Unless the American people are willing to also take a long hard look at themselves, we are not going to ever move forward. And I really mean white Americans. We can barely hold ourselves accountable for much of anything and this piece you wrote assumes that the voters don't have agency. Have you ever thought that maybe... the people are rotten? 49% of of people who voted, voted for a felon. An adjudicated rapist. A twice impeached president. The man who incited January 6th! And we are going to relitigate Biden being old??
It is us. The problem is us. Americans are so detached and unengaged- mostly because they can be. We have had the luxury of not having to care all that much. This is the reckoning that needs to happen.
OK - I have to say this because I see this yelled from the rooftops in just about every media outlet and on Substack: "he's a felon". OMG, please, let's tear off the scarlet F - do you know how many in the US are felons? How many people, many of whom are people of color, that get trapped in the criminal "justice" system? I am a felon. And every time I read that screed, my hackles raise. Maybe this is part of the issue: False sense of morality without understanding or wanting to understand how the system fails so many. Trump is bad because of his inhumanity, cruelty and greed. That does not mean that all felons share those traits. I met so many in federal prison who were kind and decent people who ended up in the crosshairs of the law.
We had a saying in federal prison: It is easy to cross the line between street clothes and federal greens.
This is not false morality & it is not what I am talking about. Did you hold yourself accountable for your crime? Trump has not held himself accountable and put his mugshot up on the wall next to the portrait of Washington FFS. This man wears his felony as a badge and THAT is what people voted for. He did not repent, say he was sorry, and was deceitful. This is what I am getting at. Not some long ago crime he has since apologized and paid his debt to society for. There is a huge difference.
I intended the false morality as a generality - not personally intended. I just heard on yet another Substack, "He's a convicted felon!". I say it is the gift that keeps on giving....and maybe I was held accountable for a charge that I really don't admit to...but that is an issue for a different Substack.
Jacquelyn, do you think adults are interested in and capable of doing this or will this open-mindedness have to come from kids? In my experience, adults get pretty set in their ways, although some remain open and I hope I'm one of them. I remember one day when I was in my forties coming to an astonishing realization that I was becoming a fuddy duddy and vowing to change that. But how common is this kind of thing and if it isn't, is there a way to make it more so? As I suggested below, I like the idea of circulating thoughtful questions that help people examine their assumptions and think in different ways. I also think that offering various kinds of projects could help, but that may be going too far for a lot of people. (I'm talking about getting people to express themselves in new ways, such as through drawing or writing or singing, etc.) Anyway, I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Tx!
I don't know if it has so much to do with being set in your ways, as it does from being disengaged and not paying attention. Before Trump came along- I couldn't tell you who my state reps were. Who my local leaders were. What was on the bill of rights.. this was all.. not great, right? But I was a nice white 20 something woman who had no idea what privilege she had to be blissfully going through life. Now I am 55 and in a much different place. It took a lot of soul searching and listening to get here. I am a single parent of an autistic teen boy- I have to pay attention to get it done & explain thing to him that I had no idea of, to be a better person in the world. For most folks, it is a herculean task to really hold yourself accountable for the decisions you make and how they affect others.
Having said all that, I really like the idea of creative projects to get people more involved civically. It seems healthier for sure. I don't know what that looks like though.
I think your early political experience may be rather typical, unfortunately, but it can be remedied. Obviously your life experience has changed you, as it must. You're obviously a thoughtful person and do look inside yourself.
After I posted my comment I came up with a bunch of questions that might form the basis of a project, or at least a starting point for a discussion. Many of them have to do with cultivating empathy by imagining yourself in someone else's shoes and figuring out what you would do. Some ask people to look at events in their lives in different ways. Some ask them to think about the future. All of them encourage people to think differently.
A few months ago I met a man on one of these forums who was developing a political game and volunteered to be a tester. It was an interesting experience. Maybe there's something in that that could be expanded on. I also like the idea of various artistic projects, such as writing rhymes, drawing pictures (cartoons maybe?) etc., although I realize that many people would not be interested in doing such things. But those are only a couple of ideas and a tiny starting place. There are also various goals and objectives we could look at: learning civics, cultivating empathy, becoming more aware of our own thoughts and actions, making friends, etc. I will keep thinking.
Maybe, just maybe… now hear me out… these groups, organizations and political operatives are not the “leaders” creating the future that’s trying to emerge. Look around and see those at the fringe opening up to some of the most imaginative, creative, innovative futures in the present moment. And who are creating the systems and spaces where inclusiveness, technology, diversity, healing, empathy and courage are their mainstays. They are everywhere!
