Comments on: Defending and Driving the Climate Movement by Redefining Freedom https://freedomsurvival.org/defending-driving-climate-movement-redefining-freedom/ Social movement strategy for a sustainable and democratic society Fri, 26 Sep 2025 17:06:36 +0000 hourly 1 By: admin https://freedomsurvival.org/defending-driving-climate-movement-redefining-freedom/#comment-1180 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 02:16:12 +0000 https://freedomsurvival.org/?p=313#comment-1180 In reply to Mary Wildfire.

Agreed, Mary! I think that the history of consumer propaganda is an antidote to the fatalistic belief that today’s high-consumption lifestyles are an authentic reflection of what human beings are. That belief undermines the idea that we can create societies that respect ecological limits, and probably keeps lots of people from getting involved in the transition. Social movements and schools must bring this kind of liberating history to the public.

Aaron

]]> By: Mary Wildfire https://freedomsurvival.org/defending-driving-climate-movement-redefining-freedom/#comment-1178 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:41:28 +0000 https://freedomsurvival.org/?p=313#comment-1178 What strikes me is the utility of shining a light on the backstage of our opponents’ grandstanding. For example, you mention showing the public the history of consumerist propaganda–this is critical in that it shows that an obsession with consumption is not inherent and universal, nor is it “the basic American character”–well, maybe it is now, but that was successfully manipulated into being. Linking an idea of being a victim of manipulation with knee-jerk thoughts like “but you can’t take away our hamburgers!” or “but if I’m depressed or bored I gotta be able to go shopping for more clothes I don’t need” could help short-circuit that manipulation. Nobody likes feeling like a dupe, and everyone, right or left, sees the elite as oppressive bastards. Propaganda only works well in the dark.

]]> By: Susan Butler https://freedomsurvival.org/defending-driving-climate-movement-redefining-freedom/#comment-127 Fri, 20 Dec 2019 04:10:10 +0000 https://freedomsurvival.org/?p=313#comment-127 “Participant identity formation” is quite a big opening. Young people are often quite lost and need this badly. Evidence that climate activism can be a source of freedom and joy is the amazing feelings generated during the Extinction Rebellion actions. People felt so liberated and free to be creative. That was the main takeaway from the events for many participants, no matter the dire cause being espoused. This to me proves that what you are asking for is not far-fetched.
Probably we should also be factoring in how to respond, not so much to the opposition in the same context we find ourselves in now, but in a new context of great disruption when present opponents may no longer be so strong. Say, after the next financial collapse which may happen soon.

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