Couldn't have said it better than Salomé. But to add a few things: Nuance is not a "nice to have"; it's actually foundational to true understanding and conflict resolution, necessary to overcome literally any challenge we face.
I'm also reminded of something Ayishat Akanbi wrote: "People think to be radical is to be confrontational, hostile, and angry when what is truly counterculture is understanding, curiosity, self-discipline, a backbone, combined with spiritual and emotional depth."
The article certainly doesn't advocate for apathy; rather, it's an invitation to take action from a grounded, principled place, rather than from a place that will only fuel division.
Thank you Gillian! And yes, that's exactly as I see it: when nuanced thinking goes out the window, you can be sure the irrational, domineering thinking that characterizes ideologies like fascism is that much closer to filling the gap.
I'd say because it's the opposite of fascism and authoritarianism generally. A culture where nuanced thinking and avoiding needless cyclical conflict is more prevalent is a culture that's more protected against the trap of authoritarian thinking, which is the first step to institutional authoritarianism.
If you study the rhetoric fascist leaders used to garner support, you'll see the exact opposite of what this essay advocates for. If more people were aware of this connection, they'd be more resistant to becoming pawns for an authoritarian ideology.
Couldn't have said it better than Salomé. But to add a few things: Nuance is not a "nice to have"; it's actually foundational to true understanding and conflict resolution, necessary to overcome literally any challenge we face.
I'm also reminded of something Ayishat Akanbi wrote: "People think to be radical is to be confrontational, hostile, and angry when what is truly counterculture is understanding, curiosity, self-discipline, a backbone, combined with spiritual and emotional depth."
The article certainly doesn't advocate for apathy; rather, it's an invitation to take action from a grounded, principled place, rather than from a place that will only fuel division.
Thank you Gillian! And yes, that's exactly as I see it: when nuanced thinking goes out the window, you can be sure the irrational, domineering thinking that characterizes ideologies like fascism is that much closer to filling the gap.
Love that quote from Ayishat!!
I'd say because it's the opposite of fascism and authoritarianism generally. A culture where nuanced thinking and avoiding needless cyclical conflict is more prevalent is a culture that's more protected against the trap of authoritarian thinking, which is the first step to institutional authoritarianism.
If you study the rhetoric fascist leaders used to garner support, you'll see the exact opposite of what this essay advocates for. If more people were aware of this connection, they'd be more resistant to becoming pawns for an authoritarian ideology.