Absolutely! He’s curious, empathetic, courageous and tapped in! So much of what’s emerging is being led by young people. However the leadership, innovation, and imagination is definitely not limited to any particular age, gender, race, religion etc. It’s characterized by those who focus on what they want with much greater energy than focus on what they don’t want or what frightens them. It’s one of the reasons I follow Anand. He brings us a good dose of people in creative action.
One educator who has been a source of seeing the many people around the globe and in the US is Otto Scharmer of MIT and the Presencing Institute for leadership. Presencing.org - VERY practical steps to lead us into the future. He points towards organizations and people doing this every day. I could offer so many I could write for hours. They truly are everywhere but not loud, noisy or seeking attention like someone we know.
Thank you for this valuable resource. I have also found Upaya.org that offers a lecture series “Awareness in Action” has highlighted educators, activists, and artists who are making a difference. Yes, the helpers are everywhere once we look.
Look around for the people close to you, in your community who are undaunted by what is happening in our country and are focused ON the vision for the future you want. They are fully aware of the destruction while putting energy and focus on creating what’s their healthy vision for the future, now.
Bernie and AOC are still getting thousands of people showing up. Bruce Springsteen in England exhorting everyone who loves democracy to stand with us. We must seek out the light and follow it wherever we see it.
A wonderful piece, Anand. I can hear the frustration in you, and it echos mine along with a slight losing of hope. I'm informed, involved, but wondering if it's worth it, lately. Wondering if this country is worth it. The awful corruption is so blatant and loud, and yet the country is quiet.
The people need to be reflecting and having their own reckoning in this country. So far I'm not seeing the desire to fight in nearly enough citizens. The complacency and desire to be soothed, to allow themselves to be lied to is truly appalling. Until the people change their fearful, lazy and often entitled ways, there is no changing the leadership.
The Corporate Press, who revel, frankly, in the capitalistic quagmire that we've created as a way of life here are as complacent and complicit as any GOP representative in the dumbing down of this country.
When you have a Supreme Court who is baffled by the easily interpreted birthright citizenship, when they're apparently searching for loopholes and over-thought definitions and pontifications to defend and allow a lawless President to do what he wants and the people aren't in the streets in droves, myself and others are losing hope/faith in them.
It's the people of this country, Anand. The black people aren't engaged because they've tried to tell us for hundreds of years, they've fought and been the victims of this country for so long that they've had enough. They cannot do this alone, and they are tired. I've always looked to the black women, personally, for my inspiration and representation of strength and perseverance. When they're not fighting it feels like a really big deal.
On the other hand, we may just almost be at rock bottom, and I'll point down to Anne OFarells post. There are independent journalists, groups and organizations starting to emerge in communities. There is a building of progressive and innovative ideas at ground levels. The hope is that this swell will gain strength community by community as we see first hand how this country is letting them down. Perhaps people aren't tuning into the government because they see that it's not working for them, so they're starting at their ground zeroes. This takes time. But this is hands on change that might take time, but it has the potential to show people in their communities the possibilities, change minds or open them to change.
We've said here that change needs to start at home. Since the press doesn't really follow 'little stuff' and is easily distracted by the bling or the outrage, perhaps we're just not hearing about any changes that may be looks into the future?
This last thought, lately, is about all I have to hold onto.
THANK YOU ANAND. I have been meaning to write to you to applaud the pushback you gave Sen Sheldon Whitehouse. I share the frustration that you were expressing for so many of us. Why does faith in party operatives persist in the face of where we are?
Yes. Just as I said during our book club meeting about one of the things "Abundance" DIDN'T do, was to talk about the lack of emotional maturity in the U.S. It is truly staggering. Even though you didn't use those words, what you describe is exactly what I was getting at.
This is superb and captures what I have also witnessed. One thought: Exceptions to the incuriosity rule deserve at least as much attention as the rule itself.
By highlighting "positive deviants” who embrace curiosity and learn from failure—like those cited below—we can change the incuriosity rule.
Within the Democratic Party, check out Lucas Kunce. Within the democracy movement, check out Rachel Kleinfeld. Among the press, check out Solutions Journalism Network. Among citizens and citizen groups, check out The Builders, Country First, and Sharon McMahon. Among progressives, check out Deborah Chasman’s 2023 article “My #MeToo Moment” in the Chronicle of Higher Education (though published before we reaped what we have sown, it is instructive). The list goes on, but that's a start.
All of these folks are modeling what it looks like to put curiosity into action: observing, reflecting on, and revising beliefs, reactions, ideologies, and world views that are self-defeating. Let’s follow their lead.
