I surprised myself and wrote one oblique sort of thing about how I’m feeling in this America we happen to live in at the moment: Anti-Leadership.
@bjhess A very thoughtful read. As a Brit I will never understand the need/right to own an automatic rifle. But I fully agree with your leadership sentiment. I feel that global we are going through a crisis of leadership, whether that be leaning into totalitarianism or thinly veiled corruption of democracy and or wealth.
@tomc Thank you!
As an American I do not comprehend the need to own a semi-automatic weapon, either. And actually a vast majority (something like 80% I believe) of us don’t comprehend. Yet nothing is done about it.
It is interesting to hear others around the world such as yourself talk about a crisis in leadership as well. Democracy as we’ve grown to know it does seem under siege and at risk of dying away.
@bjhess I certainly feel like we are living through a shift. Certainly in my lifetime, what felt like local shifts in the politic and society that ebbed and flowed now seem to be magnified on a global scale to a brand of narcissism. The acceptance or tolerance of this new kind of behaviour is what shocks and saddens me. I know I am very much generalising here. But I guess over the ages one can highlight similar times, I just never thought I would live through them.
@tomc Interesting. The shift here for me in the states seems to be from “of the people, but the people, for the people” to a corporate- and billionaire-selected representation, achieved through Supreme Court action and gerrymandering. And of course it requires a political class that enabled it. I actually don’t really comprehend how we ever reverse course on it.
But I also know past times weren’t as … innocent as history sometimes portrays them.
@bjhess I totally agree with this “from of the people, but the people, for the people” to a corporate- and billionaire-selected representation. Also gerrymandering is happening here too, even in my local region. I also am unsure how change is made as democratic rights are eroded it becomes increasingly hard. I think about the French Revolution and the fact that the population rose up but that was in a time where government and corporations didn’t have the levels of surveillance that is in place now. But I’m trying hard not to think about this too much. Instead I’m doing a doodle everyday :)
@tomc I don't know if it's saddening that you are feeling the same thing in your country, or if I'm just happy to "feel seen." lol
I am sad that all the same games are being played throughout the democratic world. It feels like we're generally boiling frogs. I'm not sure we'll be able to gather the energy to revolt.
I am definitely disassociating myself from all things politics and, well, world events TBH. (Part of why I'm surprised I've posted anything.) I feel some guilt about it, but I truly cannot solve the problem. I'm happy to contribute if someone figures out a way that we can collectively make an actual difference.
I’m trying hard not to think about this too much. Instead I’m doing a doodle everyday :)
This is so lovely! I'm glad you've been able to keep that habit going and growing. Keep it up!
@bjhess I also have no answers, but I turn up and vote when I can and for how long I can, as that to me is the only answer. “We’re” not yet voteless. yep it’s all going hell in hand cart haha.. but I take the view that day to day life is the same and the people I meet and talk to are generally kind and friendly. But it feels like I’m heading to the outer fringes of town metaphorically. 😀 Must admit on the more depressive days I don’t feel like doodling but it makes me happy and that’s all that matters to me.