#systemicchange

[tmarshconnors]

Who Else is Sick of the Puppet Show?

In today's world, it seems like every turn we take, we’re greeted by the grand theatre of politics. It's a show filled with dramatic entrances, scandalous plots, and character arcs that could rival any soap opera. But as captivating as it might seem from a distance, the reality is much more disheartening. Politics has become nothing more than a sick game, and many of us are fed up with the puppet show.

The Illusion of Choice

One of the most frustrating aspects of modern politics is the illusion of choice. We're often presented with two or more candidates who, on the surface, appear to have different agendas and solutions. However, scratch beneath the surface, and you'll find that many of these politicians are backed by the same corporate interests and influenced by similar lobbying groups. It's a rigged game where the players might change, but the puppeteers remain the same.

The Cycle of Scandal and Distraction

Political scandals are now so frequent that they barely make headlines. What should be shocking and unacceptable behaviour has become the norm. Politicians from all sides are involved in corruption, deceit, and hypocrisy. Instead of addressing these issues, the media and political strategists often use them as distractions, keeping the public focused on the sensational rather than the substantial.

Empty Promises and Hollow Victories

Every election cycle, we are bombarded with grand promises of change, prosperity, and progress. But once the elections are over and the dust has settled, these promises often fade into obscurity. Politicians prioritise maintaining their power and catering to their financial backers over delivering on their commitments to the electorate. The cycle continues, leaving the public disillusioned and distrustful.

Polarization and Division

Another sickening aspect of the political game is the deliberate polarisation and division of society. Politicians and their allies use divisive rhetoric to pit one group against another, creating an environment of hostility and mistrust. This strategy ensures that the public remains divided and distracted, making it easier for those in power to push their agendas without facing unified opposition.

The Puppeteers Behind the Curtain

At the heart of this political theatre are the real puppeteers – the wealthy elites and powerful corporations who pull the strings. These entities have the resources to influence policies, manipulate markets, and shape public opinion to serve their interests. While the public is entertained by the puppet show on stage, these shadowy figures continue to amass wealth and power, often at the expense of the common good.

So, what can be done to break free from this sick game? It starts with awareness and education. The public must be informed about the true nature of the political system and the forces at play. From there, it’s about demanding transparency, accountability, and genuine representation. Grassroots movements, community organising, and active participation in the political process can help reclaim power for the people.

We must also seek to bridge the divisions that have been deliberately sown among us. By finding common ground and working together, we can challenge the status quo and push for meaningful change. It’s time to move beyond the puppet show and create a political system that truly serves the people, not the powerful few.

The current state of politics is indeed a sick game, one that many of us are tired of watching. The puppet show has gone on for far too long, and it’s time for a change. By recognising the illusion, rejecting divisive tactics, and demanding accountability, we can start to dismantle the puppet theatre and build a political system that is just, transparent, and truly representative of the people’s will. Who else is sick of the puppet show? It’s time to rise up, reclaim our power, and create the change we desperately need. 

Remember THE REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE TELEVISED!

[beckwith98]

How do you become an ally against racial injustices within a system that perpetuates it? People of color don’t need saving – they only need to be seen, heard, and recognized. Their pain is not something to be ignored, nor fetishized or commodified. In the fight against systemic cruelty, being an ally against racial injustices is needed now more than ever...

[sairalynch]

How do you become an ally against racial injustices within a system that perpetuates it? People of color don’t need saving – they only need to be seen, heard, and recognized. Their pain is not something to be ignored, nor fetishized or commodified. In the fight against systemic cruelty, being an ally against racial injustices is needed now more than ever...

[kathybarnes]

How do you become an ally against racial injustices within a system that perpetuates it? People of color don’t need saving – they only need to be seen, heard, and recognized. Their pain is not something to be ignored, nor fetishized or commodified. In the fight against systemic cruelty, being an ally against racial injustices is needed now more than ever...

