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Here on the West Coast, we have a particularly unique situation and demographic of people. I'm specifically referencing this community of artists, activists, bohemians, spiritual practitioners, fashion designers and deviants of every shape and size. The freedom, openness, forward-thinking and rebellion of this community is the very reason I consider this community home. I have never before met a group of people so rich in talent that also embodies the intention and capacity to make positive changes on this planet. Yet, this potential to effect change, in my opinion, is unfocused and thereby ineffective. And so, I intend this message to serve as a call to action; to move forward from the constraint of apathy and truly consider the means for change. I also welcome your responses to the following essay and hope this will instigate open debate. Please contact me here or on my personal account hoodboy@zensearch.com.
REBEL ENERGY vs REBEL CHIC
Truly, we are custodians of "Rebel Culture". This culture originated in the efforts and sacrifices of those who have come before us; I speak, naturally, of the Civil Rights movements that precede us, including the Black Panther party, the Hippie movement and the student uprisings of the 60s, just to name a few. These movements, creations in response to the ills of their time, won freedoms for the community and stood as examples to the world of the "power of the People" over repressive government power.
Here we are, once again at a truly pivotal moment in history, where institutional power seeks to fortify its walls and strengthen its grip at the expense of the people of the world. Let us be reminded that Veitnam II is well and truly underway (we all love a
sequel; as if we can't learn our lesson first time round). Here we are, a community with this vast potential to make a change, to hold government and public conscioussness accountable and yet ...
....where is the movement, where is the change?
I am aware that, as an underground community, our movements are somewhat "covert" in nature. The mainstay of our
dissent goes relatively unseen and unacknowledged by society at large. And rightly so. The foundation and framework
to build a powerful movement that flies in the face of mainstream consciousness will need extensive preparations to maintain its off-the-grid approach. I know there are those out there who know what I mean. But there comes a point where our movements must leave the safety of the shadows and deploy within society at large.
PACIFISM, PEACE & CHANGE
Most of us within this community would like to believe that we are instrumental in creating change in our world. Many of us would cite the doctrine of Pacifism as our guide, wishing to approach societal change non-violently. I would argue, however, that the doctrine of Pacifism that we have accepted does more for social apathy and "sleepwalking" than serve to dismantle odious formations of power and control.
The doctrine of Pacifism, as exhibited by Dr. Martin Luther King for example, was successful, in part, because it was exercised against the backdrop of a more militant black nationalism: the Nation of Islam, when spearheaded by Malcolm X. This militant force demanded equality by the "ballot or the bullet". Under such a threat, institutional power of that era sided with the more civilized musings of a pacifist Christian movement.
Ghandi's "Ahimsa" also sought to pacify abusive power by drawing out the British Empire's abuse of power for the world to see, until it became so intolerable that no man could sit back and watch. Ghandi did this by confronting institutional violence head-on, without concern for himself. Although he did not directly attack his opponent with violence, he engaged the violence that was implicit in its formation and made it explicit. While it may be true that violence begets more violence, that does not mean that we should sit back and idly watch the current continuum of violence and the accompanying loss of freedom and civil rights perpetuate, so as to be free of violence in our own lives. I cite these examples to raise the question of what means will work within our particular era and society to effect change in our world. Ghandi's pacifism was designed specifically for its context and his people. The fact remains that it was a pacifism that did not yeild to power so as to avoid violent confrontation. It stood its ground and broke the law (law as idea, a collectively-agreed upon set of ideals to abide by in order to maintain a society).
CALLING A SPADE A SPADE ...
Both Ghandhi and Reverend King knew that the only way to change the face of power was to confront and threaten it. They knew that to change the law, they had to break the law. With non-violent means, they threatened the law and thereby stood as a threat to prevailing formations of power. Their "brand" of pacifism was mobilized and, one could even say that it was aggressively actualized. The brand of pacifism we see in this culture and, closer to home, within our own community, does nothing to pacify power ... it is us who are pacified. Why would we want to change anything? We are comfortable with the way things are. As long as we point towards a sentiment of rebellion, we can satisfy adolescent cravings to be cool and to be part of some revolutionary underground, exhibiting revolutionary chic, performing a kind of revolutionary theatre without risk to ourselves. This community has the potential to be the revolutionary underground movement of our times, but I'm a bit wary of its true underpinnings; At the moment, our community seems more like a party in your parents backyard, comfortable and protected from the horrific realities outside, than a mobilized movement for change.
Please don't misunderstand; I am not saying that we should all go out and bomb the White House. I am merely sharing my understanding and interpretation of what has worked and what did not. With that said, I do believe violence may be a tool that could assists in our struggle, if we are serious about changing the structure and composition of power. Therefore, we should be open to using it within in the right context. Again, I am drawing the distinction between a cosmetic revolution, as opposed to changing the way we think, relate, act, react and the structure of society.
