Today my partner and I were discussing the declining state of affairs in the world, specifically here in the US (a conversation prompted by this “Pressure Cooker and Backpacks” news story and the ever-evolving NSA spying catastrophe). Exasperated, he said “things have to get better… eventually.. right?”
I think that’s a feeling most people understand. But in response I said “things won’t magically turn around or get better, people have to make them better; but nobody wants to get their hands dirty”
I’ve been thinking about it ever since. I don’t think it’s quite accurate. As I continue to move through my thesis one concept I keep coming up with is the idea of distraction juxtaposed with powerlessness. That’s an incredibly intoxicating (or sedating) mixture. Throw in the decline of our educational systems and the co-optation of “radical” organizations and movements by bourgeoisie liberals and I, for one, see the perfect storm of liberation stagnation.
It’s easy to say “people are stupid” or “people don’t care” or “people are lazy” and that’s why things suck. I think its a hell of a lot more complicated than that. And we don’t even necessarily need to get caught up in the “whys” of the situation we currently find ourselves in (unless people want to share their stories to deepen our understanding of the landscape).
What i think we do need is to figure out how to activate people, how to empower, how to ask the right questions. How to re-introduce the concept of freedom and liberation and revolution (outside a nationalistic rhetoric). How to get people engaged and interested in creating a better situation than we find ourselves in. And how to mobilize.
hahayourefunny 
eurobrat
August 9, 2013
Yeah, for most of the people I know, the “people are lazy” idea doesn’t apply, as they are working their behinds off. I think that may be it, people are exhausted from the effort of work and just surviving, and Facebook and TV are great distractions for exhausted people.
But I agree that it’s not a given that things will get better. If we want for things to get better, we have to make it happen.
Jamie.Marie
August 23, 2013
I agree! This article is right up that alley of people being exhausted and distracted. It’s super on point I think: http://www.raptitude.com/2010/07/your-lifestyle-has-already-been-designed/
eurobrat
August 24, 2013
Ah yes, very interesting. I’ve always thought of time as being the much more precious commodity than money. This is a concept I’ve often tried to explain to my friends who want to convince me to work long hours of overtime. Yes, I’ll have more money, but will I have any time or energy left to do anything with it…?