September 5, 2023
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The Backbench
#72 GenZ’s Political Apathy-ocalypse
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.
Aviva Lessard
Producer
Noor Azrieh
Producer
Karyn Pugliese
Editor-in-Chief

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, 

Samantha Reusch

Sponsors: UWO, Douglas 

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