Others protest against economic injustice, political corruption, environmental destruction -- important but external and material phenomena. Is it possible to effectively protest against the violation of more subtle matters: moral and spiritual assaults on culture, community, and personality?

These propositions may appear to be quixotic or bold (or both), but so what? We can create the spaces, forums, events, and actions to reclaim the ‘moral commons.’ We can uphold our right, our 'human right,' to the freedom for authenticity, awareness, and inwardness.

Have ideas about other kinds of direct action in the moral commons? Contact us.
Want to explore these issues together? Contact us.

Geoff

manipulation

Manipulation happens in thousands of ways. We don’t want to create laws or regulations to prohibit it. But should we silently, submissively accept being manipulated? How can we respond?

Evading the reality. At a local store, handcrafted embroidered purses, made by peasants in poor countries, are advertised under a brand that focuses on the Western designer who commissioned the work, entirely ignoring the people who actually creatied by hand, and their communities. This cold-hearted tactic loses none of its insidious small-mindedness by being so common.

False naming. The little things make a big difference. At some cafes, the medium size drink is called ‘grande,’ which means ‘large.’ This is manipulative.

Preying on selfishness. Advertisements which prey on desire, fear, or glory – that is, our selfish and narrow motives – should be criticized, at some level. Actually, there’s nothing wrong with choosing selfishness – the wrong is to stimulate this in others.

psychic numbing

Psychic numbing at airports. Airport waiting rooms are the epitome of psychic numbing. They are filled with sterile materials, a constant barrage of music and announcements, corporate news played on large screen televisions, and the suppressing influence of guards and threats. Let's create an ‘agora’ [the ancient Greek public meeting places for civil discourse] -- a place of conversation and learning for travellers, with small amphitheaters, intimate seating areas, thought-provoking reading materials, and forums for discussion of various ideas. The epitome of psychic numbing should meet its natural opposite! The place of greatest psychic numbing has the potential for the greatest psychic inventiveness, enthusiasm, and sensitivity.

Bingo parlors. Unfortunately, there are many places that are the epitome of psychic numbing. Of these, bingo parlors have possibly the greatest potential for transformation. Lined up in endless rows, sitting quitely at tables, listening and looking intently, holding tight onto their paper and pencil (or the magic marker implements they use) -- these humble people, without great ambition, many of them indigenous, are thoroughly ready to begin to attain their full natural capacity, and to wield their challenging and monumental powers. So, what are we going to do about it?

Recorded music in public spaces. Two hundred years ago there was no recorded music, anywhere. Fifty years ago it was rare. It's taken a great deal of moral emptying out to make possible tolerance for this levelling, annhilating way of life. What can we do about the 'brainwashing' that occurs continually in the private places that are our principal public spaces: restaurants, stores, and malls? It's easier to address the government: No recorded music should be played on any government property that is a kind of public space.

degradation
Addressing the sexualization, vulgarization, and violence of culture.

Pornography has invaded common spaces, even, through the media and especially the Internet, our homes. Anyone selling or distributing pornography should post a large sign or notice saying ‘We sell pornography here.’ These shameless people should not mind advertising their proclivity, and we should hold them to their shamelessness. We have a right to know in advance whether we want to support these places.

Two new events to combat or counterpose existing national events that promulgate our sterile culture:

Beautiful Books week. An event to balance the effects of 'banned book week,' by highlighting artistic works that are meaningful, elevating, or profound, and criticising works that are degrading, perverse, or harmful.

Deep Relationships week. An event to balance the effects of another great national social project, 'gay rights week.' At this event we share news, knowledge, and activities about deep relationships, and criticize superficial relationships such as promiscuity. It is possible to cultivate and achieve lasting friendship, inner love, and care of strangers. We do not oppose homosexuality at all. But we do oppose using homosexuality as a cover to insert a sexual agenda, and moral anarchy, into our culture. (This could also be an opportunity to address the abortion issue, which is not about abortion so much as it is about RELATIONSHIP.)