OUR LEGACY OF DISSENT
Ironically, I feel that the cosmetic sentiments toward revolution has actually attracted us and brought us together ... we all share a similar resonance. But I also feel that those cosmetic sentiments stand to scupper and dissolve any real movement focused on change. They are not substantial enough to carry us through and, in fact, at their core, are divisive to any real radical momentum. They have served their purpose, but cannot be the sole focus of our attention ... that is, if we are are serious about change. I believe that, if we can really unify and mobilize as a group and as a family, we could offer something beautiful to the world and reinvigorate the legacy of dissent which has been bequeathed to us. This legacy needs to be exercised and practiced if it is to continue to exist. We, as part of this community, are the direct descendants of this lineage. We stand on the backs of those who came before us, which is both an honour and a challenge. Let us not be negligent of this, and let us honour the continuum and vow to keep it alive.Our freedom to celebrate has been fought for. If we do not give it full expression, i.e. if we limit it to a style, it shall die, denied of its true "Rebel Energy", a force that moves mountains, shakes crowds and topples empires.
REBEL ENERGY vs REBEL CHIC
Truly, we are custodians of "Rebel Culture". This culture originated in the efforts and sacrifices of those who have come before us; I speak, naturally, of the Civil Rights movements that precede us, including the Black Panther party, the Hippie movement and the student uprisings of the 60s, just to name a few. These movements, creations in response to the ills of their time, won freedoms for the community and stood as examples to the world of the "power of the People" over repressive government power.
Here we are, once again at a truly pivotal moment in history, where institutional power seeks to fortify its walls and strengthen its grip at the expense of the people of the world. Let us be reminded that Veitnam II is well and truly underway (we all love a
sequel; as if we can't learn our lesson first time round). Here we are, a community with this vast potential to make a change, to hold government and public conscioussness accountable and yet ...
....where is the movement, where is the change?
I am aware that, as an underground community, our movements are somewhat "covert" in nature. The mainstay of our
dissent goes relatively unseen and unacknowledged by society at large. And rightly so. The foundation and framework
to build a powerful movement that flies in the face of mainstream consciousness will need extensive preparations to maintain its off-the-grid approach. I know there are those out there who know what I mean. But there comes a point where our movements must leave the safety of the shadows and deploy within society at large.
PACIFISM, PEACE & CHANGE
Most of us within this community would like to believe that we are instrumental in creating change in our world. Many of us would cite the doctrine of Pacifism as our guide, wishing to approach societal change non-violently. I would argue, however, that the doctrine of Pacifism that we have accepted does more for social apathy and "sleepwalking" than serve to dismantle odious formations of power and control.
The doctrine of Pacifism, as exhibited by Dr. Martin Luther King for example, was successful, in part, because it was exercised against the backdrop of a more militant black nationalism: the Nation of Islam, when spearheaded by Malcolm X. This militant force demanded equality by the "ballot or the bullet". Under such a threat, institutional power of that era sided with the more civilized musings of a pacifist Christian movement.
Ghandi's "Ahimsa" also sought to pacify abusive power by drawing out the British Empire's abuse of power for the world to see, until it became so intolerable that no man could sit back and watch. Ghandi did this by confronting institutional violence head-on, without concern for himself. Although he did not directly attack his opponent with violence, he engaged the violence that was implicit in its formation and made it explicit. While it may be true that violence begets more violence, that does not mean that we should sit back and idly watch the current continuum of violence and the accompanying loss of freedom and civil rights perpetuate, so as to be free of violence in our own lives. I cite these examples to raise the question of what means will work within our particular era and society to effect change in our world. Ghandi's pacifism was designed specifically for its context and his people. The fact remains that it was a pacifism that did not yeild to power so as to avoid violent confrontation. It stood its ground and broke the law (law as idea, a collectively-agreed upon set of ideals to abide by in order to maintain a society).
CALLING A SPADE A SPADE ...
Both Ghandhi and Reverend King knew that the only way to change the face of power was to confront and threaten it. They knew that to change the law, they had to break the law. With non-violent means, they threatened the law and thereby stood as a threat to prevailing formations of power. Their "brand" of pacifism was mobilized and, one could even say that it was aggressively actualized. The brand of pacifism we see in this culture and, closer to home, within our own community, does nothing to pacify power ... it is us who are pacified. Why would we want to change anything? We are comfortable with the way things are. As long as we point towards a sentiment of rebellion, we can satisfy adolescent cravings to be cool and to be part of some revolutionary underground, exhibiting revolutionary chic, performing a kind of revolutionary theatre without risk to ourselves. This community has the potential to be the revolutionary underground movement of our times, but I'm a bit wary of its true underpinnings; At the moment, our community seems more like a party in your parents backyard, comfortable and protected from the horrific realities outside, than a mobilized movement for change.
Please don't misunderstand; I am not saying that we should all go out and bomb the White House. I am merely sharing my understanding and interpretation of what has worked and what did not. With that said, I do believe violence may be a tool that could assists in our struggle, if we are serious about changing the structure and composition of power. Therefore, we should be open to using it within in the right context. Again, I am drawing the distinction between a cosmetic revolution, as opposed to changing the way we think, relate, act, react and the structure of society.
