Traditionally youth in Asia have always had reservations about communicating there hopes, dreams, questions, and concerns. Centuries of a shame centered social structure have created a society in which youth are reluctant and in many cases unable to communicate there thoughts to their parents, teachers, and peers. This problem was especially prevalent in Japan were relationships between youth and adults has traditionally been governed by a strict but invisible code. The tangible results of such a one directional communication pathway, have been a reluctance on the part of the youth of Japan to talk about important social issues that have lasting effects, such as drug use, HIV and AIDS.

In response to this problem UNICEF in conjunction with Levis straus and CO. and MTV Asia implemented a year long campaign to encourage Asian youth to improve communication with their parents and erode the long standing problem of youth not Speaking Their Minds.

This site was created as a final project for International Public Communication, Prof. RS Zaharna, American University, spring 20004.