I see the problem as something very simple: Selfishness.
The selfishness that got Trump elected is the self same selfishness now on full display by the "opposition."
The Trump policies haven't directly affected them yet, so they go with their lives largely as normal. In the wider American world, you'd think nothing happened.
It is a classic case of "first they came for..." on full display.
The repercussions, when they come, will be devastating.
I told a friend that I was willing to get rid of all my stuff and sell my house and go join the opposition. Whatever that might be. And that friend let me know that instead, I could just move to France or Portugal and have a really nice easy life. Because we all deserve that. It is nauseating but that's how a lot of people feel.
I don’t think the people in Congress and institutions are able to do what you say is needed. I think we’re going to have to look elsewhere. It’s as if we have parallel worlds operating: one which you described and one that lives a totally different reality where the old structures and paradigms no longer are relevant. They envision seeing the old ways of paternal hierarchy and domination fading in power and influence and a new reality of compassion, inclusion and harmony taking its place. They see the current situation as a desperate attempt of the old ways trying to hang onto power but ultimately failing. There will still be people who will operate under the old rules but they just won’t have the power to maintain control of the world as they are trying to do currently. We don’t need tinkering or winning the mid terms and the next presidency to save us. We need a totally new perspective of how we can be in a world of peace, harmony, equity, compassion, innovation, love and joy.
Anand - WOW, such clarity and insight in this essay. I can report from the Bay Area network of the self-identified radical left (mostly queer, POC, 30somethings…) that your analysis is spot-on in many movement spaces around here. And yet... I have the huge honor of having a teacher – a German-born immigrant in her 70s (who turned me on to The Ink!) – and being in conversation with her and her friends, including many German immigrants and US-born Jewish people. A couple of weeks ago, we gathered in Berkeley and they spoke about the Never Again generation in Germany, how deeply many Germans had to interrogate their culture after the Holocaust – because they were held accountable by the world. The US is not yet held accountable by the world, and it seems like things must get really, really bad here before we will be forced to do the deep reckoning. I am fortunate to have courageous elders who point out my shadow side: arrogance, insensitivity, inability to focus… all huge parts of US culture that live in me and many of my young friends.
What Germany did was amazing! You really have to destroy your ego to be able to examine yourself objectively. It's astonishing to me that they could do it. We can all learn from them.
This is superb and captures what I have also witnessed. One thought: exceptions to the incuriosity rule deserve at least as much attention as the rule.
By highlighting "positive deviants” who embrace curiosity and learn from failure—like those cited below—we can change the incuriosity rule.
Within the Democratic Party, check out Lucas Kunce. Within the democracy movement, check out Rachel Kleinfeld. Among the press, check out Solutions Journalism Network. Among citizens and citizen groups, check out The Builders, Country First, and Sharon McMahon. Among progressives, check out Deborah Chasman’s 2023 article “My #MeToo Moment” in the Chronicle of Higher Education (though published before we reaped what we have sown, it is instructive).
All of these folks are modeling what it looks like to put curiosity into action: observing, reflecting on, and revising beliefs, reactions, ideologies, and world views that are self-defeating. Let’s follow their lead.
hear you and it certainly does seem that way! However, the reckoning that isn't has been with our country since the beginning, when the founders brilliant as they were about so many things, thought that racial, gender, and economic inequity could be 'solved' later which it hasn't and wasn't, other than various amendments which have been steps in the right direction, but carrying through with democracy for ALL is still not a thing. This imperfect practice of our ideals is what landed us here.
What we need is to REFORM democracy, reform capitalism or find a better way to find ways to live to make things truly sustainable personally, community-wide state and country and then worldwide. We are living on a dying earth for goodness sake! In a complex system, answers will have to come from many sources, all of them being aware of all the other components, and linked up with them. Our shadow selves are being protected big time by this 'incuriosity' as you call it! What we cannot stand is that we too possess those awful tendencies, however destructive they are, curing it is not to protect it, but to acknowledge it and look for what it can teach us, what solutions do they point to?
Do we talk to our own shadow self, do we talk to other people who think and act differently, or do we talk to them hoping to convince them of their wrongness? More importantly, do we listen? Do we grapple with the differences and find any common needs, solutions?
Have you yourself on INK interviewed anyone who is a trump supporter, asking them pointed questions as to WHY they support him or what he is doing? I would be truly interested to see how you could get them to explain why their agendas and project 2025 will make America great again! And how they think they are doing it! I am curious as to why rape is okay? Obviously it must be if their leader is a rapist convicted felon, and it is okay to rubber stamp and approve everything he says and does. I am curious! Perhaps we could start something, and each of us decide to put the beginner's mind on, and just find out WHY?!
