How to change the system

The core intellectual concept of this course, systems thinking, was ultimately for me the most valuable aspect of the curriculum. However, thinking systemically in the context of the world this quarter also made me feel relatively powerless as an individual. Systemic issues have been at the forefront of global discourse over the past several months. The coronavirus pandemic has rattled human society revealing our vulnerability within Earth’s ecosystem and reminding humanity that however much we resist this reality: we live under nature’s laws

Those of us who live in the United States have been reminded how badly our healthcare system is broken and inadequate at handling crises. Similarly, our globalized and industrialized food system has revealed its clumsiness and vulnerability to disturbance as the pandemic has challenged supply chains and means of production leading to vast amounts of food waste and threats of hunger around the globe

Source: Rebecca Conway for The New York Times — daily wage works stand in line for meals in New Delhi where for many with little social safety net “hunger is a more immediate threat than the virus”

In these past two weeks, incited by the brutal murder of George Floyd at the hands of police, people all over the world are rising up against the systemic racism ingrained in our political and social institutions. Many of us (especially those with privilege) are learning just how blind we have been to systemic injustice and just how inadequate our individual intentions are at making change. 

In many ways I felt my individual actions this quarter to be futile. Working with Community Alliance for Global Justice to acquire auction items for their upcoming fundraising dinner required my group members and I to reach out to over one hundred local small businesses. Most never responded to our requests (surly overwhelmed with the weight of owning a small business during these times), other folks responded with apologetic nos saying they simply were not in a place to donate, others were angry that we were asking for contributions given the context of the world. Working with CAGJ was a swimming-upstream type of fight and in the end I am not sure we moved an inch. 

However, after a quarter of feeling powerless as an individual amidst human systems so massive, convoluted and ignorant of nature’s reality that it almost seemed hopeless to take individual action, these past couple weeks have given me new hope. Taking to the streets with thousands of other individuals I am suddenly immersed in collective individual action unlike I have ever experienced before. And it feels like we may be on the precipice of actually forcing systemic change if we individuals keep on the collective pressure. Collectively we are opting out of leading our daily lives and choosing to sustain civil disobedience such that those in power are forced to listen

My own photo from a recent protest at Cal Anderson park in Seattle

I have often thought that we could alter our unjust and environmentally destructive food system if only everyone could come together and collectively opt out of consuming destructively and unjustly produced products. It surely is not that simple, but at the very least I have learned from this moment that we can feel less powerless as individuals if we band together in collective action. I hope dearly that we can maintain this fight for racial justice and in doing so create long-sustained collective action which can be continued into a fight for a more just and sustainable world generally. 

-Aisling Doyle Wade

 

19 thoughts on “How to change the system

  1. Ya ampun! Artikel yang mengesankan sekali! Terima kasih banyak, Apakah Anda sedang mencari situs togel dan slot online terpercaya di Indonesia? Tidak perlu mencari lagi! Slot togel terbaik KONOHATOTO78 hadir untuk memberikan solusi terbaik guna memenuhi kebutuhan hiburan online Anda.

  2. The article’s insights on systemic fragility resonate deeply; Telegram groups can facilitate ongoing dialogue and education about building resilient systems, especially in healthcare and food production.

  3. Through Telegram , communities can organize and share resources to address systemic challenges like the ones mentioned in the article, including food waste and supply chain disruptions. It enables real-time coordination, which is crucial in times of crisis.

  4. Telegram serves as a powerful platform for fostering discussions about systemic issues highlighted in the article, such as the vulnerabilities in healthcare and food supply systems. Collaborative channels can bring together experts and individuals to brainstorm solutions and raise awareness.

  5. In biodegradable spunlace technology technology, a web of loose fibers (which can be made from natural, synthetic, or a blend of fibers) is subjected to water jets that penetrate the fiber web and cause the fibers to interlace with each other. The resulting fabric is strong, soft, and flexible, and its characteristics can be tailored by adjusting the water pressure, fiber composition, and other variables in the production process.

  6. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually understand what you’re talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also discuss with my web site =). We will have a hyperlink exchange agreement among us

    https://bordeaux-ru.com

  7. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. However imagine if you added some great images or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could definitely be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Very good blog!

    Investasi

  8. La storia del marchio che è diventato uno status symbol è principalmente legata al suo fondatore ufficiale, il tedesco Hans Wilsdorf, iwc replica che decise di creare “Wilsdorf & Davis” a Londra nel 1905 all’età di 24 anni. Avviare la propria attività specializzandosi nella produzione di altoparlanti . Distribuzione commerciale di orologi e orologi.

  9. Tra le novità che replica orologi Rolex propone nel mercato dell’orologeria, il primo orologio resistente all’acqua con datario e fuso orario e, soprattutto, il primo orologio ad essere certificato dal ricercatissimo cronometro. Rolex detiene ancora il record per il maggior numero di organismi di certificazione.

  10. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m very impressed!
    Extremely useful info specially the last part I care for such information a lot.
    I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

    제이나인 토토 사이트
    제이나인 카지노 사이트
    제이나인 먹튀 검증
    제이나인 먹튀 사이트
    제이나인 스포츠 토토
    https://www.j9korea.com

Leave a Reply

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