Practical Progressivism

Well, I believe it is time we clarify what we think is a serious and practical mode for progression. I believe we have danced around this subject long enough with our “do-gooder” rhetoric and preacher style propositions. It is a cold hard fact that this for many people is a cold hard world. Words alone will not invoke change. Especially not ones lost way out here in the depths of cyber space. Instead, it is going to take a well-developed plan of action.

First and foremost I will lay out what it is we believe will be key to invoking a new method for positive change throughout society. Put quite simply, we propose the creation of a broad based organization that appeals directly to the masses. Its structure is somewhat grass roots and yet interconnected on only the level that the Internet could provide. This will subsequently create an organization that is both highly organized and accessible while remaining non-hierarchical in nature. I will go into further detail of the benefits of this type of organization later on.

Right now I will explain briefly the inspiration for this idea. As explained in earlier writings by Eric, during our high school years we embarked upon performing a type of sociological experiment. Through this experiment of creating an organization within the confines of the small suburban high school, that was essentially purposeless in nature, we discovered in inherent need or appeal that many people had to belong. This is by no means cutting edge research. This is a tried and tested theory that is exploited by every corporate brand name, fringe music group, cult and criminal organization that is in existence. It has not however, been taken and used for positive and practical political or social movements. We find our youth pressured and provoked into believing that in order to belong and in order to fit in to society they must pledge allegiance to many meaningless corporate logos. Why have those who wish to invoke positive change within society not taken a note from those who we are so often apposed to? It would be in a sense taking their own weapon and using it against them. Jamming progressive, world aware, humanitarian views into mainstream or “pop” culture would invoke a change in mindset that would reverberate throughout the world in many forms of change.

It is this day in age that we find ourselves with the tools at our disposal for serious change. In no other age before us was this type of thing truly possible and sadly the window of opportunity may be shrinking. We believe one of the greatest tools at our disposal is the Internet. Today’s media is more then controlled and filtered in order to provide conservative and capitalist messages. That control of the media places a restriction on how easily a positive message of change can be spread. However, the extent that the control reaches stops just short of the Internet. As of now there are very few formal restrictions on our access of the Internet and its broad content. This is not to say it will necessarily be that way forever. China has proven that it is possible to create firewalls, which prevent certain “radical” ideas from being accessed. To put it bluntly, now is a better time then ever.

I am going to sum this up with the point that the world is full of coercive forces jockeying for position at the forefront of our minds. Corporations, governments, media conglomerates, advertisers and many more have been using many tried and tested means to grab our attention and shape the way we think. I have yet to see or hear of a non-profit positively focused organization that has used these methods to their full potential. I believe there is a lot of potential in those methods for the greater good. I end by asking if anyone has any suggestions as to how to further this idea please share. Likewise, if you have any criticism, it’s more then welcome.