• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
  • WORLD DEMOCRACY
  • POLITICAL ART
  • more
    • election technology
    • money politics
    • political dissidents
    • THIRD PARTY
      • third party central
      • green party
      • justice party
      • libertarian party
    • voting methods
  • DC INFO
    • author central
    • about
    • advertise with DC
    • contact
    • privacy policy

Democracy Chronicles

The contempt for the radicals

By Mats Sederholm - January 23, 2018 Leave a Comment

FacebookTweetLinkedInPin
The contempt for the radicals
The “Brains” by Thomas Nast, published in 1871 – link

If you have a radical view of societal change today, you belong to a mob of radicals factually misguided, gullible, irresponsible, malicious loudmouths who create unrest.

That is the conclusion of New York Times columnist David Brooks’ analysis in his article “What’s Wrong With Radicalism“. An easy and ingratiating read for the diminishing host of readers who are still convinced that the cause of increasing populism, the mistrust of the establishment, and a new political landscape across the western world is only an unusual virus; namely this radical, malignant and infectious mob. But it will soon pass; the well-established politicians, economists and opinion leaders are the obvious shepherds and healers.

There is something religious about this. Or at least a strong sense of escapism. Thoughts veer towards the Titanic and the orchestra that played for the 1st class passengers until the end. Well-dressed, cultured and wealthy people, mostly men, who share an illusory culture that just has to remain.

The contempt for the radicals
David Brooks – link

To me – politically engaged in an activist movement consisting of 70,000 members with concrete economic, social alternatives to the current order, in pursuit of genuine democracy and transparency – and others who left the sinking ship long ago; columnists such as Brooks seem like a dying race, with neither political argument nor vision. In the United States as well as in Europe, wise and innovative people and activists work to create a different and worthwhile social structure that can put an end to people’s increasing distaste for those in power and politics.

The Panama papers, paradise leaks, persuasive and dishonest presidents, surveillance, a small autocratic clique of people in the financial industry who are allowed to own most of the world’s resources, media companies controlling millions of people’s digital lives, increasing numbers of people suffering from mental disorders, and globalization that has removed power so far away from people’s everyday lives that no one cares anymore, are some aspects of our reality. Perhaps Brooks considers this fake news and behind the denial is, of course, the insight that this miserable state is not caused by “political fools”; it has been created by all the common democratic and undemocratic forces that have, for so long ruled the western world. Most of the passengers aboard this sinking ship are now trying to protest, knowing that we have crashed into an iceberg – and knowing who steered us into it. But in one of the sloping salons you will find people like Brooks. Clad in evening dress, puffing on a cigar, still in the process of ordering the best available cognac, in conversation with a small clique of opinion leaders who live in the past.

It may be that in this time of doom some of the passengers are screaming radicals, are raging and shoving at each other and that every little pronouncement is not always true, but still, in comparison with Brooks, they stand on firm ground in the understanding that our society no longer primarily serves its citizens.

FacebookTweetLinkedInPin

Filed Under: DC Authors Tagged With: Capitalism and Big Business, Democracy Protests, Journalism and Free Speech, Worldwide

About Mats Sederholm

Democracy Chronicles author Mats Sederholm was born in 1957 and today lives close to the capital of Sweden, Stockholm. Colliding Worlds (co-written with Linda Bjuvgård) is his first book to be released in both Swedish and English. His aim is to continue to help perpetuate an increasing awareness of system faults and standards which prevent human development.

Some highlighted Democracy Chronicles topics

Africa American Corruption American Local Elections American State Elections Asia Capitalism and Big Business Celebrity Politics China Democracy Charity Democracy Protests Democrats Dictatorships Education Election History Election Methods Election Security Election Transparency Europe Internet and Democracy Journalism and Free Speech Middle East Minority Voting Rights Money Politics New York City and State Elections Political Artwork Political Dissidents Political Lobbying Redistricting Republicans Russia Socialism and Labor Social Media and Democracy South America Spying and Privacy Supreme Court Third Party Voter Access Voter ID Voter Registration Voter Suppression Voter Turnout Voting Technology Women Voting Rights Worldwide Worldwide Corruption

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Home | DC AUTHORS | The contempt for the radicals

Primary Sidebar

Advertise button

There Are Two Competing Narratives About The 2020 Election

By Steve Schneider March 7, 2021

Unless all of our presidential elections have been rigged to varying degrees, narratives of rigged and stable elections are false.

There Won’t be Another Chance to Hold Biden’s Feet to the Fire

By Jack Jones March 4, 2021

If we want to live in a somewhat decent country we must start to hold our president’s feet to the fire. We just can’t go along and complain.

democracy chronicles newsletter

DC AUTHORS

Podcast: Anne Applebaum On Why Democracy Is Not Inevitable

By Jenna Spinelle March 4, 2021

Journalist, author, and historian Anne Applebaum says that democracy is not like running water — something that we know will always be there.

On the Attitudes of Our Leaders

By Jack Jones February 22, 2021

Donald Trump Jr. standing in front of a wall of handguns with scopes is a clear threat that should not be tolerated.

Cruz Flies to Mexico While Abbott Spreads False Information

By Steve Schneider February 19, 2021

Where were Texas leaders when an Arctic chill spread across Texas, depriving power to millions? Senator Ted Cruz got on a plane for Mexico.

I made it to 77

By Julio César Guerrero February 14, 2021

We learned a lot from him. Perhaps the best lesson was that while there is life there is hope. Constantino Coronel inspires new generations of activists.

Parkland School Shooting Widow Speaks About Rep. Greene

By Steve Schneider February 13, 2021

Sunday is the 3rd anniversary of the Parkland school shooting. Debbi Hixon who lost her husband Chris in the shooting speaks about Rep. Greene.

Trickling Down to Right-Wing Fascism

By Jack Jones February 9, 2021

The Rich and greedy have always wanted more and they won’t stop. That’s why they hate it when we regulate anything for the good of the country.

Court Rules Therapists Have Right to Offer Conversion Therapy

By Steve Schneider February 3, 2021

A three-judge federal panel recently green-lighted a controversial form of treatment for minors despite opposition.

MORE FROM OUR AUTHORS

VISIT OUR POLITICAL ART SECTION:

dc political art

DEMOCRACY CULTURE

Artists Unite to Support Human Rights Watch

Artists Unite to Support Human Rights Watch

March 6, 2021

Today, a collective of contemporary artists whose works address contemporary issues announced an auction to support Human Rights Watch.

LeBron James Promotes Voting Rights at the N.B.A. All-Star Game

LeBron James Promotes Voting Rights at the N.B.A. All-Star Game

March 5, 2021

During this weekend’s All-Star Game in Atlanta, the NBA is partnering with an organization formed by LeBron James to vitalize voting rights.

Rapper Common To Produce Biopic On Voting Activist Fannie Lou Hamer

Rapper Common To Produce Biopic On Voting Activist Fannie Lou Hamer

March 1, 2021

Lonnie Rashid Lynn, who is known by his stage name Common is set to produce a biopic on civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer.

Study: Nature’s Power To Awe Might Reduce Political Polarization

Study: Nature’s Power To Awe Might Reduce Political Polarization

February 28, 2021

According to new findings in psychology, by using nature’s scenes to induce a sense of awe we can reduce political polarization.

Formula 1's Lewis Hamilton Stand for Saudi Rights

Will Formula 1’s Lewis Hamilton Stand for Saudi Rights?

February 27, 2021

Lewis Hamilton asked to reconsider participation in the upcoming race being hosted in Saudi Arabia in 2021.

MORE CULTURE

VISIT OUR US DEMOCRACY SECTION:

American Democracy