OUR LEGACY OF DISSENT
Ironically, I feel that the cosmetic sentiments toward revolution has actually attracted us and brought us together ... we all share a similar resonance. But I also feel that those cosmetic sentiments stand to scupper and dissolve any real movement focused on change. They are not substantial enough to carry us through and, in fact, at their core, are divisive to any real radical momentum. They have served their purpose, but cannot be the sole focus of our attention ... that is, if we are are serious about change. I believe that, if we can really unify and mobilize as a group and as a family, we could offer something beautiful to the world and reinvigorate the legacy of dissent which has been bequeathed to us. This legacy needs to be exercised and practiced if it is to continue to exist. We, as part of this community, are the direct descendants of this lineage. We stand on the backs of those who came before us, which is both an honour and a challenge. Let us not be negligent of this, and let us honour the continuum and vow to keep it alive.Our freedom to celebrate has been fought for. If we do not give it full expression, i.e. if we limit it to a style, it shall die, denied of its true "Rebel Energy", a force that moves mountains, shakes crowds and topples empires.
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Mon, May 14, 2007 - 3:38 PMbeautiful and elegant. and right in its timing, though it is not yet time, in my mind, for the threat of force. what we are undergoing is a revolution of consciousness, and we must take our movement global, recruit far and wide. once people actively become involved in paradigm change, on a worldwide (or at the least, noticeably larger) scale, authorities will react. then it will be time to not be nice. -
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Mon, May 14, 2007 - 5:57 PMMr T.....I think we realy need to look at our movement and subject it to scrutiniy especialy because it is gaining force and momentum. What is the point of recruiting if our core intent is off and our resolve weak (unless that is if you are in it to get paid or laid, which is fine but as i said, lets call a spade a spade and cut the bullshit). Part of the reason i wrote this is because there is a certain dimension that this movement lacks or rather is unaware of. ...
I agree that we as a community are not ready to use the tool of force.....we are not geared up for that but i feel that with a little direction and focus there are some out there who could be making some serious political statements right now. I think that our discourse as a community frowns upon even thinking about such a course of action and i question the motives behind that, and therefore, also the comsmetic sentiments to revoloutions, whether they be in consciousness or otherwise.
I would be gratefull if you could give me your take on these questions.....what do you think this movement is, if it is a movement? What shifts are we making in conscioussness exactly? -
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Mon, May 14, 2007 - 6:13 PM....and also can we realy wait until our movement goes global to act? Surely if we act we will be actracting global attention, bringing the globe to us. It is almost like surrendering our power to fate which plays into the hands of power and does not assert our own power.....
And more to the point....
.......this movement is already global and we are just a part of it, no? -
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Wed, May 16, 2007 - 11:50 AMthank you for starting this conversation
naz told me bout your post in reference to something i had written which was inspired by my experience at LIB.
i believe that we can infect the system from the inside.
we live in a viral world. information is omnipresent. the spirits have innumerable channels.
our times are quite different than then rebels who came before and we must take advantage of the auspicious days in which we live.
i don't believe we have to suffer for our inevitable victory, though dedication and discipline are essential requirements.
it is through our art, our music, our films, our celebrations that we affect people.
people listen to your music because they like the vibration of the sound you create. you affect people's lives on a daily basis and these shockwaves and soundwaves ripple on forever.
we shall overcome, not by guns, violence, or self-mutilation but through the gifts of our hearts and the visions of our souls.
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Wed, May 16, 2007 - 10:18 PMThank you for giving this topic your time and energy. Ultimately i think you are right. Our visions and gifts of our hearts will be the light in the dark and the tipping point, singularity if you will, which will send our soceity into an new direction. But learning from history and having an understanding somewhat of social dynamics there will be many ingredients in the soup and some of them will not be that palatable. Change is painfull. Pain is sufferring in my book. You make it sound like it will be a gracefull march into the gates of heaven. That is a statment of faith, not fact .But faith indeed can be more of a statement of fact if it is "dedicated and disciplined", unshakable.
Ghandhi over came violence by stepping into the heart of the violence not simply by dreaming its defeat. His dream was enacted. His faith, instigated, turned into action. Can we do the same (or are we just waiting for a better excuse) ?
Peace -
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Thu, May 17, 2007 - 1:28 AMi appreciate this conversation very much, and i am engaged by your perspective and dialogue.
i am a romantic and a poet, and a man of faith
any community will have its unique social dynamics and this chemistry has yet to be perfected. apathy, cosmetic spirituality and self-absorption can be a dangerous combination.
however, to return to your soup metaphor, when there are true elements of the soup that are so palatable, so in their power, an amalgamation of ingredients so authentic and unique, which creates a synthesis that works because every element is doing what it does best. that sounds like some delicious soup to me!
i hold no delusions when it comes to change and suffering. i have a background in zen training, and i understand the merits of discipline, persistence and self-sacrifice. our cause is great and we should be steadfast and clear in our goals.
but there is a possibility that it doesn't have to be difficult, it doesn't have to be a struggle. it can be a "graceful march into the gates of heaven" or we could make it a funky groove down the yellow brick road. either way, i want to keep that option open. we don't need a generation of martyrs. what you focus on expands and grows. we have the tools to create the world in the image of our dreams.
