SuChin Pak talks race, politics and role of youth at symposium
Jeff Weiner
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: News
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Pak capped the daylong event, titled "The Road to the White House: Tough Choices," with a conversation about American politics, race in America and the importance of the youth vote in the 2008 election.
Despite the range of topics discussed, Pak made the central theme of her speech clear: "Will the election be decided by the youth vote?"
Pak attacked the common idea that young voters lack the interest or energy to participate in politics.
"Young people suffer from a lack of access," Pak said. "The stereotype that young people are apathetic is completely outdated."
Throughout her speech, Pak stressed the importance of participation in politics, not just for young people but for all citizens.
"In 2008, I'm surprised and pleased to see a return to the good old-fashioned idea that political engagement is about being a part of something bigger than ourselves," Pak said. "Through political participation, we want to change the old-fashioned way, through hope, authenticity and truth."
Pak, who is admittedly better known for interviewing celebrities such as Britney Spears and P. Diddy, has reported on politics for MTV News since 2001, providing coverage of events ranging from Hurricane Katrina to President George W. Bush's reelection.
"I've been really lucky to cover really every major news story in the past seven years or so," Pak said.
Pak also discussed her own experiences as a Korean-American and the difficulties that multicultural individuals can have in adjusting to society.
"Growing up inside my house, it was like Korea circa 1968," Pak said. "Outside my house, it was America in 1985, so I've always lived in a kind of dichotomy of American identity."
Pak showed a short clip from her MTV documentary series, My Life (Translated). The clip briefly told the story of a young Arab-American named Ayman who joined the U.S. Army shortly after Sept. 11.
The clip focused on the problems that he faced both in fighting other Arabs in Iraq and in reconciling his decision with the national identity of his Lebanese family.
"My parents love this country," Ayman said in the video, "but this is not their country."