General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Social Justice is the ONLY Path to Economic Prosperity for Workers in This Country [View all]OneGrassRoot
(22,920 posts)of some really intense discussions I had over the last six months, after immersing myself in "radical" group discussions. I put that in quotes because there are so many labels nowadays (like 50 subgroups under the feminist label, for example), that I just gave up on understanding what each and every group was truly about.
I sought out such groups when I realized that the so-called "new economy" movement is very segregated. It was like a slap in the face to realize that it's great that co-ops and other alternative economies are making a comeback, but nothing is sustainable without true diversity.
Without diverse direct engagement, the systems simply change from one "master" to another, regardless of the ism employed.
I met with tons of push-back in all of these groups when I discussed racism and bigotry, and how we can't have TRUE solidarity without dealing with the realities of our culture. Not only do we have systemic racism and bigotry, but it is indeed very much part of our culture -- and it has been from the start.
Wiping out capitalism and instituting another economic system will NOT be sustained until we have a cultural transformation.
Even if something truly radical happened economically, there is a HUGE segment of our population which feels they are superior -- for any number of reasons. Our society "others" a LOT.
I don't believe a radical change in economic system will wipe out our generations-long cultural views steeped in racism and bigotry. It would take many generations, if the economic system could be sustained without true diversity, that is, for the culture to follow, imho.
On the other hand, if we could reach critical mass regarding cultural transformation -- away from our bootstrap mentality (embraced by many young libertarians...yes, usually white male...the same ones who pretty much rule online culture and are the ones creating most of the most popular websites) -- I do believe cultural transformation could be swift, as we are seeing with the shift in perspective regarding same-sex marriage.
I don't think we can do one without the other and expect it to be sustainable. It has to be simultaneous.
Well, that's what I believe very strongly, and it's why I wasn't welcome in such groups...lol