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Thu, May 17, 2007 - 2:22 AMI have been pointed to this page as a result of a brief,but interesting conversation last weekend at Lightning In a Bottle and after reading your thoughts I understand why.I recently moved here to San francisco from colorado looking for some of the elements i have discovered at such events as LIB and Burning Man...it is an exciting but relatively new discovery for me. But that's not to say I haven't cultivated my own rebellions and personal revolutions over the years...my education began with a mentor who taught me as much as he could about the 60's...to find so many I share common ground with seems like a miracle really...
I think, in some sense,it is necessary to be patient when it comes to mass movements...revolutions and change.It is exactly the mass way of thinking...the homogeneous mass that this nation and the world are becoming that is exactly what we are really rebelling against.I have only just begun to discover these events and movements and individuals that are doing some really exciting things...and I have to agree with you that so often it all feels as if we are having a party in our parents back yard...if that's all these events and things we are doing is having a party and seeking to escape...to simply be entertained...then it really is all going nowhere fast.but that's not all I sense so far in my experiences...
The true strength of these events and the people who participate in them is their diversity and the amount of discipline and responsibility undertaken to create and imagine truly beautiful places and realities.Things have to happen in stages and even as we speak...people are evolving from their core...from the center...which is how diversity is maintained.In the 60's...the movement fought vietnam and other injustices...but that war went on for 15 years!!!....hardly a triumph for that generation.our country and the governments of the world have waged wars continuously for over a hundred years now...really for longer than it hasn't...it's part of the nature of the beast.we can't really change our government...at least not at this stage.
what we can do is to continue to connect...grow and evolve...build events that are not just about celebration but that also introduce us to hard work and responsibility so that we as individuals,tribes and communities can strengthen a more sustainable future...I hope to see these events evolve into less glamorous areas such as farming,textiles,clothing,building and carpentry...so that the people who participate can begin to galvanize and build real communities that have increasing levels or degrees of autonomy and self-sustainability.It is our own dependence on the things we are rebelling against that are enslaving us...in other words...we are enslaving ourselves...through laziness.
we all need community,no one can go it alone and expect to topple a flawed system....we need to connect...to evolve and to discover what it is to imagine and dream again and to do the things we may have once lost hope could even be possible...and this will require time and patience.personally, I consider the 60's a colossal failure on most levels...and I think it is because it lost it's core...it's center and it's diversity.It became a large movement and lost it's meaning...and became an excuse to party,do a lot of drugs and get laid.Maybe this time it is happening in reverse.People are coming to party...and they are discovering something different,something new...something they hunger for and it might just change their lives...one person at a time.For so many to gather in a forest and participate in what I experienced this past weekend...or at Burning man...or some of the other festivals and events that are occurring,and to do it with such a large degree of beauty and discipline...is a cause to celebrate...and that's what we did.It is a major accomplishment.I only hope to see these events evolve into a way of life that will encourage commitment,sacrifice and true character in those who choose to pursue it.
what i love about the music i am hearing now from The Glitch Mob,yourself,Bassnectar and so many others is a thick, deep vibration...it feels like digging to me...as if we are digging deep into the earth...we have moved away from the sounds of trance...that high flighty sound of outer space...we are seeking to be grounded and bonded deeply to the earth...and to each other.The last night at LIB when Freq Nasty played...the entire Tree House was a frenzy like I hadn't seen in a really long time...possibly ever...it felt like an exorcism...so many of us broken and fractured within by this world,by this way of life we have endured for so long...something significant was happening...it felt as if heaven and hell were colliding and people were digging deep...the music is a powerful tool of evolution and it brings us together and drives us within.But the questions and challenges you or I are posing are part of that process...it's not JUST about the music...it's about questioning and thoughtful living and challenging ourselves and each other to articulate and embody the things that can bring us closer to what we envision....I really have a lot more to say about this but i'm on borrowed time already...
as a side note Symbiosis looks like a step in the right direction....thanks for posting your ideas...i caught your music at 1015 a couple weekends ago here in san fran and i'm definitely a new fan...respectfully-doug
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Mon, May 21, 2007 - 7:14 PMYES.
more action.
awareness: what is going on?
attention: what can i focus my talents and energies on?
action: what will i actually DO about it?
gabrielle roth (5 rhythms dance therapist guru) taught these three tenets....and i concur.
so i wrote a little 125 page master's thesis on bringing the arts to male batterers. i am about to start doing therapy with women in the SF jail. i have a theory about stopping the cycle of violence by way of expression....dance, the arts, poetry.....witness each other exploring ourselves throught the arts in the context of an accepting, empathic community. and i've learned one big thing from this work: MEET THEM WHERE THEY ARE.
