Solidarity Forever: Building Movements Amid Today’s Crises
Apr 12, 2024
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Activist and documentarian Astra Taylor discusses transformative solidarity with Leah Hunt-Hendrix, emphasizing its role in addressing global crises. They explore the historical origins of solidarity, its relevance in contemporary movements, and the necessity of collective action to combat societal challenges.
Solidarity goes beyond empathy, linking individuals through material economic ties in times of need.
Philanthropy must adopt transformative approaches to support movements effectively and challenge systemic inequalities.
Deep dives
Solidarity Rooted in Ancient Roman Law
The concept of solidarity traces back to ancient Roman law, where collective debts among farmers in crises were common. This historical root reveals that solidarity goes beyond mere empathy, incorporating a material economic element that binds individuals together in times of need. The book delves into this history, highlighting the importance of solidarity, not just as a feeling, but as an active practice with deep roots in community support and mutual aid.
Evolution of Solidarity as a Political Term
Solidarity as a political term emerged in the 1800s, influenced by French law and thinkers known as the solidarists. These thinkers saw solidarity as a solution uniting individuals and collectives, past and future. Despite its initial traction, World War I and subsequent individualistic philosophical trends led to a decline in the concept's prominence, diverting political theory towards more procedural approaches.
Solidarity as an Active and Evolving Concept
Solidarity is highlighted as an active practice rather than a static notion, requiring continuous enactment to maintain its essence. Through organizational efforts and movements, solidarity is crafted and reshaped, fostering relationships, bonds, and coalitions. The dynamic nature of solidarity navigates internal debates, resolves disputes, and fuels transformative actions for social justice.
Challenges and Nuances in Philanthropy and Solidarity
Philanthropy, often intertwined with solidarity efforts, faces challenges in balancing support for social movements while avoiding imposition of donor agendas. The book explores critical views on philanthropy, advocating for transformative approaches that challenge systemic inequalities. Discussions touch on the structural influences of philanthropy, the need for self-criticism, and the importance of building supportive ecosystems for progressive movements.
“None of us benefit from a burning planet,” says activist and documentarian Astra Taylor on this week’s Deconstructed. Taylor and Leah Hunt-Hendrix join Ryan Grim to discuss their new book, “Solidarity: The Past, Present, And Future of a World-Changing Idea.” Delving into the philosophical depths of solidarity, they trace its origins back to ancient Rome and explore its relevance in today's interconnected world.
Focusing on transformative solidarity, they highlight its potential to bridge diverse experiences and causes, offering a unified approach to address the multifaceted crises we face. Taylor, a co-founder of the Debt Collective, a union of debtors, and Hunt-Hendrix, co-founder of progressive philanthropy networks Solidaire and Way to Win, draw on their experience to underscore the necessity of transformative solidarity in movement building.
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