[OPINION] On Pinoy intellectuals, 'bobotantes,' and populism

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Would you mind a conversation with the taxi driver or the package delivery boy about the things that matter to him?

From the wealthiest countries in Europe and North America, to emerging democracies like the Philippines, populism spreads really fast. What is upsetting to me is that at a time when we are captured by this groupthink, the academia is very active in analyzing our choices and actions, yet the spaces for engagement are really limited.

The intelligentsia cannot adequately contribute to safeguard democracy or insulate the people from populism by preaching about the absence of critical thinking. Driving towards solutions requires transforming “them” to “us.” Having said that, I believe that intelligent people are not innocent. Because of academic tribalism and the domineering attitude of some aging gods who assume the role of gatekeepers, young intellectuals who could otherwise have public platforms are helpless in the face of bloggers who become online sensations for appealing to everyone’s confirmation bias.

Simply sending more people to college does not address the root of the problem. To impart progressive attitudes to common citizens, universities must live up to the same values they promote: tolerance and social justice. Too much research is directed at tightly knit intellectual circles. Academics must also provide a platform for knowledge exchange with stakeholders outside its immediate community.

 

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