yes, this community has some great creators. inspirational beings. POWERful fucking people. one problem i've seen is that the usual, intriguing underground dialogue would likely freak the hell out of the general public. so we gotta take what we've got, be sensitive and LISTEN to where people are...physically, emotionally, mentally...in the general community, meet them there....step up to the threshold between their world and ours...emerging from our covert shadows.....and invite them in to play....gently. with respect.
gateways. serving as gateways seems like a necessary addition to this puzzle. we have a great loving community of increasing consciousness and love. we want to share it. spread it. make change. inspire peace.
that is how i've evolved...........gateway people. i think that's why i've chosen to become a therapist.
radical psychologist james hillman (now in his 80th year) invites psychotherapists to turn the therapy room into a cell of revolution. that's what i'm talkin about....! (on my chosen front anyway.)
with one foot in both worlds. tricksters. gods of the crossroads.
and we've got a ton of them in our community.
i'm inclined to create an 'army,' a peaceful one, for each of the big initiatives that i see need attention in the world. to teach people how to reach others and instill positive change. tangible change. AND we've got to start with where we are and what we've got.
thank you for writing this and listening to my stream of consciousness on the subject.
xo
andrea -
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Tue, May 22, 2007 - 1:02 PM(this is really long - also posted in my blog:)
in response to Breakbeatbudda's post and Mattysmittybaby's post regarding the "implications of lightning in a bottle" and our community's clear talent, genius, and intention -- particularly considering the times we are living in --i wanted to share a bit about my journey and some of my thoughts on all this....
well as most of you know, i was in the peace corps in cameroon in 2002. i lived in a small conservative village out in the middle of no where - all mud huts, no running water. i was teaching people about health, mostly malaria and hiv prevention, family planning, and nutrition. anywayz... it was quite a mixed experience - and it absolutely changed me completely.
overall i left Africa traumatized by the realities of poverty. needless, senseless, preventable deaths and illness. people are dying en mass from things unthinkable here: malaria, respitory infections from cooking for a lifetime over an open flame, childbirth, not to mention the disaster and misinformation of the hiv/aids epidemic there. the list goes on and on. andon andonandon..
i think about africa everyday, and have since i got back five years ago. i spend everyday thinking about how i can make a difference ..... which is why i went to UCLA... to study international health and development in hopes that i would find some answers there... when really they are just training me to be another cog in the system. ...doing great work (planning + evaluating int'l health programs) .. but its all just "bandaids" on the massive problems of poverty and injustice.... which is why i keep searching - for ways to make an even greater impact ...
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sidestory: i've been exploring my roots quite a bit in the last two months... and reconnecting with my heritage .... luckily my Great Aunt Sue loved geneology and spent a great deal of time tracing our family history back as far as she could - (she did this before computers!) she discovered that my family were among some of the first settlers in New England. ... one of the most interesting finds is that i have ancestors who faught in the American Revolutionary War. - my patriot ancestor is John Putnam ... and i am just now starting to learn about him. ....one of the things that i keep thinking about is the drive, determination, and passion of these soldiers ... ready and willing to die for what they believe in.. they did die - quite specifically so WE could have our freedom, and so that we, the people, could be in control of our government. ....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
which brings me to today--- and this fragile moment in time. in all my extensive studies and travels in search of the way to make the most impact -- i keep coming back to YOU - my glorious community.... why? smittybaby and breakbeatbuddha were right on in their blogs this week about this community having a special ~je ne sais quoi~ ..a wicked collective of intense connections, intentions, talent, innovation, and resources. ... all the ability and tools we could possibly need to make a huge difference.....
so are we? are we doing it? .... sure, of course, we are all making significant difference in our jobs, in our individual lives, and the people close to us -- and that is great and all --- but we have the potential, collectively, as a group, to do something HUGE .... but what? and how?
well.... here is my 2 cents...
through all my studies of social/behavior change... i've discovered that one of the most powerful things in the world is entertainment and "pop culture"-- crazy perhaps, but true. it has the ability to speak to/reach the heart+soul of people the way no other formal education, or marketing campaign can.
