This pervasive influence of ideology and consumerism in modern society, illustrating how even well-intentioned actions can be co-opted by the systems they aim to resist. It emphasizes the need for genuine, systemic change rather than superficial actions that offer a false sense of contribution.
The problem we need to mediate is everyday consumer choices are framed as meaningful activism, which dilutes real efforts for change. This creates a sense of complacency and false satisfaction, preventing any real systemic challenges that are so obviously needed.
Historical Parallels, the analogy of medieval serfs accepting their lot illustrates how people historically and presently conflate social structures with natural order. Today’s complacency is like the acceptance of feudal systems.
Commodification of values, modern advertising and consumer culture commodify values and identities, making it hard to distinguish genuine activism from consumerist pseudo-activism. This commodification extends to political and social movements, diluting their impact and sincerity.
Real activism requires more than symbolic acts; it demands substantial engagement and thus sacrifice. The #mainstreaming system is designed to neutralize and commodify this dissent, making it difficult for genuine movements to maintain any integrity.
Necessity for radical change, fluffy incremental changes and consumer choices are insufficient to address any deep-rooted systemic issues. A more radical “spiky” collective approach is necessary to challenge and transform the status quo.
Applying These Insights to #OMN projects: Encourage deeper, more meaningful participation from members, beyond just consumer choices or symbolic actions. Promote activities that foster real community building, skill sharing, and collective action.
Maintain ideological integrity, consistently foreground the #4opens principles (Open Process, Open Data, Open Licence, Open Standards) to ensure basic transparency and accountability. Resist the pressure to dilute these principles for broader appeal and convenience.
Educate and raise awareness, use the #OMN platforms to educate about the pitfalls of commodified activism and the importance of genuine systemic change. Highlight historical and contemporary examples of successful radical movements to inspire and inform the crew and wider social groups.
Core to the #OMN is facilitating and support collective actions that address systemic issues, rather than just individualistic or consumer-oriented solutions. Resist commodification, be vigilant against the commodification of the movement that overshadows the core mission. Foster a culture of scepticism towards consumerist solutions and emphasize grassroots, community-driven approaches.
Slogan for #OMN “Beyond Consumerism: Building Trust Through #4opens and Action”