Many experience politics as an external force, ruled from above. Politicians that understand this and realize we have been duped, and who want to create a relevant government, are viewed with cynicism and suspicion. It's as though graduation into adulthood means you understand this and any conversation about how to improve our collective lot will be met with derision.
"Extrinsic values such as power, fame and status" writes Monbiot, make love and peace redundant.
Monbiot offers examples of how we might begin to rebuild our shared future: Community shops, development trusts, food assemblies (fresh food directly from local producers), community choirs, free universities where people exchange knowledge and skills in social spaces, time banking where neighbours give their time to give practical help, transition towns, potluck lunch clubs, Men's Sheds where older men swap skills, temporary playgrounds on streets, fun palaces and technology hubs.
Apparently these are called "thick networks". They proliferate further ventures and potentially a dense participatory culture that attracts others who have not found the skills to become socially active before.
Think of a service or skill we expect our government and big business to provide and then work to build it in the community among volunteers.
It took 30 years to get from the complex democratic politics of Western societies to this proto-fascism. We might look 30 years ahead in our conversations about how to reclaim a desirable future.
Think of a service or skill we expect our government and big business to provide and then work to build it in the community among volunteers.
It took 30 years to get from the complex democratic politics of Western societies to this proto-fascism. We might look 30 years ahead in our conversations about how to reclaim a desirable future.
Janet Vickers is a poet, commentator, social activist and colleague of mine. I've had similar social experiences that she describes in this short blog. I invite your comments. It is time to overcome the fear of not being 'popular' socially. It is time for those of us who are concerned about the future of our countries and environment to share our perspectives in a socially acceptable manner, and invite feedback . I began marching and rallying for Peace and Social Justice, Women's Rights and Eco-Justice from the age of 20 onward. I'm now 73. Soon after moving to Ottawa in 1969, from Montreal, I found that most so-called 'liberal' types depended totally on "politesse" in social situations. They feared reactions e.g. in a 'dinner party' or any social event would endanger the success of the event . If you expressed any liking for NDP, Women's Rights, etc., not only would their reactions be what Janet described, but you would quickly become a social outcast. I became such rather soon. I was considered 'dangerous', until the last several years. Even Unitarians would not express their true attitudes or feelings outside of a U-U meeting or committee;-and especially not in their workplaces. It has been rather lonely for me here, but I'd rather be considered a radical and an 'activist' than a coward. Wouldn't you?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this Diane.
Delete