[renatoferreiradasilva]

Critical and Transformative Economics: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Sustainable Development

Contemporary economics faces a series of complex challenges, including growing social inequality, environmental degradation, and global economic instability. Faced with these challenges, there is a need for a more critical and transformative approach to rethink existing economic and social structures. In this context, Critical and Transformative Economics (CTE) emerges as a promising alternative, offering an interdisciplinary vision that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and human well-being.

Foundations of Critical and Transformative Economics

CTE is based on a critical analysis of power relations and systemic inequalities present in the current economic system. Recognizing the limitations of the neoliberal capitalist model, CTE proposes an approach that questions the logic of unlimited economic growth and profit maximization, advocating instead for environmental sustainability, social equity, and human development. This interdisciplinary approach incorporates insights from economics, sociology, ecology, and other disciplines, seeking a holistic understanding of contemporary economic challenges.

Experimentation and Critical Inquiry in CTE

A central aspect of CTE is the emphasis on experimentation and critical inquiry. Through experimentation with new economic theories and models, critical economists can explore innovative alternatives that challenge established conventions. Additionally, critical questioning of existing power structures is essential to expose the flaws and injustices of the current economic system, paving the way for transformative solutions.

CTE and Sustainable Development

CTE plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development. By prioritizing environmental and social sustainability, CTE seeks to develop economic models that meet the needs of present generations without compromising the future. This involves adopting policies and practices that promote equity, social justice, and the preservation of natural resources, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Challenges and Opportunities of CTE

Despite its transformative potential, CTE faces challenges in its implementation. Resistance from established institutions, lack of resources, and public skepticism may hinder the widespread adoption of its proposals. However, the opportunities offered by CTE are equally significant. By challenging the status quo, promoting critical inquiry, and seeking innovative solutions, CTE has the potential to catalyze a transition to a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable economy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Critical and Transformative Economics represents an essential approach to addressing the challenges of the 21st century and building a future that is more just, equitable, and sustainable. Through critical analysis, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, CTE offers a transformative perspective that seeks not only to understand but also to reconfigure economic and social structures towards a more sustainable and inclusive world. Thus, it is crucial for researchers, policymakers, and society as a whole to recognize the potential of CTE and work together for its effective implementation.

elaborado com inteligência artificial

[phonemantra-blog]

Explore the ongoing conversation surrounding pay inequality in the entertainment industry, as discussed by acclaimed actresses Olivia Colman and Taraji P. Henson. Uncover their candid revelations and the broader implications for gender equality in Hollywood. Shedding Light on Wage Disparity In recent years, prominent figures in Hollywood have been vocal about the glaring discrepancies in pay between male and female actors. Olivia Colman and Taraji P. Henson are among those who have openly discussed their experiences with wage inequality, shedding light on an issue that continues to pervade the film and television industry. Olivia Colman's Candid Confession During a recent appearance on CNN's The Amanpour Hour, Olivia Colman candidly addressed the issue of pay disparity in Hollywood. The Oscar-winning actress expressed frustration over the gender-based wage gap, emphasizing that male actors often command higher salaries despite outdated justifications rooted in audience draw. Insights into Colman's Experience Despite her acclaimed performances and accolades, Colman revealed that she has personally encountered instances of pay inequality. Reflecting on her career trajectory, she acknowledged that her earnings pale in comparison to what her male counterparts would command in similar roles, highlighting a staggering 12,000 percent pay difference in one instance. Taraji P. Henson's Perspective Colman's sentiments echo those expressed by Taraji P. Henson, who shared her struggles with wage disparity in a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Henson lamented the persistent challenge of negotiating fair compensation, underscoring the systemic barriers faced by Black actresses in particular. The Impact on Future Generations Both Colman and Henson underscore the broader implications of pay inequality beyond their careers. They emphasize the importance of advocating for change to ensure that future generations of actors, especially women and minorities, are not subjected to the same systemic inequities. The Call for Systemic Change As voices like Colman's and Henson's continue to resonate within the industry, there is a growing call for systemic change to address pay disparity in Hollywood. Advocates argue that fair and equitable compensation is not only a matter of economic justice but also a crucial step toward fostering diversity and inclusion in entertainment. FAQs Q: Why is pay disparity still prevalent in Hollywood? A: Pay disparity persists in Hollywood due to entrenched biases and outdated beliefs about the marketability of male versus female actors, as well as systemic inequities that disproportionately affect women and minorities. Q: How do actresses like Olivia Colman and Taraji P. Henson advocate for change? A: Actresses like Colman and Henson use their platforms to speak out against pay disparity, share their personal experiences, and advocate for systemic reforms within the entertainment industry to ensure fair and equitable compensation for all actors. Q: What can be done to address pay inequality in Hollywood? A: To address pay inequality, Hollywood must implement transparent salary structures, conduct regular pay audits to identify disparities, and actively support initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the industry.