We have been complacent for too long letting many things slide along since they did not hurt (us too much..) and perhaps this is a good wake up call to get our collective acts together. But do not over think, find your values, find ways to act on them and get out there and clean up this mess people! We can do this! be curious, sure, but also be creative and courageous!
I do think there is a sprouting of this growth of courageous activism and awareness. if you cannot find it locally, then it is up to each of us to find something and do it, what are we waiting for? Nurture it if you find it, and if it does not fit what you want to do , add your unique solutions alongside and create a garden of possibilities!
Dawn, I spend a fair amount of time trying to put myself in other people's shoes. For example, the rape thing you mentioned. I pretend that I'm a man and try to imagine objectifying women. It's really difficult but I'm still trying because I want to understand it. Maybe actors can do this. In fact maybe I should study acting just for that purpose. Maybe we all should. I suppose that sounds ridiculous but I'm trying to think outside the box. Does this make any sense as a way to understand people who are so different from us?
First, I would say that much of Dem leadership is spineless, still living in the Before DT, like Schumer, Gillibrand, Jeffries though he is waking up. The media has again, having created Trump, focussing on diversions. Who care about Biden's age? Harris lost because a woman of color ran--look at what she accomplished in 3 months. There is great younger leadership, AOC, Buttigieg, and also Chris Murphy, among many others, Cory Booker. Poor Biden being crucified for Republicans getting out more voters. Hope the young pure of heart Dems who felt Harris not strong enough supporter of Gaza are happy now. A few of the many thoughts I have.
“Enough of a supporter”? Not even a bone tossed to the Palestinians at the Convention? Now Israel is using even more destructive weapons that we provided to exterminate more women and children in Gaza. The world is silent.
This exact conversation has been hashed and rehashed at my Canadian table since 2016. There are others much better versed in the societal dynamics that have led to this point. So I’m not going to venture into why we’re here.
So how do we not stay here. At the risk of appearing seriously out of touch, where is the democratic leadership? I mean outside of Mr. Buttigieg? I admire and respect Bernie and AOC for putting themselves out there. Very much. I have great admiration for all the independent orgs keeping the grass roots movement alive and motivated. But there is no face of the party to my untrained eye. The dems, like our previous PM, who I voted for ideologically, needed some serious PR management. It may seem crass to liberal sensibilities, but every relationship needs good marketing. Here comes my naïveté: why do the Democrats not have the equivalent of a press secretary? I’m sure the press would like to meet with a sane PS?
I’m Canadian and we have a very different government architecture, also with some serious reckoning to be done. But the opposition leader provides the voters with a face to the party, the accountable one. Where the buck stops. Etc. Party ceo, so many analogies. Trump was leading the opposition well ahead of the campaign and his messaging bombarded the country until it was all so many heard. The dems should take a page out of that book?
Many democrats are standing up. But they seem to be preaching to the choir. Why don’t they do lunch with Joe Rogan once a quarter. Sit down with those who think you’re hurting them and their country. You’ll agree to disagree but at least the right will see democratic leadership as strong and committed, maybe even having a sense of humour - anything they can identify with. The leadership needs to be personified. I think it’s starting. We needed something insanely disruptive to force a reckoning. I’m worried that it’s not happening by design. It’s a problem if you’re transmitting and no one can hear you.
I have written so many comments which I then delete thinking I’m not really in a position to share observations, that these observations are too simplistic. But let me try one more time. Indulge me and thank you.
Anand you are a beacon. And I love your hair. It’s kind of mesmerizing :)
Vanda, usually the president is the head of the party, but in this case, Biden has stepped away and Harris has gone quiet. So we're left in this strange situation. Unfortunately the Democratic Party is just a fund raising organization, so it's of no help right now. And the party isn't unified. It's quite a mess.
Thanks for your insight Paula. Sadly I think that Biden and Harris, who both have my respect, aren’t in the best position to help the party.
We need to focus on the present, not just in the US but everywhere. We need to stop blaming and start moving forward. Peace is not a zero sum game. It sounds like rhetoric, but the reckoning is a global one.
Unless the American people are willing to also take a long hard look at themselves, we are not going to ever move forward. And I really mean white Americans. We can barely hold ourselves accountable for much of anything and this piece you wrote assumes that the voters don't have agency. Have you ever thought that maybe... the people are rotten? 49% of of people who voted, voted for a felon. An adjudicated rapist. A twice impeached president. The man who incited January 6th! And we are going to relitigate Biden being old??
