A New Year’s Suggestion
Hard to add much to this meme. (Larger version below.)
Let’s make 2019 the year in world history in which humankind started thinking of itself as a community, and began acting accordingly.
As a friend wrote on this article: Brazil Is About To Show The World How A Modern Democracy Collapses, This is not exclusively a Brazilian phenomenon. Countries around the world, from Hungary to Turkey to the Philippines, have turned to noisy leaders who promise instant renewals and silver-bullet solutions under the banner of a right-wing, nativist “populism” ― the preferred term of news outlets, even though the key constituencies backing these candidates tend to comprise the nations’ elite.
If there’s any opportunity to stave off authoritarianism and environmental collapse, we really don’t have another option than to work together.
Craig,
I’m afraid you, like so many others before, and after, will forever refuse accept the dichotomies of how evolution equipped the human species to survive.
We are an animal with amazingly sophisticated communication skills, capable of very complex dynamics of cooperation, self-sacrifice and spirit of community, and yet we are equally capable of very combative,individualistic, aggressive acts .
Both traits are mixed together in any group of combinations at particular time or situation. Those who support strong, simplistic, populist leaders, especially those who are authoritarian, are usually a combination of those individuals who are desperate, either to preserve what they have, or who feel threatened by developments in society which they believe will be disadvantageous, or even disastrous.
‘Revolutions’ are seldom achieved peacefully,or achieve the aspirations of the revolution.
Racism, is a form of tribalism. Humans can be a very tribal species, with endless competition and rivalry between the various species.
Our Species is capable of great altruism, but also aggressive competition. These are the skills and characteristics which allowed the human species to become the planet’s dominant species.
Having no rivals left, we continue to practice our survival skills on one another.
Ah Ha, one might argue, if that’s true, we should all unite in the face of a common environmental threat ! While that seems a rational and logical course of action, that’s where the human individualism kicks in and disputes arise about how this can be accomplished and who should benefit, what science can be trusted, who should lead, etc, etc,
‘Tribes’ quickly form, each crying they have the true and most ‘altruistic’ plan, backed by the ‘best’ science, while individuals within those tribes turn themselves into ‘crusaders’ determined to both defend their new found cause and defeat the unbelievers in other tribes.
These newly formed tribes often adopt or merge with older tribes and doctrines in order to gain strength and skills to attack and dominate rival tribes.
‘Kumbaya’ never really has much of a chance, as was best evidenced in my youth by the aggressive display toward Bob Dylan in 1965 by the doyens of the “peace movement” for daring to play and electric guitar.
Two images of that era stand out, the first being of the original ‘pacifist activist, Mr peace and love’ Pete Seegar, angrily hunting for an axe to sever the power line to Bob Dylan’s band at the 165 Newport folk festival. The second being a section of the(largely university student) crowd of attendees at the UK’s Manchester Free Trade Hall, who screamed “traitor” and “Judas” at Bob Dylan for not conforming to their concept of what he should be and play.
Tribalism, runs very deep in humans. Deeper than we like to admit. Thus the ‘Never Trumpers’, started out as mere political opponents, but in time have form a sort of cult like extremist fanatics who hate for the pure joy of hating, and identifying as a true member of a tribe.
Environmentalists, have also fragmented in to differing tribes where the ambitions and beliefs of the individual tribes have become far more important than the original objectives.
The world has never been more homogenized or less discriminating toward race or religion, yet the media is obsessed with portraying very small fringe groups of old fashioned racists and religious fanatics. Why? Because quite frankly, they’re more interesting ! These fringe dwellers provoke strong reactions and provide a free freak show, the media love a good story not matter how contrived or farcical.
Progressive Liberals are angry when young integrated black folk like Kanye West dare to speak out against stereotype,the truth isn’t important, just the tribal belief structure.
I’m afraid Bill Nye’s sentiments, no matter how noble, will only ever be received with Lip service at best.
Unfortunately for Bill, he’s learned a lesson about tribalism after announcing he would be one of the guests to hear President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address in person.
With a few hours a social media petition with 28,000 signatures, and counting was launched demanding Nye refuse to attend the State of the Union address.
Later he received a volume of hate mail, calling him a “Traitor”, “Judas’ etc , even death threats. Student bodies across the US and around the world, condemned his attendance and demanded he be banned from the media and even his academic credentials be removed. (He’s actually an engineer not a Physicist.)
Bill Nye is attending as a guest of Congressman Jim Bridenstine, (R) who has been asked by President Trump’s to lead NASA.
Nye as CEO of the Planetary Society, an organization that advocates for space exploration, needs to be involved and informed of administration policies.
Many of his contemporaries and supporters believe hatred of President Trump, is far more important than issues concerning the planet.
Tribalism.
An organization calling itself, ” 500 Women Scientists” (although only 14 have any real relevant scientific qualifications) wrote in an editorial in Scientific American saying ;
“As scientists, we cannot stand by while Nye lends our community’s credibility to a man who would undermine the United States’ most prominent science agency. And we cannot stand by while Nye uses his public persona as a science entertainer to support an administration that is expressly xenophobic, homophobic, misogynistic, racist, ableist, and anti-science.
It’s clear that Nye himself should be investigated and exposed for his misdeeds”.
( Curiously, the 500 group’s motto is ““serve society by making science open, inclusive, and accessible.” ! No doubt the group has already engaged Micheal Avenatti).
Tribalism !
Of course CNN, NYT and WP raced to be the first to blast poor old Bill, but were beaten to the post by the ever self righteous Guardian demanding he immediately resign from the Planetary Society and withdraw from taking part in public statements.
Tribalism, at it’s least tolerant. Bring out the pitchforks and burning brands.
But Bill could receive redemption suggested several leftist publications if he underwent a period of suitable activism against President trump and actively called for his impeachment.
Meanwhile, speaking of American tribes (fake or otherwise) on New Year’s Eve, Senator Elizabeth Warren announced she’s formed an “exploratory committee,” allowing her to raise money as a Presidential candidate.
It may just be a coincidence, but the President popularity increased 2% to average 46% immediately following the announcement. ( it looks like the President has the Native American vote, with the Chiefs of several major tribes offering active support in 2020).
Warren’s principal media supporters, the NYT and New Yorker Magazine don’t seem to be widely read among Native American’s.
Literally, Tribalism !