.com.sg

 

IN SOME circles, I'm recognised as the young journalist who cares about child trafficking issues.

Over the last three weeks, I found myself in good activist company as I interacted with more than 15 young people who passionately champion causes ranging from food issues to sustainable development.

We all share the same impetus to act: we cannot accept the status quo.

How can injustice be so widespread? How can people be so nonchalant? Surely change is the only acceptable response? we ask with bright-eyed indignance, as if everyone else should feel this way too.

A colleague, however, has a response to my dreams of making the world a better place.

"If you still want to change the world after six years of working life, I'd be impressed," the 28-year-old said over lunch, revealing the cynicism he's come to embrace over the years.

What he said bears thinking. The truth is, while most people may have an affinity towards an issue or two, the harsh realities of this dog-eat-dog world often set in to waylay idealism and hope, leaving some too tired to try.

Instead, they opt to donate in cash and kind, and volunteer when it's convenient.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with doing so, and doing some good is better than doing nothing.

And then there are those whose passion, once so fiery, just expires.

The true test for this new generation of young activists, some of whom are in our Saturday Special Report today, is whether their idealism — and mine – can survive as we grow into adulthood, middle-age and perhaps even old age.

It requires tenacity and perseverance that can only be developed by overcoming obstacles one at a time.

Still, there is reason to be optimistic.

Environmentalist Geh Min, 59, recently told me about a self-taught artist who uses paintings to share his passion for the great outdoors.

The junior college teacher has even found a way to bring nature appreciation into the classroom – an effort that he hopes will have an impact on his teenage students.

"He has been able to turn his passion into his job, and has overcome the odds to do it," says Dr Geh. "People like that really give me hope."

Indeed, perhaps change isn't just about huge crusades and stadium-wide rallies. It is also about making it count in our spheres of influence, doing what we can to give fresh perspective to issues in our everyday lives.

If American anthropologist Margaret Mead has it right, all we need to change the world is a small, committed group of people.

We just need to keep our eyes on the prize, and our idealistic hopes alive.

Read more about Singapore's young activists in Saturday's Edition of The Straits Times: Young and passionate... Apathetic? Not them. More and more youth are stepping up to the plate to champion causes and make the world a better place. Cassandra Chew reports.