How do we STOP corrupt and evil power structures?
I'd like to hear your input, and for anyone who wants to listen, here's some of my thoughts :
Firstly, for some background, I've been on a "F the System" vibe since 2008 when I watched Zeitgeist and started listening to underground rapper Immortal Technique. Since then I've continued to learn and witness that just about every Mainstream institution in America is rotten to the core...
BUT WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT !?
Secondly, a helpful framework is what I call THE TWO TREES . One is the DYING TREE, and one is the THRIVING TREE.
The branches of the Dying Tree represent all the obvious problems and dysfunction in all sectors of society : Political, Economic, Environmental, etc.
The ROOTS of the Dying Tree represent the Beliefs, Values, and Philosophies which give rise to these dysfunctional systems, such as "humans are separate and superior to the rest of the web of life", "survival of the fittest over-applied", and many more.
>>> The THRIVING TREE branches represent all the ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS in each sector of society such as Waldorf Education, Holistic Medicine, Decentralized Economics, etc.
And the ROOTS of the Thriving Tree represent the Beliefs, Values, and Philosophies, which give rise to the NEW + ANCIENT STORY (coined by Charles Eisenstein). Some of these philosophies include things like : Everything is Interconnected, Epigenetics, Collaboration, etc.
----- Within this framework, to make a BIG GENERALIZATION, there are 3 camps of people :
1. FIGHT THE SYSTEM People who have awoken to the dysfunction of the DYING TREE, and focus largely on fighting, protesting against, or raising awareness about how DYSFUNCTIONAL the current systems are.
2. BE THE CHANGE People who have awoken to the dysfunction of the Dying tree, but focus largely on bringing the THRIVING TREE into existence, in their personal lives, and local communities.
3. STATUS QUOPeople who are just wrapped up in their own lives, usually either struggling to get by, or pretty wealthy financially, and basically just accept the Status Quo without doing much at all to change it.
AGAIN - these are broad generalizations, and not written in stone or mutually exclusive. Next I will share a summary I found online about the writing of renowned activist Joanna Macy, who's work has greatly inspired me and thousands of others :
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Joanna Macy describes three interconnected types of activism—or "dimensions of the Great Turning"—essential for transitioning from an industrial growth society to a life-sustaining civilization :
1. Holding Actions (slowing destruction),
2. Creating New Structures (building alternatives),
and 3. Shifting Consciousness (changing worldviews).
These dimensions work together to foster ecological and social transformation.
1. Holding Actions (Defending Life): This involves activism that resists and slows down the damage to the environment and people. It includes lobbying, legal action, boycotts, and direct action like blockades to stop destructive practices.
2. Creating New Structures (Alternatives): This dimension involves designing, building, and implementing new, sustainable structures and communities that embody a life-sustaining culture. Examples include local, regenerative economies, permaculture, co-housing, and community-supported agriculture.
3. Shifting Consciousness (Inner Transformation): This involves a fundamental shift in perception, values, and worldviews, moving away from separation towards deep ecological awareness, the "ecological self," and recognizing our interconnectedness. It is supported by practices to reconnect with the world.
These three pillars are interconnected; for instance, holding actions buy time, while shifting consciousness drives the motivation for change.
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So, to blend the thoughts of myself and Joanna : we need various different avenues of change. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I strongly believe we each need to tune into how we can be CHANGEMAKERS on this The future of life on Earth depends on it.
