The younger generation is gradually changing our society and fixing some injustice within it. The year of 2015 is the perfect example of younger generation changing our society. Based on this fact, this year’s Freedom of Speech Day use “Pride of Younger Generation” as the theme, and through activities like speeches, film festivals, and the concert, we reach out to many citizens. During the activities, we found that younger generation isn’t afraid to express their opinion. It’s really happy for us to see how the younger generation can develop critical thinking abilities. Furthermore, this is the main reason for this “Pride of Younger Generation” activity; we hope to pass down the spirit of freedom of speech. This is the fifth Freedom of Speech Day, we hope that more and more people can join this activity in the future.
This time, “Pride of Younger Generation” movie exhibition showed 13 movies, including freedom of media, artistic, social issues, and inspirational teenager stories. There were also a series of movies introducing the important events on Taiwan’s democracy development. Many citizens watched the films and approved these ideas with actions. Through these documentary films, citizens were inspired to think deeply about the value of freedom. Many elder citizens who participated in the democracy movement before were also really touched by the documentary films.
The interactive lectures had invited 9 social activists who care about the disadvantaged groups and the students who had participated in the student’s movement. Focusing at the “Distribution Justice,”“Course Outline,” and “Youth Revolt Culture,” the participants of the lecture proactively expressed their opinion about these issues. The event holder found out that the junior and senior high school students’ percentage among the lecture was obviously higher than before, showing that the Freedom of Speech Day was operative to the social reform.
The teenagers were mad about concert as before. Besides, the concert’s audiences included different generations this year. While the implication had been realized, the expressing form of the spirit had been accepted. The bands sang with unique styles-showing the local culture, aboriginal culture and the public issues—stroke a chord with the audiences. Although the concert at the last day was affected by the rain, we could regard it as a rain to sprout the freedom of speech.
The first launched installation art “Mobile Tent” became a classroom of History, teaching the freedom and the openness to our ancestors passed on us. The city government is supposed to think about what is the city’s value and protect the democracy and the freedom is also vital. We appreciated the citizens for attending the 2016 Freedom of Speech day series. Via your support, we can realize the true meaning of the event, let others be penetrated with the spirit, and attract more passion people.