In this political moment of triumph as well as “barn burning” for the political far right in the United States, I am wondering how those of us with more progressive, liberal hearts are going to articulate a compelling narrative, “tell a different story,” to move our country and our world away from the precipice of fascism into a world where we can collaborate together “as culture healers, not culture warriors.” This is an essential part of the mission and vision quest of the “Heal Our Culture Project.”
This morning, thanks to my subscription to the outstanding [PODCAST], Straight White American Jesus, I learned about the organization “Un*** The Republic” (UNFTR).
The “five non-negotiables” of UNFTR are:
- Housing First
- Civilian Labor Corps
- Medicare for All
- Election Integrity
- Climate Action
These are outstanding starting points and vital issues. I agree progressives should be able to both come together around these issues and articulate a vision for these priorities in new, compelling ways.
We certainly have an existential need to engage in better “narrative storytelling” in our decentralized, fractured, and polluted information landscape.
For me personally, I think the values which undergird my worldview and a progressive worldview also need to be a part of this vision. That absolutely includes universal human rights and self determination, operationalized as representative democracy. Building community and supporting local as well as international collaboration are also essential.
As Bradley Onishi and Max discussed in the podcast, indigenous rights are also important. But I think human rights are the larger umbrella. I understand much of my work professionally and personally today falls under the banners of anti-fascism and anti-racism. Racism, misogyny, the “othering” and oppression of different groups, the denial of basic human rights to others who are different from ourselves… these are all things to which I am opposed. But just as I can articulate the things I am against, it is vital for us to articulate in persuasive and compelling ways the values we support.
This is an excellent podcast and I recommend you check it out, as well as the UNFTR project.
An enduring, valuable activity in which we can engage is the “sharing of trusted voices.” Brad Onishi in “Straight White American Jesus” is one of my trusted voices, and I appreciate him sharing the UNFTR project. Along with “The Indivisible Project,” I think these are all important projects and voices we need to both listen to and partner with in the days and weeks ahead.
I have added all of these resources to the “Trusted Voices page” of the Resist and Heal Project website.
Please check them out, subscribe, and share.
AI image generated by Wes Fryer using ChatGPT 4o for iOS (top and featured image of this post)
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