Edward Ongweso Jr., a Senior Researcher at Security in Context and co-host of This Machine Kills, dives into the political economy of technology. He addresses the rise of surveillance culture and its impact on marginalized communities. Ongweso critiques libertarian ideals while advocating for community engagement and mutual aid. He also explores the pitfalls of cryptocurrency and its effects on human relationships. With insights into journalism and politics, he emphasizes the need for collaborative approaches to societal challenges.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of promoting human-centric strategies that prioritize empathy and sustainability over profit-driven motives in society.
Edward Ongweso Jr. highlights the critical role of tech journalism in raising awareness about the social implications of technological advancements shaped by venture capital.
The conversation focuses on building community ties as the foundation of security, advocating for mutual aid and collaboration instead of fear-based safety measures.
Deep dives
Challenging the Operating Systems of Society
A core theme is the idea of consciously intervening in the systems and structures that influence society. Rather than accepting the status quo that prioritizes profit and control, the focus is on promoting human-centric strategies that are empathetic to both individuals and the planet. For example, the conversation highlights the importance of implementing pro-social initiatives that encourage collaboration over competition. This approach seeks to create healthier, more sustainable futures through a grassroots reimagining of societal norms.
The Role of Technology and Journalism
The discussion emphasizes the need to bridge technology with political and social awareness, particularly how tech journalism can inform the public about the implications of technological advancements. A guest, Edward Anguesso Jr., reflects on the significant influence of venture capital in shaping technology, often at the expense of social welfare. By examining companies like Uber, the focus is on how exploitative conditions for workers arise from a profit-driven tech landscape. This serves as a call to action for journalists to illuminate these connections in order to foster a better understanding of technology’s real-world impacts.
The Fragility of Current Systems
The conversation delves into the fragility of the socio-economic systems currently in place, highlighting how these systems can collapse under pressure. The risks associated with extreme wealth concentration and the erosion of democratic principles are discussed as converging threats to society. For instance, there are concerns around the potential for an 'exterminationist' future where marginalized populations are deemed unviable and discarded. This observation serves as a wake-up call for individuals to recognize the urgency of fostering solidarity, empathy, and actionable change in response to systemic inequalities.
Reimagining Security and Community
The podcast also explores the notion of security as rooted in community ties rather than surveillance and control. There is an emphasis on creating a sense of belonging and mutual care among individuals as a counter to fear-based safety measures. Examples include community initiatives like tenant unions emerging from individuals connecting and collaborating. A framework for security based on empathy, rather than a punitive or isolationist approach, highlights the potential practical strategies for fostering resilience in human societies.
Beyond Fear: Building Meaningful Connections
The discourse culminates in an imperative to transition from a fear-driven society to one that fosters genuine relationships and connection. There is a recognition that societal change should focus on reducing cultural fear and promoting care for others within communities. Engaging in mutual aid and local support systems can counteract market-driven individualism and help weave stronger societal fabric. By nurturing these connections, it’s posited that a more hopeful and inclusive future can emerge, defying the fear-based narratives prevalent in today’s society.
Edward Ongweso Jr., Senior Researcher at Security in Context and co-host of This Machine Kills, journeys with us into the political economy of technology and the deep crazy that is informing the collapse of the still viable, if problematic, civilization.
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