.... luckily..it seems that entertainment is what we are best at~ art - music - dance - theatre - play - festival - spirituality - connection to earth - conscious living ..... so i suggest we step it up a notch and focus on which STORIES we are telling. lets infuse more political messages into our art... and not just rants about all the things that are wrong with the world, but creative real suggestions of what people can do to make a difference (such as conscious consumption, activism, and doing more community service...)
instead of trying to throw the sickest party or make the coolest costume or b-man camp - lets see who can create the most powerful political theatre piece, or protest puppet show, protest banners, street theatre, or charity benefit events, future myths, or conscious song, or or or or or.... (i am working on a political dance piece for this winter.. we'll see how it evolves...!)
and THEN-- the key is: to take it outside our community and into the MAINstream. we need to teach them what we know ~ show them the way to a more conscious lifestyle... (next year with the elections coming up there are going to be more protests than ever - lets take our party to the streets and make some serious statements -yes?) can you all imagine the things we could do if we put as much time + energy + BRILLIANCE into social/political change as we do into burningman and all our extravagent parties???
anyways .... this is me babbling on and on .... but its only because i believe that this community HAS the power and ability to be leaders of our nation, and spearhead some serious change.
word.
brooklyn -
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Fri, May 25, 2007 - 3:34 AMsome more thoughts on this subject...
i keep coming back to this because i think about this a lot...and have been giving it a lot of thought in recent years...and one of
the best ways i can think of to visualize my thoughts on the matter of activism and global change and these grand sweeping
notions is to think about the music and it's evolution in this culture.music is such an incredibly powerful indicator of the heart
and soul of people,a culture,and where they are at...what their identity is...and where they are going.i have...like so many of
us...been an extremely avid appreciator of music for most of my life.i've been around for awhile now and i have to say that i
had gotten pretty bored with everything i was hearing...favorites in recent years have been in the realm of groups like dalek
and artists like dj krush,techno animal,prefuse 73...the opus...hip-hops frontier...it's these guys who helped lay the
groundwork for what i am hearing now with this scene out here in california with everyone from bassnectar to 3B to the Glitch
Mob...this new sound is perhaps the first thing i've heard in the last ten years that has really gotten my attention...and really
has me excited...that seems meaningful and purposeful.this sound is about taking the beats and rather than this continual
succession of beats...even breakbeats....it is actually about going within and exploring each individual beat...slowing things
down and exploring the depth and vibration of that beat...it pushes the listener deep within and creates a resonance you can
physically feel...because that's what we all look for in music is the feeling it creates...sometimes with meaningful words that
can be moving emotionally,or with sounds that register beautifully or powerfully with the ear...but this sound penetrates deep
into the listeners physical core...grounding them where they stand...it fills the chest and the heart in a very physical way...it
reminds me of the metal scene back in the early nineties when a handful of bands showed up that radically changed everything
we were listening to on the lower east side of new york...one band in particular(eyehategod) did it best with it's heavy
crunching and resonating sabbath riffs...they sloooowwwed everything down and explored the sounds that were at the core of
what makes metal so powerful and intense.it was a dramatic exploration but it was about deep down blues diggin in the dirt
you stand on without all the pretension...and that's what i'm starting to hear again in the form of electronic music which has
obviously dominated music for over 15 years now...i know i'm getting way too analytical here but the point i'm trying to make
here is this...it is by being willing to remain within the time and space you are in...by being willing to be human...this flesh and
blood and reconnecting to the ground you stand on that you begin a real revolution...by talking to the person next to you...by
occupying and exploring each detail...each moment around us and exploring it to the fullest that we begin to occupy the space
we are in.i keep thinking about the amazing performance given by Lucent Dossir in the treehouse at Lightning in a Bottle and
how it occurred to me that so much of what i was seeing must have been remarkable to be choreographed...i wondered who
could have possibly thought all of this up?...and then when i thanked one of the performers the next day...he told me that most
of it was all improvised...exploring each tiny moment in between the scripted act...that was what gave it so much substance
and resonance...magic.so much of what i saw there at lightning and in places like burning man is people finding themselves
immersed in and exploring an entirely new sense of time and space...one they hadn't tasted since childhood...one we all clearly
yearn for...the drugs...the alcohol...all of these things help us to dissolve our distorted sense of time and space...to
help us relax in or explore each moment....if only for a few hours...we have been dragged about by television and cars and an
entirely alien new reality
that has distracted
and warped us
from ourselves and the earth herself.we barely have any contact with the space in between things...going from one artificial
environment to another...we think in terms of rapid and sweeping change and mass movements but it's that kind of
thinking that has warped and destroyed so much...that has wreaked so much havoc not only through wars and global warming
and all of these physical manifestations but also spiritually and psychologically.i constantly thought about...what happened to
that generation in the 60s?and how did we end up here...with things in worse shape than ever before?it's a mistake on my part
to call the 60s a colossal failure...there were so many meaningful new awarenesses and events...but it did not last...they went
to woodstock and revelled in what their lives could be...and then went home... to become the establishment we know and
love so much today.
no revolution has ever been successful that set about to create a "revolution"..most revolutionary movements that were self-
conscious have resulted in places like communist russia or china...or the bloodbaths of the french revolution...the american
revolution was unique because those who fought in that war had tasted the freedom of occupying the ground they stand
on...and the opportunity that holds...and when they experienced an empire seeking to take that away from them they fought
for the ground they stood on...the same is true of the zapatistas...the first real revolution of the 21st century...these were not
conscious efforts to change the world...but rather to protect the very groundedness...the very ground they stood upon.it isn't
about social systems or theoretical ideas...this ism or that...it's about having the right t exist within your own time and
space...on the ground you stand on without some faceless entity telling you what to do and essentially alienating you from
yourself...from your autonomy and right to choose freely how you want to live...because this is where we are now...we are
alienated from each other...we are a culture that has been stripped of all aspects of community...and it is monumental...and
exciting that any sense of community has been established here between us at all.it is still very fragile and has a lot of
maturing to do to get beyond "the party in our parent's back yard" phase of things.