[drnic1]

When Medical Thrillers Mirror Healthcare Injustices

One of Michael Crichton’s early successes was the movie “Coma” which came out in 1978. A movie based on the book of the same name by Robin Cook, MD. The book was his first break-out hit featuring corporate malfeasance and greed taken to extremes in a hospital to create a ready supply of donor organs. Michael Douglas starred in the movie. Coma – the Medical Thriller Robin Cook went on to write 40…

[taqato-alim]

Analysis of Ben Shapiro's statement in relation to global warming: "It's hot outside. You know what I can do about that? Zero things. Thank God we have this thing called air conditioning. It's awesome. You know what's a great cure for it being super-duper hot outside? Being a first world country."

The statement reveals a limited and dismissive perspective on global warming by:

Downplaying its seriousness and complexity

Suggesting individuals cannot take meaningful actions

Framing air conditioning as an adequate "cure"

Implying only wealthy countries can adequately respond

An ethical evaluation finds the statement:

Fails to consider needs of vulnerable groups

Exhibits an individualistic and self-interested perspective

Trivializes a serious moral issue

Fails to acknowledge individual responsibility

Perpetuates "climate injustice"

The statement contains logical fallacies such as:

Reductio ad absurdum

Appeal to ridicule

Tunnel vision

Begging the question

Denying the antecedent

Personal incredulity

Special pleading

Affected stakeholders include:

Vulnerable communities

Future generations

The global community

Businesses

Policymakers

Individuals

• The statement reflects a narrow perspective that fails to consider diverse needs, interests and shared responsibility across stakeholders threatened by global warming.

• A more ethical and effective response demands acknowledging multiple perspectives and adopting a broader framework that considers the common good.

This statement contains problematic and dismissive views regarding global warming:

It downplays the seriousness of global warming by framing it as merely "it being super-duper hot outside." Global warming leads to many problems beyond just higher temperatures, like rising sea levels, extreme weather events, wildfires, etc. It poses risks to economies, infrastructure, and human health and safety.

It suggests that individuals cannot take actions to mitigate or adapt to global warming. In reality, individual behaviors and choices can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing climate.

It implies that air conditioning is an adequate "cure" for the impacts of global warming. While air conditioning provides comfort from high temperatures, it requires energy that often produces greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, air conditioning does not address other impacts of global warming.

It suggests that only "first world countries" can adequately deal with global warming due to having access to technologies like air conditioning. In reality, countries of all economic levels face impacts from global warming and effective mitigation and adaptation efforts will require global cooperation.

So in summary, the statement exhibits a limited and cavalier view of global warming that dismisses its seriousness and complexity. While air conditioning may provide some relief from hot temperatures, global warming demands comprehensive solutions that involve both individual actions and policy changes at all levels to effectively mitigate emissions and adapt to a changing climate.

Here are the main stakeholders potentially affected by the ideas in the statement, along with brief evaluations of the impacts:

Vulnerable communities - The dismissive view of global warming and focus on air conditioning ignores the disproportionate impacts on poor communities, the elderly and those who lack access to technologies. This perpetuates environmental injustices.

Future generations - By failing to recognize the need for mitigation and adaptation efforts, the statement fails to consider the interests of future generations who will face more severe impacts of climate change.

