POP POLITICS: Popular culture as a democratic space for active citizenship among Filipino youth

The ubiquity of popular arts and new media in the life of urban Filipino youth has become undeniable. On the other hand, they tend to avoid participation in formal bureaucratic systems and the practice of street politics has also declined throughout the years. Based on their minimal involvement in these, the youth have been labelled as apathetic. This paper looks at how intergenerational struggle play a role in defining the present generation of youth. It also investigates how popular culture, like the arts and media, can be utilized in making democratic and political involvement more accessible to the youth. To answer the question, three organizations practicing the use of popular culture to increase awareness and civic involvement were chosen as case studies. Interviews of staff and youth volunteers, as well observation of their activities were conducted. The study shows that the arts and new media can provide young people alternative spaces for participation, whether through organized civic groups or independent avenues. The paper suggests the concept of ‘Pop Politics,’ in which democratic and political expressions are popularized through youth cultural practices.