2023 / 5784 Rosh Hashanah - Teen discussion group
How do we support each other in pushing back against authoritarianism & white supremacy/nationalism?
Working definition of authoritarianism - from unabridged.m-w.com (Merriam Webster):
a political system that concentrates power in the hands of a leader or a small autocratic elite not constitutionally responsible to the body of the people
Authoritarianism destroys - amongst much else - creation & creativity.
Examples: Carroll County book banning; New College FL takeover & painting beige over murals (see below)
Importance of pushing back!
** Interpersonal level - conversations that help us move to supporting on larger levels
**Organizational level - example of actions for Carroll County library
Consider these questions and how they may be useful in conversation.
*One of the best strategies in interpersonal conversations is using our own learning as an example.
When encountering or witnessing authoritarian actions, here are some questions (NOT exhaustive - just a start)
a political system that concentrates power in the hands of a leader or a small autocratic elite not constitutionally responsible to the body of the people
Authoritarianism destroys - amongst much else - creation & creativity.
Examples: Carroll County book banning; New College FL takeover & painting beige over murals (see below)
Importance of pushing back!
** Interpersonal level - conversations that help us move to supporting on larger levels
**Organizational level - example of actions for Carroll County library
Consider these questions and how they may be useful in conversation.
*One of the best strategies in interpersonal conversations is using our own learning as an example.
When encountering or witnessing authoritarian actions, here are some questions (NOT exhaustive - just a start)
- Who is affected by this action?
- Are people affected based on some aspect of their identity that they cannot change/control?
- What may be lost? Whose loss?
- What may be gained? Whose gain?
- Who profits materially from this decision?
- Who makes this decision? Who has input into this decision?
- Whose fears or desires are driving this decision? Name as many fears / desires as you can.
- What (if any) are common values?
- Where & when has this happened before?
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All of these murals at New College in Sarasota, Florida were painted over with beige paint when DeSantis installed a new president.
