Systemic Perspective
We have a cultural narrative of technological progress and growth as inevitable. This narrative sets us down paths of action kind of automatically, and there are paths we pass by without even seeing them because the narrative has blinded us.
For example, consider AI. I've heard teachers say things like "well, we know it's coming, so we've got to teach the kids how to use it." There's a general sense that it's definitely happening, and definitely going to keep happening, so we should figure out ways to mitigate the devastating environmental, economic, and social impacts that we predict it will cause.
The myth of technological progress prevents us from seeing another possible path: we could choose to NOT use AI.
If you're a writer, you can choose not to use AI to write. If you're a software developer, you can choose not to integrate AI into your products. If you're a tech exec, you can choose not to orient your company around AI. If you're a government leader, you can choose not to incentivize data centers. If you're an investor, you can choose not to let your money touch such a self-defeating project.
AI is a self-defeating investment for humanity. I think it's time to join the Crazy Town guys and just start cackling when someone suggests AI is a reasonable pursuit.
Local Stories
If the myth of progress is blinding us to easy solutions like "choose not to shoot ourselves in the feet," what could we replace the myth with?
At RSFIC we'd like to see cultural narratives of relocalizing power, consuming less, and growing solidarity become the norm. So, we produce short films of examples around town where that's already the story, and our partners at FilmScene help us broadcast them.
We've got some new ones online today! I'm proud of our town for having so many great examples to choose from. In a time when the mainstream narratives are blinding us to healthy options, it's really cool that we're finding the options anyway.
Also, hold the date: February 28th, 12:30, for the next Stories of Community Celebration at FilmScene!
Want help making your own neighborhood stories?
We are looking for great examples of neighbors working together that we could film in the next few months. We especially want to highlight stories where neighbors who live within walking distance of each other are working together on something that helps resocialize the neighborhood or building, or helps build skills, grow food, generate energy, saves money, or other examples of relocalizing power and consuming less. We won't be able to produce a film for everyone, but if it seems like something your group might be interested in, let me know!
Peace,
Riley
Co-founder of RSFIC
PS: Transition Iowa City, my favorite unincorporated direct action group, is doing yet another cool thing! Thursday, February 5th, 6-7:30 PM, at the Green House.