The global community - The narrow "first world country" framing overlooks global interdependence and shared responsibilities to collectively respond to a systemic issue that affects all humans. Inaction enables threats to human wellbeing on a worldwide scale.

Businesses - By trivializing global warming, the statement ignores the risks climate change poses to economies through disruption of supply chains, infrastructure damage from extreme weather and impacts on markets and productivity. Mitigation and adaptation efforts are in businesses' long-term interests.

Policymakers - The simplistic "zero things can be done" view inhibits policy solutions needed to effectively respond to climate change through regulations, incentives, research funding, international agreements and other systemic interventions.

Individuals - While claiming individuals cannot act, lifestyle choices that reduce emissions and support climate-friendly businesses do make a difference at scale. Individual agency and responsibility are undermined.

In summary, the statement reflects a narrow perspective that fails to sufficiently consider the diverse needs, interests and shared responsibility across many stakeholders threatened by global warming. A more holistic, just and effective response demands acknowledgment of stakeholders beyond the speaker alone and the adoption of a broader ethical framework that incorporates multiple perspectives.

Here's an ethical evaluation of the statement:

It fails to consider the needs and interests of vulnerable groups. Global warming disproportionately impacts the poor, elderly, and future generations the most, who are least responsible for causing it. The statement's focus on air conditioning ignores those without access to it who suffer the most from heat.

It exhibits an individualistic and self-interested perspective that fails to consider our moral obligations to others. The "what I can do about that" and "thank God for air conditioning" focus only on the speaker's own comfort and convenience, without regard for the common good or the needs of society as a whole.

It trivializes a serious problem that poses risks to human wellbeing. Global warming threatens lives, livelihoods, health and prosperity for many. The flippant "super-duper hot outside" phrasing downplays these real moral concerns.

It fails to acknowledge individual responsibility for contributing to a collective problem. Although the statement claims "zero things" can be done, individuals do make choices that impact greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Failing to acknowledge any personal responsibility exhibits a lack of ethical reflexivity.

It perpetuates a form of "climate injustice" by suggesting only wealthy countries can adequately deal with global warming's impacts. All humans have a basic right to a safe environment, so access to technologies like air conditioning should not be a prerequisite to coping with a changing climate.

In summary, the statement reflects an ethos that is:

• Self-centered rather than considering the needs of vulnerable groups • Individualistic rather than recognizing collective responsibility • Apathetic rather than morally responsive to serious threats to human wellbeing • Privileged rather than acknowledging basic rights that all humans hold equally

While preferences for comfort are understandable, an ethical response to global warming demands a broader concern for human welfare, justice and the common good - which the statement fails to demonstrate.

The given statement contains several logical fallacies:

Reductio ad absurdum - By trivializing global warming as merely "it being super-duper hot outside", it reduces a complex problem to an absurd oversimplification.

Appeal to ridicule - The flippant and dismissive language ("super-duper hot", "thank God for air conditioning") appeals more to ridicule than reason.

Tunnel vision - By focusing only on using air conditioning as a "cure", it ignores other aspects of global warming and fails to consider wider implications and solutions.

Begging the question - It assumes that being a "first world country" means global warming can be adequately dealt with, without actually providing evidence or justification for this claim.

Denying the antecedent - It claims that because "Zero things" can be done by the speaker, individuals in general cannot take meaningful actions on global warming. But the speaker's inability to act does not prove inaction is inevitable for all individuals.

Personal incredulity - The statement relies on the claim of "zero things" that can be done based merely on the speaker's own incredulity, rather than substantive evidence or argument.

Special pleading - It suggests that only "first world countries" can deal with global warming's impacts through technologies like air conditioning, without justifying why they should be exempted from making efforts to mitigate climate change.

In summary, by relying on hyperbole, cherry-picking of arguments, unjustified assumptions and dismissive rhetoric, the statement exemplifies various logical fallacies that undermine its credibility and prevent a reasoned analysis of global warming. While air conditioning may provide convenience, more thoughtful ethical and logical consideration is needed to properly evaluate the complexity of global warming as a problem demanding global solutions.

