I’m not sure where this thread will go. But I want to explain how I’ve transitioned from a politically apathetic person to an anti-neoliberal and climate alarmist. Please bear with me. (1/10)

I grew up in the middle class as a second generation Chinese Canadian. Both of my parents were raised in conservative households. They taught me to protect my own interests and pursue higher education. (2/10)

I now realize that what they had been indoctrinated with by their parents, and have since attempted to pass on to me, is neoliberal ideology. This ideology claims that, if we all put our heads down and work with the system, humanity will continue to progress. (3/10)

This ideology is incredibly pervasive, to the point where many people don’t even realize it exists, so embedded is neoliberalism into our status quo. However, its central tenet of competition leading to inevitable progress couldn’t be further from the truth. (4/10)

My first experience which pushed me to challenge the status quo was at university. I experienced what appeared to be a collective mental health crisis amongst my peers. Everyone was anxious, depressed, su*cidal. I thought, this can’t be sustainable or normal. (5/10)

Then, in an elective course, I learned about the devastating effects Western neocolonialism continues to have on the Global South. Billions of people across the world are being pushed into the temporary workforce and this is a psychologically and physically violent process.(6/10)

Human life is becoming increasingly precarious at an alarming rate. For the first time in recent history, hard work and credentials may not land you a job at all. Collective insecurity is leading to widespread social unrest and the rise of populism. (7/10)

Finally, I learned about how the climate crisis is devastating communities. There are entire Pacific Islands that are already going underwater. The cost of addressing monsoon damage in the Philippines has begun to cost 10% of the entire country’s GDP. I could go on. (8/10)

Learning from Black and Indigenous activists, as well, has taught me that oppression will NEVER result in long-term progress. The racially-informed status quo is justifying hyper-extractive neoliberal capitalism and destroying our chance for survival. (9/10)

All of this, and so much more, has pushed me to finally wake up and realize that none of us can go on like this. The neoliberal illusion that consumerism and individualism will lead to progress must be shattered.

It has already been shattered for far too many. (10/10)