Education and politics for a better world

By Patrik Parkes

On April 15 at Langara College, BC Peace and Global Educators (PAGE) presented Education and Politics for a Better World, a panel discussion moderated by the CBC’s Mark Kelly. After an opening presentation by PAGE Past President Pummy Kaur, Kelly introduced each of the five speakers, who gave brief presentations. This was followed by a question and answer session. Aside from moderating the discussion, Kelly also presented his own views on the role of the media in educating for a better world.

The first panelist to speak, California longshoreman Clarence Thomas, gave some background on May Day 2008, when his union bravely shut down 29 US ports as part of an antiwar protest. Thomas spoke also of his union’s actions against South African apartheid, and reminded us that “Solidarity is not just a slogan, but means that someone makes a sacrifice to help someone else.” In conclusion, he asked the audience to repeat with him: ”An injury to one is an injury to all.”

The theme of interconnectedness was echoed by other speakers on the panel. First Nations ethno-consultant Dr. Patricia Vickers used the metaphor of weaving, and spoke of the need for Canadians from all backgrounds to see how they are woven together in order to take ownership of their country’s history. Simon Child, a secondary school student and recipient of the 2009 Gandhi Award, spoke of the need for mass media to be a reflection of community interests. Adriane Carr, deputy leader of the Canadian Green Party, spoke of the need for politicians to understand the interconnectedness of economies and the environment. Dr. Manuel Rosental, a human rights activist from Colombia, outlined the three crises we face today: economic, ecological, and the “entrapment of mother earth, which needs to be free and collectively owned.”

A sense of incredulity also ran through statements made by the panelists. Child wondered aloud why fifth and sixth graders can understand human rights, but certain politicians cannot. Rozental quipped, “We live in times of mediocrity and some of us are fed up with it. Greed and mediocrity are woven together.” All agreed on the need for education to combat this mediocrity by encouraging engagement in community as a means to solve the problems we face.

On October 23, 2009, PAGE has organized another panel discussion—The Green Challenge—on the topic of environmental sustainability. The event, to be held in Victoria, will include professional development workshops related to global education. Elizabeth May, leader of the federal Green Party, will be the keynote speaker. See www.pagebc.ca for details.

Patrik Parkes teaches at Moscrop Secondary School, Burnaby.