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[manoasha]

Building Financial Strength: Helping Everyone Rise Together 🌐"

In the journey toward fairness and equality, economic empowerment stands tall as a powerful tool, especially for those who have faced historical disadvantages. Let’s explore how economic empowerment can be a guiding light for marginalized communities, fostering financial strength and creating opportunities for everyone. Understanding Economic Empowerment Economic empowerment means giving…

[kenndowell]

Cutting The Stigma On Black Male Vote

Cutting The Stigma On Black Male Vote https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgH09iBzm9I *Behind the Scenes* Cutting The Stigma On Black Male Vote: Dive deep into the history of government impact on Black communities. Improving Opportunities for African-Americans: Overcoming Systemic Challenges What do you believe is the number one thing the government should be doing to help improve the lives of African Americans? Share your thoughts. #CommunityEmpowerment #SystemicChange #BlackLivesMatter #SpeakUp via Strategic Moves With Kenn Dowell https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuR0qSitL0BzCbd9I16VOoQ July 19, 2024 at 10:51PM

[itsmeautievee]

Happy 4th?

To y’all who are dealing with a lot of feelings on Independence Day because of: - Fireworks triggering Sensory Overload/PTSD/Anxiety/etc. - Systemic Racism and Corruption that leaders and businesses are trying to placate with shallow gestures of inclusivity instead of addressing the problems at hand. - Family members who don’t want to practice social distancing in the middle of a pandemic - Stress from Unemployment/Underemployment

I love you. I stand with you. I will keep standing with you and fighting with you for real change. 

[new-storylines]

3-ingredient recipe to save the world (or at least do your part)

The world is messed up. And I’m passionate about a lot of causes: the destruction of vital ecosystems leading to climate change (and new epidemics), the discrimination against different groups of people, social injustice, climate injustice, the exploitation of garment workers and so many other workers, the disappearance of democracy, you name it. But my intention here isn’t to dive into the data on each of these causes, nor to explain their different layers. A lot of people do that way better than I ever could so I trust you’ll educate yourself on such issues with some of the countless books, podcasts, articles, blogs, YouTube channels and so on. What I have to offer is my little exploratory recipe to (try and) save the world. It only requires 3 ingredients but it is not a “quick”, “easy” or “lazy” one. If I haven’t lost you yet, here it goes: 

Ingredient 1: Recognition that you are part of the problem

Capable leaders and citizens have known about most issues for ages and yet, they persist. I believe it’s in part because we are taught that we can’t do anything. We learn to feel powerless before the 1%, the ones in charge. And this feeling of helplessness is very convenient for us in the short term, as we are animals who like things to stay the way they are and who are not fans of making efforts. But the truth is we hold great power, in that we are free individuals who live in (human and non-human) systems, which means every action we take has an impact on the rest of our systems. And of course, the nature of our actions define the nature of their impact. So the minute you decide to act consciously, you gain power and control over who you are and what you put out in the world. And that means that you (and I) are part of all the problems I mentioned, and many more.

Not because we’re bad people, but because we’re part of bad systems.

And recognizing that is very depressing and liberating at the same time. Because you can choose today to stop doing certain things that you feel go against your values. And that’s being part of the solution. Careful, I’m not suggesting that individual actions such as recycling are going to save the world. Just that recognizing our own role in our systems is the very first step towards making systemic changes.

Ingredient 2: Emotional intelligence to connect

To me, it feels like the reason why most of us don’t make that shift is a lack of intelligence. But not the kind of intelligence that is praised by mainstream education systems. No, I’m talking about emotional intelligence, the one that allows us to have a healthy relationship with our emotions, which in turn helps us to have healthy relationships with others (humans, other animals and even other beings).

I feel this type of connection is missing in the general activism landscape. Because yes, we need slogans and hard data, but I think we mainly need to develop our capacity to connect with our own values and the experiences of others. We live in a society that values rational thinking and that makes money off of irrational behaviours (like the dopamine reward system that makes many billionaires happy). But when we listen to the emotional and irrational part of ourselves, we can meet that person, make friends with them and try finding balance between the world we live in and the world inside of us.

