The Trouble With Growing Our Community
One of the core tenants of solarpunk is community. In nearly every example of fiction within the genre, society has shunned strong, central control in favor of looser, community driven collectives. Now the reasoning behind this is in no small part due to the benefits on nature - a smaller footprint means a smaller environmental impact. But beyond the obvious reasons lies the crux of what I want to write about:
Community drives change.
We see this now as the world seems bent on shifting towards right leaning, authoritarian philosophies. The reason these movements have gained such momentum is not because of their inherent values (if you’re solarpunk and a fascist I strongly recommend rethinking your values), but rather because they have built community based on division. By creating an “us versus them” mindset, oligarchs, corporations, and fascists have successfully generated massive and successful change, albeit in what I believe to be the wrong direction.
Why then do we not see change occurring in the opposite direction?
There are certainly elements of this issue that have to do with progressive movements and their commitment to facts. When you are bound to the truth it is a lot more difficult to flood the collective unconscious with whatever you want. There is also a level that has to do with motivations behind the change. Anger and fear are far more powerful motivators than love and hope. But, in my view of things, I think that the issue facing solarpunk-eque movements is not one of values, ideas, or desire of the broader population. It is one of size and critical mass.
The “us” in a modern day utopian experiment is often viewed as “everyone of all backgrounds.” The “them” is subsequently transformed from a tangible thing or group and into more esoteric ideas. “Climate collapse” cannot be seen by the unimaginative until it is on their doorstep or in their grocery stores. “Excessive division” is an ineffective argument to those who see other humans as their enemy. “The rise of dictators” is a dream of many who would see a solarpunk experiment die.
How then do we built up momentum when seemingly niche groups are required within our philosophy?
The obvious answer is a sacrifice of ideals. Wouldn’t it be so much easier if I could simply say “screw you, let’s waste water to generate deep fakes. Let’s get rid of science to pursue our end goals. Let’s label those people as the enemy so they know we mean business.” But of course this is not the way. While it has worked in the short run, seeing a rise in the desired politics of the elite on a global scale, this is not how we win. The flames of hatred can only burn so hot for so long until they extinguish themselves. And if they burn down the forest along the way, what was the point?
No, the way to build a community of our ideals is to drown them in our science. Inundate them with counter-economics. Flood their feeds with love. Ultimately, the way to build community is to refuse to play the game our enemies want. Ignore the jibes and return to bastions such as this, building these communities gradually. When they’ve gotten large enough, turn our attentions outwards. Continue our internal actions in the broader world. When faced with love, we have to believe that most will chose that over hate.
Because without love, our grand human experiment is bound to fail.
I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on this. I know that this is more nebulous than anything, but I wanted to get words down. I have heard people saying we need to play “their” game in order to win, but I don’t think that’s true. We simply need to change the rules.
As always have a wonderful day, and think you for reading my rant.