Changes in Our Civilization Often Start with Outrage
Frequent commenter MarcoPolo writes: I can’t help wondering if your passionate crusade against “big oil” isn’t counter-productive….The average person doesn’t want an existing crusade, filled with revolutionary risk and perils.
Indignation at injustice is and has always been a key driver in change. You’re a historian; this can’t be a new concept for you.
And I’m not sure what the average person wants, but whatever it is, it may change dramatically as our cities begin to sink into the sea.
Craig,
There is truth in what you write. I suppose if our Cities really started sinking into the ocean, attitudes may change.
But in reality the average person believes, “Wolf” , has been cried too many times by wild eyed alarmists. The message has been lost in a torrent of wild claims and extraneous issues.
This is not because of propaganda from a cabal of evil capitalists, but simply due to lack of accuracy and hyperbole from ill-informed extreme activists. The public and politicians are conscious that 28% of the US economy is derived from the oil industry, which is also the largest US taxpayer, and indirectly the largest employer.
Oil Industry profits fund 90% of US retirees. (about 40 million Americans and rising daily).
All these people rely on the US oil industry to survive. That’s the problem. It’s not some evil genius like the Koch Bros, spreading false propaganda, it’s reality. It’s also the lack of replacement technologies.
The gain the ordinary persons confidence for change, you must be able to convincingly demonstrate how environmentally friendly policies will be implemented responsibly, affordably, and with a minimum of disruption.
You also need to gain the co-operation of major corporations to assist with implementing practical environmental improvements and practices. That’s happening, slowly but surely.
I fail to see how ranting a confusing message of hateful condemnation and vilification will enlist co-operation, or accomplish anything except alienate the very people whose support is needed.
If history teaches anything, it’s how policies of antagonism, blame and vilification only produce sustained conflict and repression.
IMHO, less study of Marxist Leninism, and more study of Martin Luther King is what’s needed. Persuasion and inclusion is what need by “green’ advocates, not intolerant revolutionary fervor.
You write: “I suppose if our cities really started sinking into the ocean, attitudes may change.”
Some of us believe that it’s a strong idea to make changes before that happens, not after.