We likely share a deep frustration with the current state of #mainstreaming society, particularly that people have willingly stayed inside and thus are complicit in the harmful systems perpetuated by #dotcons. How can we emphasize the importance of stepping away from these toxic paths to take genuine openweb paths rather than just renaming or repackaging existing ideas, that only leads to repeating the same stupid mistakes.
A simple step is making mainstreaming thinking dirty, using the story told by metaphors like deathcult and stupidindividualism that make the flaws in mainstream thinking visible and unappealing. This path has the effect of tarnishing the allure of these deathcult ideologies, to open up space for people to seek out and build alternatives. On this activism, there is a strong emphasis on the need to stop complaining about the mess and start building alternatives. The metaphors used are not only critiques, but also rallying cries for action—urging people to move beyond criticism and engage in the hard work of creating something better #OMN
By using metaphors, shared hashtags to galvanize people into action, we start to turn critique into compost that can nourish new growth. The path is in fostering real, community-based alternatives that move beyond the failures of the past. The effectiveness of these metaphors relies on a community building affinity group of action, adopting and using them consistently. To push shared understanding and drive cultural change, avoiding the pitfalls of #stupidindividualism to seeds the change and challenge we need.
- The #Deathcult vs. Fascists is more than a metaphor, this needs to be said to help brake thought the political disillusionment. Comparing the current political landscape (Democrat/Labour as the deathcult and Trump/Tory as fascists) shows the deep dissatisfaction with the available choices, both sides are deeply flawed. Yes, we do face the reluctant decision to “hold your nose and vote for the deathcult” as a transient path. A pragmatic but cynical approach to dealing with the immediate threats posed by these systems.
- Balancing community with Individualism is a #KISS path to move away from current extreme individualism, towards a more balanced approach that recognizes the importance of community and collective action. StupidIndividualism, especially when it’s disconnected from community, is a root cause of many societal problems. This needs to be linked to the broader critique of #liberalism and #capitalism, where the balance between individual and community has been lost.
- Foster affinity groups is a path to encourage the formation of communities that share these critical views and are committed to building alternatives. These groups can use the hashtags as rallying points to organize and communicate, but the real work will be in the relationships and actions they build together. To turn this critique into action, the OMN has tangible projects, the focus is constructive, community-oriented alternative solutions.
This is a call for transformation and regeneration, not just complaining about the situation. Yes, composting the mess is a metaphor for grabbing a spade to take the mess we’ve created and turn it into something productive, something that can nourish new humanist #openweb growth. Building an alternative quickly like the #OMN is crucial to avoid repeating the same mistakes under different names, we need to really avoid this repetition.
A shovel comes to hand?