Ingredient 3: Courage to keep cultivating your emotional intelligence

Now, that can be hard, because the world we live in tends to go against most people’s core values. Most of us are decent people and don’t want to harm anyone. But we still have a lot of work to do in order to achieve what we see as fair and even acceptable... And like I said earlier, we are animals who don’t like to work hard. The human brain is wired to always take the easiest shortcut. And if it’s allowed us to survive for so long, it also means that sometimes, it has to mute certain emotions (or facts) so we can go about our day without feeling bad because the world is crazy and it’s partially our fault.

So it can be tempting to give up and let our civilization go down in history as the greatest failure on Earth. But I’m here to invite you to resist the temptation. 

Cultivating this intelligence will keep you connected to what you really are, to others and to the systems you depend on. It will be hard, yes, but I think it’s the only way to maintain hope (and I’ll talk later on about how having hope is the only rational thing to do). And personally, if I’m going to look for ways to do my part to save the world, I need to have hope. That is why I will dedicate this small space on the Internet to the process of observing our emotions, understanding them, connecting to them and acting on them to expand our imagination and create new storylines for the history books of the future. And I will focus on this process through art (mainly my own songs), because I believe in its power to shape narratives.

If you’re someone who wants to engage in activism (meaning to act to make changes - you don’t need to organize protests to be an activist) but you don’t know how or even whether it’s worth your energy, I suggest your bookmark this blog and follow me on Instagram to know whenever I post new personal insights.

Until then, peace out! :)

[cruzcontrolblog-blog1]

A Word About Sticking To It

Systemic change (n.): change in a system. The whole system needs to be transformed. Systemic change means that change has to be fundamental and affects how the whole system functions. (Source: www.medium.com/virtual-teams-for-systemic-change). 

This is where we are as a nation. We are in the midst of chaos and it is up to us as human beings to advocate for the human rights of our fellow Black citizens. When you look at what has happened in our country over the past 8 days, you realize that police brutality and the literal destruction of Black human beings is NOT a new problem. Rather, it’s been heightened by yet another senseless death.

Yesterday we participated in #BlackoutTuesday. What are you doing today? Tomorrow? In September? 5 years from now? How will you contribute to the systemic change? What needs to happen is the literal obliteration of the criminal justice system and policing standards as we know it. The SYSTEM is against Black individuals and it is up to US to fix it. 

This is my reminder and encouragement that we should not and will not stop. If you push this issue to the back burner, you become complicit to the problem. I’m not saying you need to run for President. But what I am saying is that you need to be talking about this. Have those uncomfortable conversations. Pick the brains of your friends and family to see where their thoughts are. Sign petitions. Donate IF you can (but don’t feel pressure to because we are still in the middle of a pandemic). Think about your career plans and how you can incorporate civil rights issues in even the most minimal way. Read books and watch videos that pertain to this issue and educate yourself. Any light you shine on this issue is noticed and appreciated. Black people need everyone to support this cause. It starts and ends with us. We are the change.

Stay tuned in the coming days to my stories and posts for ways you can help. @cruz_crontolblog on Instagram. 

#BlackLivesMatter

[petiteplusmeow]

THE GAP BETWEEN GOOD INTENTIONS AND REAL CHANGE. 💫 . .. . #antiracism #systemicchange 🙋🏾‍♀️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CT-VC0wJfeW/?utm_medium=tumblr

[the-huldra-king]

It’s not enough to say that individual problems are solely individual responsibilities when those individual problems stem from issues on a broader scope: systemic problems.

If an app on your phone kept randomly closing, you’d say it’s the app’s developers’ responsibility to fix it, right?

But:

Have you checked the other apps?

If they randomly closed too, would you say it’s still each of the respective developers’ sole responsibility?

When in the end, it turned out to be a bug in the very operating system?

The app developers can and will definitely try to work around the problem because they obviously want their apps to work, but there’s only so much they can do when ultimately the operating system developers have the most means and therefore with most responsibility to address the problem.

With great power comes great responsibility, remember?