Systems Connections

As mentioned several times below, deep systems change is needed. And there are existing and self-perpetuating systems patterns behind many of our major challenges today. When we realize the patterns and connections, we have a better chance of unraveling these patterns and enhance others.

Worldview
One of the core challenges is a fragmented and mechanistic worldview. When we operate from an assumption of separation, we tend to harm the social and ecological network we are dependent on. We do not see how we create our own conditions through the effects of our own actions on the larger whole. And we have created a social and economic system from this view. One where cost is externalized (corporations create problems paid for in human lives, suffering and taxpayer's money etc), that is dependent on continuous growth (an impossibility on a limited planet), and the long-term and far-reaching consequences of our actions are not sufficiently taken into account.

Corporate Globalization
Over the last century, corporations increasingly determine international and national policies. Secret and un-democratic assemblies create international policies that are largely or exclusively to the benefit of corporations, and harm workers, society and ecosystems.

Corporations, Media and Politics
Corporate conglomerates own the large majority of the mass media (especially in the US). Similarly, politicians are dependent on the support of corporations to be elected. The interest of corporations, politicians and media are thus closely aligned.

The media, followed by the majority of politicians, predictably sets an agenda for the public discourse that leaves out the serious issues. Serious questions of the current power structure is left out. One example is the near absence of any critique of the neo-liberal globalization agenda.

Insecurity and Fear
Any system where a few benefits and the many does not, will play on people's insecurity and fear. Today's consumer culture feeds on peoples insecurity about themselves. When we feel that we are not "good enough", through advertisement and movies promoting unrealistic ideals, we consume more. The US government similarly plays on people's fears to get through policies that few people, if they realized what the consequences meant, would support. And the media do their part in keeping people's attention in areas that do not threaten the operations of this system.