📹 Concept of a Democratic Society
Politicians will not save you.
Democracy is like a muscle, it needs exercise and practice to refine its form. Today lets talk about the pillars of a democratic society:
Mainstream interpretation of democracy is overtly focused on the electoral aspects: voting, running as a candidate, political parties, parliaments and legislatures. That’s a limited and narrow interpretation of democratic society. This explains the misconception that politics and electoral games are the defining features in a democracy.
- In late stage capitalism, we cannot forget about the Billionaire Class. Lobbyists paid to advance an agenda to generate more profit & wealth through exploitation.
- The exploited: THE PEOPLE- of course, voting, running for office. It is also exercising boycotts, general strike, civil disobedience, activism, or community services. Including those who engage in dissidence, rebellion and resistance through forceful means.
- Independent, critical, and intersectional journalism- factual reporting, challenging politicians/billionaires/those holding power, informing the public, investigating behind the scenes
- Civil society- bridging the community’s needs to the public discourse, advocate for impactful change to support those experiencing marginalization. Labour unions, student groups, thinktanks.
Aside from the billionaire class, all these societal pillars collectively support democratic engagement within a western liberal democracy. You may not be a journalist or a advocate from civil society – but we now understand how a strong democracy cannot thrive without independent journalism and strong diverse civil society organizations.
If you want to show support, you can always donate or become a paid reader to keep these institutions funded. You can also share their articles, podcasts, and videos to support their work.
There are countless of civil society orgs, with a wide variety of mandate. Look up your local orgs, donate, and fine volunteer opportunities near you!
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