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David Suzuki recently asserted that we have failed “to imagine a better way” than our current economic paradigm. I agree: We have to start identifying ourselves as citizens, not consumers. Suzuki presents a compelling case that illustrates how letting go of our addiction to an economic model that relies on growth will actually enrich our lives and our societies in meaningful and measurable ways.
However, by inviting us to imagine something different, I think he presents a scenario in which we have far more work cut out for ourselves than is actually the case.
People all over the world have been doing this work for a long time now. Let us not forget that despite being actively suppressed, Indigenous teachings persist thanks to the strength and sacrifice of generations. As Suzuki suggests with his reference to steady state economics and de-growth, there are also working theories and alternative economic models. We have a vast body of evidence to support the notion that different economic models can (and do) contribute to greater equity and wellbeing that is sustainable. There are even precedents for actions and policies based on these ideas that can help guide us. Small scale though some of them are, they exist!
I do not believe the primary challenge ahead of us is to imagine possible alternatives to this system that enslaves so many. What we must do now is in fact take the leap, make some commitments, and join the flow of what is already under way and has been for some time. So we don’t have to start from scratch. But maybe the reality feels even scarier: we actually have to start.
As with many significant social justice movements throughout history, this exciting flow of ideas and actions is unfortunately not often part of mainstream conversations — as Suzuki rightly points out about the federal candidate debates about our economy. Indeed, this is perhaps why the media response to the Leap Manifesto is what it is (at the moment, anyway). But if the rich foundation upon which the manifesto has been built was more widely understood and appreciated, then perhaps committing to it would not feel like such a stretch to so many.
Recognizing the context that surrounds and the history that supports ideas like Suzuki’s or the Leap Manifesto (as examples), we might all become less cautious about considering alternatives to our dismal status quo as plausible — not just as ideas, but actions. Indeed, we would perhaps be more likely to see the implausibility of maintaining our current course of action.
How might we contribute to this re-contextualizing of seemingly radical ideas? I think there are endless possibilities and for each of us they will differ. However, here are a few strategies to consider:
1. Although we all, understandably, tend towards our own friendly circles, I think we would do well to take an uncomfortable step beyond them. This may mean something as simple as attempting to cross-post a blog to a site with a new audience. It may mean learning to speak across differences so we don’t get stuck in our own disciplinary silos. And — most difficult of all — it may actually mean listening more openly with a willingness to be changed.
2. As urgent as it feels to focus on critiquing what is currently on offer, we can nourish our own souls and also encourage greater civic participation by starting with what already works well. This is the basis of asset-based community development. The most certain way to alienate people is to tell them everything that’s wrong. And of course it’s also a sure fire way to lose significant traces of our own hopeful histories from which we can learn a great deal. Particularly, we need to learn from and honour Indigenous knowledges that have been determinedly showing another way all this time.
3. Working in isolation can be demoralizing and lead to crises in confidence that can prevent great actions from really taking off, so I’ve added a small list of resources below. I invite you to take a look and follow up those that intrigue you. Of course there are many others, so please share them in the comments section. We may end up finding connections with and resources for some of our own initiatives or passions this way, and supporting the good work of others. What might happen if we successfully mainstream these conversations?
My hunch is that if we honour those whose work precedes ours and celebrate the successes (big and small) of those who are taking real steps towards what Christine Boyle and Seth Klein refer to as a moral economy, we will find that we are not alone. Heck, maybe our leaders will even join us once they realize others have already taken the first steps.
These (and many other) resources might interest you:
Photo by Gord McKenna on Flickr
A version of this post can also be found on postgrowth.org.
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