Mickey Z

Cool Observer

Posted by Mickey Z on 12/11 at 09:27 AM

Mickey....I am grateful to Howard Zinn for all of his good work but I do not share his optimism about people being so able to change. I think that it is only a small minority that eventually becomes enlightened. Look at all of those who STILL think that Iraq was responsible for 9/11. In the USA there is so much “willful ignorance” that the so-called democratic process can not exist. Don’t you often wonder how so many, can live so long, and be so uninformed? rosemarie

Posted by rosemarie jackowski on from 12/11 at 10:01 AM

Americans are so heavily conditioned and indoctrinated that change often seems impossible. I agree. And yes, I am often discouraged. But I certainly spent much of my life in “willful ignorance.”

Every revolution looks impossible until it starts to happen and then its looks inevitable.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 12/11 at 10:42 AM

Here is what I think would eventually make a difference: for those of us with alternative views to get together and create alternative communities - to “divorce” from the mainstream as best we can, imperfectly of course - in which to build new ways of thinking. This would require sacrifices - for me, what I want, probably impossible, is vegan cohousing, with components of sanctuary, and growing veggies, fruits, herbs, etc. While it would be “radical” and outside of the box, I’ve always thought that the best we can do is to create spaces that people can choose to embrace, rather than trying to change people’s thinking directly - to do it by example!! Of course, what I am proposing costs money, and most of us don’t have any!!!

Rich

Posted by Rich Griffin on from Boston, Ma 12/11 at 04:53 PM

I could only agree, Rich, if the plan was for those in these communities to reach out to as many “outsiders” as possible. It’s tempting to seek a withdrawl from a society as despicable as ours...but to do so is to let down those in nations without such a “withdrawal” option.

We were born in the U.S. and with that comes incredible privilege and freedom...and also awesome responsibility. It is our duty to do whatever we can to impact the behavior of the world’s most powerful nation.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 12/11 at 05:15 PM

Yes, I agree, Mickey - of course I would want a humane education component - and of course to reach out to as many people as possible. What I meant was that most people are unreachable, so it makes sense to lead by example as much as is humanly possible. Yet at the same time to emphasize a safe community, too. I certainly agree that we have to keep trying - yet we also need to create healthy alternative spaces that people might want to embrace - I hope this has made at least a bit of sense?? Tired, you know....

Posted by richgriffin on from Boston, Ma 12/11 at 06:15 PM

Leading by example makes a whole lot of sense to me, Rich. Thanks.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 12/11 at 06:17 PM

I don’t think that creating a co-operative local example of a community that reflects a set of shared principles and examples is withdrawing or copping out. If anything, it may be a more constructive means of creating a living example of what we would like our world to be like… on a more local scale. Sometimes, you have to create little success stories to form a foundation for larger ones. Isn’t that what thinking globally and acting locally is all about?

As for Howard’s comment above, I fully subscribe to it. As long as there is tangible evidence that people have the will to do the right thing… once they are awakened from their trances… it is encumbant upon us to do everything we can to assist in their awakening. That is why I am such a big advocate of radical activists pooling their resources to effect the growth and expansion of independent media in our country.

Posted by Nader Rider on from 12/12 at 10:10 AM

Nader Rider - thank you for articulating so much better than I did what I meant! Thanks!

Posted by Rich Griffin on from Boston 12/12 at 01:07 PM