Reply To: On Tyranny Lesson 1: Do Not Obey in Advance
In one of the interviews linked here in one of the posts on Maria Ressa, she pointed to citizens winning the Nobel peace prize for 2022 (it was awarded to Ales Bialiatski, a Belarusian human rights activist, Memorial, a Russian human rights organisation, and Center for Civil Liberties, a Ukrainian human rights organisation; the Nobel organization states that the Peace Prize laureates represent civil society in their home countries).
This is where I think I’ve come to realize that a more active role from citizens is required for democracies to remain intact. We can definitely look to, applaud and support individuals and organizations such as those listed by Jane and Cheryl, but it may be the case that more is needed from every citizen considering the enormous challenges we face with respect to tech and media. Clearly our dependence on, and an owner’s ability to manipulate, technology show how difficult the challenges truly are.
But as pervasive and addictive as tech is, it does not compare to in-person human connection. Or even trusted relationships that may not even be in-person. The strength and influence brought about by meaningful connection built on empathy, trust, effective communication and time are more powerful than algos and disinformation. This makes me feel that there is potential, and even a need, for the path forward to include all us taking on a more active role in sharing knowledge, guiding morals, teaching empathy and fighting back against tyranny.
Imagine the power of Tupperware parties or religious outreach programs, based on fun, social activities, but having a subtle purpose (to sell products/encourage church membership and donations – and in this case, just reinforcing strong morals and resistance against disinformation). We can even imagine book clubs in this same respect, and what is happening right here, right now, to be movements along these lines. These social relationships are much more powerful and persuasive than memes and soundbites, in my opinion. And maybe the lessons learned from our personal relationships that reinforce strong morals will stand up to immoral direction from tyrants when the time comes that we need to find the courage to do so.