i really liked andrea's response to this dialogue...because she addressed the kinds of things that can effect real change in
peple's lives which is through developing relationships...and meeting people where they are at...nurturing our own evolution
and of those we encounter by embracing the people we see everyday.i've only been here in san francisco for a couple of
months...but i've been here long enough to know that even within this exciting new community i have discovered...we are still
flaky...we are still seeking substance and deep rootedness and character...to become for real.burning man still only lasts a
week...and we still depend on a culture that we are at odds with...and that is at odds with the earth itself....and i don't see
people as being ready to give up the things of this culture that have enslaved us...or having the wisdom and insight to see that
we really are all part of the same thing...(i'm generalizing of course...some do)...
i've had a very important realization recently...i come from a christian minister's family back in virginia...people who represent
everything this rebel spirit of san francisco finds itself at odds with...people who i rebelled against long ago.these are the same
people who oppose abortion and see homosexuality as sinful...you know the type...we stereotype and rather vindictively
despise them from the other side of the cultural chasm in this country...and yet in all of my experiences and all of my travels
and all of my relationships...i have yet to find that same spirit of love and commitment in the culture or in a community...a
community that is truly grounded and willing to sacrifice that much for each other...a community that is as disciplined and
deeply connected to each other...and to their beliefs...it was difficult to go home and to realize how shallow i was in so many
ways...how uncommitted i am...how lacking in discipline and character i had become.i look at the power of this enormous tree
of love that is my family and realize how much of my rebel energy was misplaced...and how much i and so many of my friends
crave what they have.in some ways they are more deeply rooted in the earth than anything i have yet to see here.i'm not
idealizing them in any way...they have flaws and they aren't right about everything by any stretch...and yet to me i see the
sameness of what people on this side of the divide yearn for and what they yearn for on the other.we have so much to learn
from each other.the divide...this rebellion is an illuson we have all created in our own minds.we have much to learn and we
have to grow like the trees of the forest in order to create real and lasting change in this world.we cannot decide we are just
going to create a revolution...that was the God of the old testament that created the world in seven days just by speaking.a
tadpole doesn't will itself to evolve into a frog.that is not how nature works... The revolution will not be televised...it was a
great and powerful statement by Gil-scott heron and it won't come from entertainment or music or movies or even
books...these are instruments of transformation but if it doesn't lead us and point us to something greater...to the moment we
are in...to the ground we occupy...to our hearts...it's nothing.
i don't mean to criticize those who dream of revolution and change...to dream and to have a sense of vision is essential...it's
important to have a sense of where you are going...but i feel like we are just beginning to gain some footing as to where we are
standing...so that we can grow roots...the revolution comes from within...not out there...and when it happens...you won't even
realize it until it has happened...and if we don't learn to richly occupy the moments and the ground on which we stand...it will
never happen... -
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Fri, May 25, 2007 - 2:51 PMand one more thing...i just went back and reread your essay and i realize how much we are saying the same things...i really like what you wrote here and look forward to more...
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Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Thu, May 31, 2007 - 2:46 AMHey everyone. Naz invited me over here to share my thoughts. And it is certainly a subject that I'm passionate about.
Who here watches South Park?
If you don't, you should! Start by watching, or re-watching, the "Die Hippies Die" episode where South Park gets taken over by a Hippie Jam Festival.
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Stan (who has stormed the main stage) - "What are we doing? It's been 9 days. Doesn't it seem like we should accomplish something?"
Guy from audience - "We're using the power of rock and roll to change the world. Wooooh!"
*crowd clapping*
Stan - "Maybe rather than complaining about corporations being selfish, we should look at ourselves. I mean is there anything more selfish than getting high and listening to music all day long?"
Musician - "He's right. It's time for all of us to focus our energy. and get this hippy jam into full swing!"
*music starts*
Stan walks off the stage in disgust.
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smitty:
> we shall overcome, not by guns, violence, or self-mutilation but through the gifts of our hearts and the visions of our souls
No offense, but _how_ exactly is that going to happen?
From reading the description of this tribe, I realize that this might not be a popular thought. While I wish for it, I do _not_ think that music or art can really make any significant change in the world.
I see Burningman as a resurgence of Dadaism and hope that through the creation of the surreal we can broaden people's minds and make the world a better place. But in brutal honesty, I think that's a bit naive.
I also do _not_ think that peaceful protest is a real way to enact change. Simply put, what about a bunch of people holding banners will force the people in power to rethink their policies?