It is us. The problem is us. Americans are so detached and unengaged- mostly because they can be. We have had the luxury of not having to care all that much. This is the reckoning that needs to happen.
OK - I have to say this because I see this yelled from the rooftops in just about every media outlet and on Substack: "he's a felon". OMG, please, let's tear off the scarlet F - do you know how many in the US are felons? How many people, many of whom are people of color, that get trapped in the criminal "justice" system? I am a felon. And every time I read that screed, my hackles raise. Maybe this is part of the issue: False sense of morality without understanding or wanting to understand how the system fails so many. Trump is bad because of his inhumanity, cruelty and greed. That does not mean that all felons share those traits. I met so many in federal prison who were kind and decent people who ended up in the crosshairs of the law.
We had a saying in federal prison: It is easy to cross the line between street clothes and federal greens.
This is not false morality & it is not what I am talking about. Did you hold yourself accountable for your crime? Trump has not held himself accountable and put his mugshot up on the wall next to the portrait of Washington FFS. This man wears his felony as a badge and THAT is what people voted for. He did not repent, say he was sorry, and was deceitful. This is what I am getting at. Not some long ago crime he has since apologized and paid his debt to society for. There is a huge difference.
I intended the false morality as a generality - not personally intended. I just heard on yet another Substack, "He's a convicted felon!". I say it is the gift that keeps on giving....and maybe I was held accountable for a charge that I really don't admit to...but that is an issue for a different Substack.
Jacquelyn, do you think adults are interested in and capable of doing this or will this open-mindedness have to come from kids? In my experience, adults get pretty set in their ways, although some remain open and I hope I'm one of them. I remember one day when I was in my forties coming to an astonishing realization that I was becoming a fuddy duddy and vowing to change that. But how common is this kind of thing and if it isn't, is there a way to make it more so? As I suggested below, I like the idea of circulating thoughtful questions that help people examine their assumptions and think in different ways. I also think that offering various kinds of projects could help, but that may be going too far for a lot of people. (I'm talking about getting people to express themselves in new ways, such as through drawing or writing or singing, etc.) Anyway, I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Tx!
I don't know if it has so much to do with being set in your ways, as it does from being disengaged and not paying attention. Before Trump came along- I couldn't tell you who my state reps were. Who my local leaders were. What was on the bill of rights.. this was all.. not great, right? But I was a nice white 20 something woman who had no idea what privilege she had to be blissfully going through life. Now I am 55 and in a much different place. It took a lot of soul searching and listening to get here. I am a single parent of an autistic teen boy- I have to pay attention to get it done & explain thing to him that I had no idea of, to be a better person in the world. For most folks, it is a herculean task to really hold yourself accountable for the decisions you make and how they affect others.
Having said all that, I really like the idea of creative projects to get people more involved civically. It seems healthier for sure. I don't know what that looks like though.
I think your early political experience may be rather typical, unfortunately, but it can be remedied. Obviously your life experience has changed you, as it must. You're obviously a thoughtful person and do look inside yourself.
After I posted my comment I came up with a bunch of questions that might form the basis of a project, or at least a starting point for a discussion. Many of them have to do with cultivating empathy by imagining yourself in someone else's shoes and figuring out what you would do. Some ask people to look at events in their lives in different ways. Some ask them to think about the future. All of them encourage people to think differently.
A few months ago I met a man on one of these forums who was developing a political game and volunteered to be a tester. It was an interesting experience. Maybe there's something in that that could be expanded on. I also like the idea of various artistic projects, such as writing rhymes, drawing pictures (cartoons maybe?) etc., although I realize that many people would not be interested in doing such things. But those are only a couple of ideas and a tiny starting place. There are also various goals and objectives we could look at: learning civics, cultivating empathy, becoming more aware of our own thoughts and actions, making friends, etc. I will keep thinking.
Maybe, just maybe… now hear me out… these groups, organizations and political operatives are not the “leaders” creating the future that’s trying to emerge. Look around and see those at the fringe opening up to some of the most imaginative, creative, innovative futures in the present moment. And who are creating the systems and spaces where inclusiveness, technology, diversity, healing, empathy and courage are their mainstays. They are everywhere!
I certainly hope you're right!
Brilliant -Anand. Gets to the core of the entire mess.
I am very impressed with David Hogg, Anne. Would you consider him one of them?
