How to use family dinner to teach politics | Hajer Sharief
Twenty Years Ago: Family Democracy Meetings
The speaker shares their experience of participating in family democracy meetings that shaped their understanding of politics and decision-making.
Family Democracy Meetings
- Family held official Friday meetings to discuss various topics openly.
- Meetings allowed free speech, criticism, and discussions on family matters.
- Speaker learned negotiation and compromise through family political interactions.
- Speaker boycotted a meeting due to a personal issue but later proposed a fair system for dishwashing.
Importance of Political Engagement
The speaker emphasizes the significance of political engagement for individuals regardless of age or gender.
Political Engagement
- Encourages young people and women to participate in politics beyond activism.
- Politics influences daily life decisions such as healthcare, education, and taxation.
- Highlights the impact of politics on race, ethnicity, religion, and individual rights.
Challenges in Political Systems
The speaker discusses challenges faced in political systems with limited inclusivity.
Challenges Faced
- Lack of representation for women and young people in political dialogues.
What is Political Experience?
The speaker discusses the perception of political experience, particularly concerning women and young individuals.
Understanding Political Experience
- Experienced politicians often question the understanding of politics by women, especially young ones.
- Challenges the notion of political experience by questioning what type of experiences are considered relevant in politics.
- Highlights that women and young people may lack traditional political experience but questions the value of such experience.
Importance of Political Participation
Emphasizing the need for improved political engagement starting from a young age.
Encouraging Participation
- Draws parallels between decision-making within families and national politics to stress the importance of participation.
- Proposes implementing Family Democracy Meetings to involve children in decision-making early on.