“Culture cannot be imposed. Kids, you cannot impose your views on your parents, the same way you do not like your parents imposing their views on you ….Just be empathetic, be kind and compassionate towards other people, be brave… and most important of all, learn as much as you can in school, develop your skills… so that when your time comes… we can trust you with the country that we love.”
And that, in a nutshell, was what Dr. Queena Lee-Chua advised the participants of Culture Bound, a webinar hosted by the MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) Student Government (SG) and 2Clicks last February 27, from 3:00 to 4:15 in the afternoon.
In line with the SG’s Wide Awake campaign and 2Clicks mission to develop the youth’s critical thinking, the SG and 2Clicks invited the well-loved Ateneo professor to talk about the common struggles with misinformation and disinformation problems in the Filipino-Chinese community. Dr. Lee-Chua discussed the differences between misinformation and disinformation and the reasoning behind the spread of misinformation. She also gave tips on how to approach loved ones and elders who most likely are not aware that they are sharing false information.
Dr. Lee-Chua emphasized the importance of having respect and empathy when it comes to talking about sensitive topics, such as the ongoing infodemic. She reminded the roughly 240 participants that it is essential to talk to elders with the right tone and motive to be able to communicate with parents and elders, especially when it comes to fact-checking them. “Choose your battles. Some battles are more important than others. The battles that may harm people, you may have to keep resisting respectfully.” advised Lee-Chua.
Dr Lee-Chua also admonished the students to not take the Chinese language for granted. Rather, they should learn to speak the language, to be able to reach out to more elders who may not know how to speak English or Filipino well. “You don’t have to be good at it, but it should be at least conversational.” said Lee-Chua. But in extreme cases, she advised the students to ask help from other relatives who may act as translators and mediators in communicating with their elders.
During the Q&A, Dr. Lee-Chua was joined by Teresita Ang See, the co-founder of the Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, and the head of the Citizens Action Against Crime (CAAC) and Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO.) Ang See reminded the audience that culture cannot be imposed, but that there should be mutual respect from both students and parents alike. She also urged the audience to not be apolitical, but be socially aware, be more involved in nation-building, and give back to the community. “Social revolution is happening, we are faced with so many problems left and right, you cannot stay as bystanders and not get involved,” said Ang See.
Dr. Queena Lee-Chua graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University, BS Mathematics, summa cum laude. She also received a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the same university, where she is a full professor. She is the author of over 22 books on math, popular science, education, parenting, mental health, and more, as well as the “All in the Family” column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She is known for her various recognitions such as but not limited to ‘The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teachers, “The Outstanding Young Scientist,” and “The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST’s) Great Men and Women of Science.”
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