Hello friends,
I wonder if anyone might be interested in another idea to build community, promote education and encourage action from our general FB group? Last night, I read “On Tyranny”. It’s a very short book with only 20 chapters, and reviews historical and current day events, what to expect and what to do.
My idea is to host a “pop-up book club discussion” on FB, in our FB group. I think it might be worthwhile to open discussion there again if we can increase exposure of the content to a greater number of people, for this book in particular. “On Tyranny” is a short guide to 20 different strategies that citizens can use to defend democracy against an authoritarian government, written by historian Timothy Snyder who looks to 20th-century Europe in an effort to help 21st-century Americans. It was written in advance of the first DJT presidency.
If there are enough of us interested, we could schedule the discussion for a relatively short time from now because it’s a short book – library hold lists may cycle through readers quickly given it’s length – and discuss each chapter, one day at a time.
This idea would amplify exposure of each important lesson in this book and could be quite insightful to anyone who hasn’t yet read it. It could also be beneficial in building a stronger community for us resistors, perhaps inspiring those who haven’t yet taken any action to start. Perhaps our book discussions could even change some of the minds of those in our FB group who voted for DJT.
Here’s another example of how a tap after a tap after a tap is power.
Please let me know your thoughts. If you think this is a terrible idea, I welcome that too. I consider you all my dearest online friends and your thoughts are deeply valued. Please note that online safety is still top priority. If you ever spot anything in our LP FB group, don’t hesitate to use the “report to admin” function on FB to notify us. There is no tolerance for aggression or hate.
This post was inspired by:
If our Facebook group admins are willing to take this on, I am on board. Since Facebook is no longer a public group, I would hope there is the option to control the discussion and ensure it is respectful and civil. Count me in.
Yes, I’ll do the monitoring; it seems like it would be worthwhile if we can spread important knowledge and better prepare for what is coming.
Keeping the conversation respectful is part of keeping the group safe and I’ll take action on disrespectful or hostile comments. If you or anyone here sees anything questionable, don’t engage, just “report to admin” and I’ll take care of it. If there’s something urgent, send an email as I’ll get a ping and can act more quickly.
After reading about deradicalization to write my article on strategies to combat disinformation, I realize that there is no hope for us to change any minds that are hard set on the opinion that current events are wonderful. So we won’t bother at all with any nonsense. However, there may be some who are starting to doubt their choices and others who will find comfort and support in seeing a strong community of people who understand the reality of our situation – this will let them know that they are not alone.
Also, I am not as well-read as you all are here, so this book is just my suggestion. I’m open to other books, ideas, etc. And, I don’t want anyone to feel any pressure to participate in anything – I’m happy to let bad ideas die, especially if I’m the source of those bad ideas.
I’ll give it a whirl.
I’ll have to bow out of this. Not enough time to do all the reading. Sorry.
No worries, Nancy, and no need to apologize at all. If you happen to be on FB and see any of the discussions, a “like” is very supportive and helpful. But please don’t feel any pressure or obligation to do anything at all. Your lovely posts and comments here on BCF are very uplifting and show strong support already.
I’ll participate too. Interesting idea. Glad you suggested it. I think it will be positive and informative.
This is great, thanks everyone for the feedback. Some of our past discussions on FB had only two or three participants sometimes, so with at least three here, I’d be happy to move forward with the idea.
Does anyone have any preferences with respect to dates for the discussion?
I should receive my book tomorrow so I’m pretty much ready anytime. Especially if we are going to discuss one chapter per day.
I have no preferences for discussion dates. I hope to find it in one of our local indie bookstores and will start looking. But I will plan to be ready when the discussion is announced. Thanks!
Libby and Jane, let us know when you manage to find a copy and are ready to discuss. Tara, I have a copy from the library so you can read my copy.
Jo-Anne Dulcie Maurits and Carolyn Hackler say that they’d like to join the discussion as well, but they also need to find copies to read.
If there are others from our group or outside of our group who you think might like to join the discussion, please feel free to invite them.
Comment here when you’ve read the book and let me know what you think. Thanks everyone!
Of course I deleted my FB account last week! I will think about joining again.
I deleted mine as well, but this looks like it’s a good reason to jump back on for a short bit. It’s great to see the enthusiasm and the number of people involved is growing by the minute!
I am more than excited to be part of this discussion. The book is available at my local Barnes & Noble; I will pick it up either tomorrow or on Saturday, after the economic blackout of Friday, February 28. I am looking forward to reconnecting with old friends!
I am looking forward to reconnecting with you and your well-informed insights.
Jane I’m flattered to be invited
Getting On Tyranny. When is the discussion?
I will try to participate in this if possible. You never know what’s going to strike a positive chord with someone. I’ve been avoiding most of FB, and to be honest I’m trying to keep up with so many current events, actions, and books that I’m getting behind on a lot of things in my life right now; but I’ll do my best. I looked in my library for this, and all versions are currently checked out, but I put myself in the shortest line (large print) so will hopefully have that in my hands soon. I’m definitely interested in reading it.
It is unavailable at my neighborhood bookstore and on back order from their supplier!
I am thinking I will get Kindle version (but not today) and then buy it in print when it is in stock.
Hello Debbie and Susan! Great to see you both here. I’d like to schedule the discussion after everyone listed here has had a chance to read the book (we’re all in this together!) so please check in and leave a comment when you’re ready. As soon as we’re all ready, we’ll start the discussion on FB. Please keep an eye on this post for updates.
I’ve also just finished the discussion guide for this book, which is another spot you can bookmark for updates if you’d like. The questions are published, but, as always, please feel free to share your thoughts, e.g. if questions are terrible and need to be removed/edited or if you’d like to propose additional questions. Comments here or through the contact form at the bottom of the screen/or via email are all welcome.