One of the best concepts I have learnt from APLP is the term "empowerment". This is something I have never thought of before my stay in Hawaii.
The concept of empowerment can be pretty vague, but everyone picks up the idea pretty quickly. Here is one little definition copied from Wikipedia:
“Empowerment refers to measures designed to increase the degree of autonomy and self-determination in people and in communities in order to enable them to represent their interests in a responsible and self-determined way, acting on their own authority. Empowerment refers both to the process of self-empowerment and to professional support of people, which enables them to overcome their sense of powerlessness and lack of influence, and to recognise and eventually to use their resources and chances.”
While reading the definition, I can't help thinking that Hong Kong Millennial generation is basically the perfect anti-example of empowerment.
To be fair, my generation in Hong Kong is living with pretty high standard of live, especially when you compare us with the same generations living in developing countries. In a relatively war / terrorism-free city, we enjoy 15-year education, above-par healthcare system and parents who generally benefited from the economic boom in 70’s until early 90’s. Nevertheless, none of the aforementioned is making people feel empowered.
The cost of survival is so high that we are forced to spend most of our life to earn a living. I spent most of my youth striving for good grades, prestigious schools without even reflecting what is the good in it. After returning to Hong Kong for my first job, i have been too busy at work to think my life over.
Working in banking sector is not bad as a career path. At least I could make my living (which is important). But what is making me even more contended is that I am picking up my interest in playing music again by learning bass guitar. Playing a groove, pursuing higher level of musical technique, learning from masters ---- these are adding tons of color to my life. In addition, playing music enabled me to expressing myself in form music, and to inspire others to join playing.
Empowerment could be a vague and lofty goal, especially when we are talking about empowering the society. Yet it is definite and do-able at the same time, when you start it by empowering yourself to get to do something. At least, playing music is now empowering me to Hopefully by investing in this little hobby, I would have a chance to inspire my community in the future.