Absolutely! He’s curious, empathetic, courageous and tapped in! So much of what’s emerging is being led by young people. However the leadership, innovation, and imagination is definitely not limited to any particular age, gender, race, religion etc. It’s characterized by those who focus on what they want with much greater energy than focus on what they don’t want or what frightens them. It’s one of the reasons I follow Anand. He brings us a good dose of people in creative action.
Agreed! And I'm so glad you like David. I hope he can break through the forces trying to muzzle him.
Help us see them by directing us to them, please!
One educator who has been a source of seeing the many people around the globe and in the US is Otto Scharmer of MIT and the Presencing Institute for leadership. Presencing.org - VERY practical steps to lead us into the future. He points towards organizations and people doing this every day. I could offer so many I could write for hours. They truly are everywhere but not loud, noisy or seeking attention like someone we know.
Thank you for this valuable resource. I have also found Upaya.org that offers a lecture series “Awareness in Action” has highlighted educators, activists, and artists who are making a difference. Yes, the helpers are everywhere once we look.
Ahh I will check them out! Thank you for sharing. ♥️
Look around for the people close to you, in your community who are undaunted by what is happening in our country and are focused ON the vision for the future you want. They are fully aware of the destruction while putting energy and focus on creating what’s their healthy vision for the future, now.
Bernie and AOC are still getting thousands of people showing up. Bruce Springsteen in England exhorting everyone who loves democracy to stand with us. We must seek out the light and follow it wherever we see it.
A wonderful piece, Anand. I can hear the frustration in you, and it echos mine along with a slight losing of hope. I'm informed, involved, but wondering if it's worth it, lately. Wondering if this country is worth it. The awful corruption is so blatant and loud, and yet the country is quiet.
The people need to be reflecting and having their own reckoning in this country. So far I'm not seeing the desire to fight in nearly enough citizens. The complacency and desire to be soothed, to allow themselves to be lied to is truly appalling. Until the people change their fearful, lazy and often entitled ways, there is no changing the leadership.
The Corporate Press, who revel, frankly, in the capitalistic quagmire that we've created as a way of life here are as complacent and complicit as any GOP representative in the dumbing down of this country.
When you have a Supreme Court who is baffled by the easily interpreted birthright citizenship, when they're apparently searching for loopholes and over-thought definitions and pontifications to defend and allow a lawless President to do what he wants and the people aren't in the streets in droves, myself and others are losing hope/faith in them.
It's the people of this country, Anand. The black people aren't engaged because they've tried to tell us for hundreds of years, they've fought and been the victims of this country for so long that they've had enough. They cannot do this alone, and they are tired. I've always looked to the black women, personally, for my inspiration and representation of strength and perseverance. When they're not fighting it feels like a really big deal.
On the other hand, we may just almost be at rock bottom, and I'll point down to Anne OFarells post. There are independent journalists, groups and organizations starting to emerge in communities. There is a building of progressive and innovative ideas at ground levels. The hope is that this swell will gain strength community by community as we see first hand how this country is letting them down. Perhaps people aren't tuning into the government because they see that it's not working for them, so they're starting at their ground zeroes. This takes time. But this is hands on change that might take time, but it has the potential to show people in their communities the possibilities, change minds or open them to change.
We've said here that change needs to start at home. Since the press doesn't really follow 'little stuff' and is easily distracted by the bling or the outrage, perhaps we're just not hearing about any changes that may be looks into the future?
This last thought, lately, is about all I have to hold onto.
THANK YOU ANAND. I have been meaning to write to you to applaud the pushback you gave Sen Sheldon Whitehouse. I share the frustration that you were expressing for so many of us. Why does faith in party operatives persist in the face of where we are?
Yes. Just as I said during our book club meeting about one of the things "Abundance" DIDN'T do, was to talk about the lack of emotional maturity in the U.S. It is truly staggering. Even though you didn't use those words, what you describe is exactly what I was getting at.
This is superb and captures what I have also witnessed. One thought: Exceptions to the incuriosity rule deserve at least as much attention as the rule itself.
By highlighting "positive deviants” who embrace curiosity and learn from failure—like those cited below—we can change the incuriosity rule.
Within the Democratic Party, check out Lucas Kunce. Within the democracy movement, check out Rachel Kleinfeld. Among the press, check out Solutions Journalism Network. Among citizens and citizen groups, check out The Builders, Country First, and Sharon McMahon. Among progressives, check out Deborah Chasman’s 2023 article “My #MeToo Moment” in the Chronicle of Higher Education (though published before we reaped what we have sown, it is instructive). The list goes on, but that's a start.
All of these folks are modeling what it looks like to put curiosity into action: observing, reflecting on, and revising beliefs, reactions, ideologies, and world views that are self-defeating. Let’s follow their lead.
