Abstract

Keep this in mind. All conflict rises from inequality, real or imagined. Unpeople, here defined by Chomsky, are not an accident. They are not created by God or any other supernatural force. They do not "deserve" to live a life of crushing poverty and desperate hopelessness. They are created by powerful people who make policies for their own benefit. The world is devolving into a casino capitalist free for all resulting in massive inequalities the world over. There is a never-ending need for new markets and cheap labor. Here is an illustration of the results. According to the dominant narrative, this is the natural order of things. By that, I mean what we are taught about ourselves by society. We are "free," competition with winners and losers in natural, you get ahead through hard work, you can pull yourself up by your own boot straps (what does that even look like?) are some examples of the myths created for the benefit of a few. Unless we rethink the world we want to actually live in, conflict will only grow.

There are alternatives. The point of this blog is to offer a counter-narrative to the dominant discourse. By discussing Unpeople, I hope to do just a small part in making the world a more just and better place. Should everyone be exactly equal? I'm not sure that's even a good thing, much less possible.We should strive for a world where everyone's basic needs are met. Also, a world where everyone can live a full life with dignity. No one should live in garbage or die via drone. This is not a world I can live in, and do nothing. One blog, among millions, is not much. But if I can move the meter any toward a better more just place for all, I've done my job. If one person just reconsiders the state-sponsored mythologies that benefit the few, I'm happy.

DISCLAIMER...    

I'm a white guy American who benefits greatly from the current system. I cannot fathom how the Bottom Billion live from minute to minute day to day. The least I can do is try. I can also make others aware. I too am limited by the stories I hear and internalize. I have much to learn, and a long way to go. Will you join me?

Thanks,

-Paul