I watched a bit of a documentary a while ago about a big anti-war protests in Washington DC. The people who were getting arrested were cheering, and then poking their heads out of the police bus to tell their friends "I'll be home for dinner". I was disgusted. It seemed like nothing but a game to them, or worse yet, just some sort of political fashion statement -- "Look, I'm protester." How is this going to make any difference?
Douglas makes some good points about conservatives having true commitment, and a willingness to sacrifice for what they believe in.
What are us liberals willing to sacrifice? What are you personally willing to sacrifice?
"Give me Liberty or give me death."
Are you ready for that?
When it comes to protest, I think that violent protest, and taking risks is the only way to make real change. At minimum there has to be the implied threat of violence, or else the protest has absolutely no teeth. People have to be willing to fight - to risk life or limb - if they wish to enact change through protest!
If 100,000 people show up to protest against drilling in the arctic preserve, they'll just be ignored. But if a group of eco-terrorists blow up enough oil rigs, then at some point the accountants of the oil company will tell their bosses that they're actually losing money on the project and something will change.
However, intentionally or not, non-violent protesters do add a lot of strength to the impact of the violent protesters. The original article talks about this. If there are 100 troublemakers along with 100,000 non-violent protesters "the man" will clearly see the possibility of the entire mob turning violent. And that might be enough to scare him into taking positive action.
I think that violent protest and taking risks is the only way to make real change through protest.
brooklyn:
> instead of trying to throw the sickest party or make the coolest costume or b-man camp - lets see who can create the most powerful political theatre piece, or protest puppet show
And again, I mean no offense. But I disagree with you completely. (And I _despise_ the Green Man theme).
I think that your ideas of political theatre will largely just be preaching to the choir - that's who will attend the performances, right?
If you do try to convert people of differing views, unless you're _very_ careful, your powerful political theatre will probably come across as condescending and judgmental. Telling people that they're wrong is usually the quickest way to turn them off. Who exactly are you to tell them that their views are wrong?
Everything up above talks about change through protest. But, actually, I think that the very best and most effective way to enact change is not through protest, but simply to lead by example. It makes progress more slowly than violent protest, but I think that it makes a more lasting impact.
If you believe in sustainable energy, then humbly and quietly build yourself a solar or wind-powered house. Don't tell anyone that they need to do the same, but when someone asks, show them how to do it.
Leading by example..... along with humility. Easy as that.
2 cents
-Adam
P.S. I do see the irony in my preaching the importance of humility in a generally un-humble and often judgmental fashion. Sorry about that, but hopefully you'll find at least something useful in my lengthy post. -
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Unsu...
Re: Rediscovering Rebel Energy.
Mon, June 11, 2007 - 5:07 AMWILLINGNESS AND ACTION
The community at large is rather hedonistic, and therefore not primed for a revolution of sorts. When we revel in our pleasures, whether it be sex, drugs, and electronica, we tend to get lazy, actually apathetic. Granted, there are some out there within the family who have put willingness into action, but overall, such is not enough.
We can speak of an internal revolution, where change begins with the individual and 'blah blah blah'. We can have clothing styles that are 'counter-culture' but if the person next to you has got the same feather and the same crystal from Mars, then...some much for originality. There's a reason why we go to same parties, listen to the same music, some of us even dress the same, and to even a further and more intimate extent, fuck the same people.
it's our culture, it's our community, it's our home.
We speak about manifesting change, sending intent and 'blah blah blah'...fuck that.
We need to take the reins of power back. As a large community of like minded individuals why have we not become more politically active???
I don't see many of us forming a people's army any time soon, but getting involved on a political level and beginning to infiltrate the beast from the inside out, this I can see.
When you fight, you either have the high ground, trojan horse it, or ambush.
This fight has become a trojan horse.
Don't mistake this as a call to create an 'alternative' party, sorry folks this is not europe, you are either a Republican or a Democrat in this country, pick a side...that is the sad truth. Imagine our people holding office, imagine our people financing political campaigns.
YOUNG PEOPLE FIGHTING THE WARS OF THE OLD.
If there was a bully on your block and he kept messing with all the kids, what would you do? personally, I would kick his ass.
But for many, violence is a place that many have neither control nor discipline for. It is something that must be stomached well.
Once again we can speak of change, we can sing about it, and have 'deep bass' reverberate through our spines, but ultimately, what the fuck is 'bass' going to do when the secret police come crashing down your door???
Consider me what you will, But if you want something to change in your favor, one must 'force position'. Stuffing a daisy down the barrel of a rifle is powerful imagery, but you still got a rifle pointed at your face.
As the old saying goes, "Fight fire with fire".
If it is the case that, we have a perceived enemy more than willing to rip our rights away and rape our earth, then we must meet said enemy with the same vigor and force that they inflict such evils upon us.
But who is willing to step up? I don't see lines of people rushing to your local gun shop.
But who is willing to step up to push an agenda we can all agree on??
It's simple, if you want to keep it clean, we got to get political with financial backing from the tribe, but if you want to go nuts, Then remember The art of keeping a secret.
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