I see the problem as something very simple: Selfishness.
The selfishness that got Trump elected is the self same selfishness now on full display by the "opposition."
The Trump policies haven't directly affected them yet, so they go with their lives largely as normal. In the wider American world, you'd think nothing happened.
It is a classic case of "first they came for..." on full display.
The repercussions, when they come, will be devastating.
I told a friend that I was willing to get rid of all my stuff and sell my house and go join the opposition. Whatever that might be. And that friend let me know that instead, I could just move to France or Portugal and have a really nice easy life. Because we all deserve that. It is nauseating but that's how a lot of people feel.
I don’t think the people in Congress and institutions are able to do what you say is needed. I think we’re going to have to look elsewhere. It’s as if we have parallel worlds operating: one which you described and one that lives a totally different reality where the old structures and paradigms no longer are relevant. They envision seeing the old ways of paternal hierarchy and domination fading in power and influence and a new reality of compassion, inclusion and harmony taking its place. They see the current situation as a desperate attempt of the old ways trying to hang onto power but ultimately failing. There will still be people who will operate under the old rules but they just won’t have the power to maintain control of the world as they are trying to do currently. We don’t need tinkering or winning the mid terms and the next presidency to save us. We need a totally new perspective of how we can be in a world of peace, harmony, equity, compassion, innovation, love and joy.
It's not easy to actually reflect honestly about oneself. So much easier to look at someone else and point out what they are doing wrong.
Anand - WOW, such clarity and insight in this essay. I can report from the Bay Area network of the self-identified radical left (mostly queer, POC, 30somethings…) that your analysis is spot-on in many movement spaces around here. And yet... I have the huge honor of having a teacher – a German-born immigrant in her 70s (who turned me on to The Ink!) – and being in conversation with her and her friends, including many German immigrants and US-born Jewish people. A couple of weeks ago, we gathered in Berkeley and they spoke about the Never Again generation in Germany, how deeply many Germans had to interrogate their culture after the Holocaust – because they were held accountable by the world. The US is not yet held accountable by the world, and it seems like things must get really, really bad here before we will be forced to do the deep reckoning. I am fortunate to have courageous elders who point out my shadow side: arrogance, insensitivity, inability to focus… all huge parts of US culture that live in me and many of my young friends.
What Germany did was amazing! You really have to destroy your ego to be able to examine yourself objectively. It's astonishing to me that they could do it. We can all learn from them.
This is superb and captures what I have also witnessed. One thought: exceptions to the incuriosity rule deserve at least as much attention as the rule.
By highlighting "positive deviants” who embrace curiosity and learn from failure—like those cited below—we can change the incuriosity rule.
Within the Democratic Party, check out Lucas Kunce. Within the democracy movement, check out Rachel Kleinfeld. Among the press, check out Solutions Journalism Network. Among citizens and citizen groups, check out The Builders, Country First, and Sharon McMahon. Among progressives, check out Deborah Chasman’s 2023 article “My #MeToo Moment” in the Chronicle of Higher Education (though published before we reaped what we have sown, it is instructive).
All of these folks are modeling what it looks like to put curiosity into action: observing, reflecting on, and revising beliefs, reactions, ideologies, and world views that are self-defeating. Let’s follow their lead.
Thanks for these examples!
hear you and it certainly does seem that way! However, the reckoning that isn't has been with our country since the beginning, when the founders brilliant as they were about so many things, thought that racial, gender, and economic inequity could be 'solved' later which it hasn't and wasn't, other than various amendments which have been steps in the right direction, but carrying through with democracy for ALL is still not a thing. This imperfect practice of our ideals is what landed us here.
What we need is to REFORM democracy, reform capitalism or find a better way to find ways to live to make things truly sustainable personally, community-wide state and country and then worldwide. We are living on a dying earth for goodness sake! In a complex system, answers will have to come from many sources, all of them being aware of all the other components, and linked up with them. Our shadow selves are being protected big time by this 'incuriosity' as you call it! What we cannot stand is that we too possess those awful tendencies, however destructive they are, curing it is not to protect it, but to acknowledge it and look for what it can teach us, what solutions do they point to?
Do we talk to our own shadow self, do we talk to other people who think and act differently, or do we talk to them hoping to convince them of their wrongness? More importantly, do we listen? Do we grapple with the differences and find any common needs, solutions?
Have you yourself on INK interviewed anyone who is a trump supporter, asking them pointed questions as to WHY they support him or what he is doing? I would be truly interested to see how you could get them to explain why their agendas and project 2025 will make America great again! And how they think they are doing it! I am curious as to why rape is okay? Obviously it must be if their leader is a rapist convicted felon, and it is okay to rubber stamp and approve everything he says and does. I am curious! Perhaps we could start something, and each of us decide to put the beginner's mind on, and just find out WHY?!
We have been complacent for too long letting many things slide along since they did not hurt (us too much..) and perhaps this is a good wake up call to get our collective acts together. But do not over think, find your values, find ways to act on them and get out there and clean up this mess people! We can do this! be curious, sure, but also be creative and courageous!
I do think there is a sprouting of this growth of courageous activism and awareness. if you cannot find it locally, then it is up to each of us to find something and do it, what are we waiting for? Nurture it if you find it, and if it does not fit what you want to do , add your unique solutions alongside and create a garden of possibilities!
Dawn, I spend a fair amount of time trying to put myself in other people's shoes. For example, the rape thing you mentioned. I pretend that I'm a man and try to imagine objectifying women. It's really difficult but I'm still trying because I want to understand it. Maybe actors can do this. In fact maybe I should study acting just for that purpose. Maybe we all should. I suppose that sounds ridiculous but I'm trying to think outside the box. Does this make any sense as a way to understand people who are so different from us?
First, I would say that much of Dem leadership is spineless, still living in the Before DT, like Schumer, Gillibrand, Jeffries though he is waking up. The media has again, having created Trump, focussing on diversions. Who care about Biden's age? Harris lost because a woman of color ran--look at what she accomplished in 3 months. There is great younger leadership, AOC, Buttigieg, and also Chris Murphy, among many others, Cory Booker. Poor Biden being crucified for Republicans getting out more voters. Hope the young pure of heart Dems who felt Harris not strong enough supporter of Gaza are happy now. A few of the many thoughts I have.
“Enough of a supporter”? Not even a bone tossed to the Palestinians at the Convention? Now Israel is using even more destructive weapons that we provided to exterminate more women and children in Gaza. The world is silent.
This exact conversation has been hashed and rehashed at my Canadian table since 2016. There are others much better versed in the societal dynamics that have led to this point. So I’m not going to venture into why we’re here.
So how do we not stay here. At the risk of appearing seriously out of touch, where is the democratic leadership? I mean outside of Mr. Buttigieg? I admire and respect Bernie and AOC for putting themselves out there. Very much. I have great admiration for all the independent orgs keeping the grass roots movement alive and motivated. But there is no face of the party to my untrained eye. The dems, like our previous PM, who I voted for ideologically, needed some serious PR management. It may seem crass to liberal sensibilities, but every relationship needs good marketing. Here comes my naïveté: why do the Democrats not have the equivalent of a press secretary? I’m sure the press would like to meet with a sane PS?
I’m Canadian and we have a very different government architecture, also with some serious reckoning to be done. But the opposition leader provides the voters with a face to the party, the accountable one. Where the buck stops. Etc. Party ceo, so many analogies. Trump was leading the opposition well ahead of the campaign and his messaging bombarded the country until it was all so many heard. The dems should take a page out of that book?
Many democrats are standing up. But they seem to be preaching to the choir. Why don’t they do lunch with Joe Rogan once a quarter. Sit down with those who think you’re hurting them and their country. You’ll agree to disagree but at least the right will see democratic leadership as strong and committed, maybe even having a sense of humour - anything they can identify with. The leadership needs to be personified. I think it’s starting. We needed something insanely disruptive to force a reckoning. I’m worried that it’s not happening by design. It’s a problem if you’re transmitting and no one can hear you.
I have written so many comments which I then delete thinking I’m not really in a position to share observations, that these observations are too simplistic. But let me try one more time. Indulge me and thank you.
Anand you are a beacon. And I love your hair. It’s kind of mesmerizing :)
Vanda, usually the president is the head of the party, but in this case, Biden has stepped away and Harris has gone quiet. So we're left in this strange situation. Unfortunately the Democratic Party is just a fund raising organization, so it's of no help right now. And the party isn't unified. It's quite a mess.
Thanks for your insight Paula. Sadly I think that Biden and Harris, who both have my respect, aren’t in the best position to help the party.
We need to focus on the present, not just in the US but everywhere. We need to stop blaming and start moving forward. Peace is not a zero sum game. It sounds like rhetoric, but the reckoning is a global one.
So insanely complex. Take care
I completely agree! Have a great weekend.
Yes! Yes! All of this! The lack of reckoning is equally as bad as Trump himself.