Plenum Architecture’s Post

Dr. Sherman James explores the deep-seated effects of historical racial subordination on modern societal structures, emphasizing the urgent need for equity and justice. 🌐 Join us in fostering meaningful dialogue and actionable change. #RacialJustice #SystemicRacism #SocialChange

Today is the publication day of 'Colonialism, Capitalism and Racism: A Postcolonial Chronicle of Dutch and Belgian Practice' by Jan Breman. In the volume, Breman shows explores how under colonial rule, the ideology that later became known as neoliberalism was free to subject labor to a capitalism tainted by racialized policies. This political economy has now become dominant in the Western world, too, and reversing the trend towards equality. The book is available to download for free via #OpenAccess https://lnkd.in/ee8aiEKZ

Today, our research arm, The Center for Emotional Well-being, released the results of a groundbreaking study on the relationship between political typology and emotional well-being. It uncovered a fascinating paradox in American politics: our shared desire to "fix" society may be what's keeping us divided. While Americans stand united in their hunger for a better society, their radically different diagnoses of what ails the nation and competing visions for its cure threaten to pull the country further apart—making the work of building bridges across this widening chasm more crucial than ever. You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/eNN9FKri #emotionalintelligence #emotionalwellbeing #politics #politicaldivide

1 From a constructivist standpoint, the rise of liberal democracy as a global norm is a socially constructed process shaped by human ideas, interactions, and identities. 2 Realists view the spread of liberal democracy more as an imposition of material power by the United States and its allies, rather than a socially constructed norm. The U.S. promotion of democracy abroad, such as through the "Freedom Agenda" of the George W. Bush administration or the use of military force to overthrow non-democratic regimes, is seen by realists as an attempt to project American power and shape the international system to suit its interests. Realists argue that these efforts are ultimately driven by the U.S. desire to maintain its global hegemony, rather than a genuine commitment to democratic values. There is one scenario if true then it can bridge these two different perspectives: People want democracy but rulers are dictators and autocrats. USA invades and throws off these rulers thus people are liberated to embrace democracy they had long longing for. This scenario can be true if after the overthrow of Sadam Hussain democracy became the choice of people but if people for example revert to or prefer the old pattern of governance then the narrative of imposition of values is true

This situation raises important questions about the nature of democracy and the role of dissent in a healthy society. Dissent is a fundamental aspect of democratic engagement, allowing citizens to challenge prevailing narratives and hold power accountable. When dissent is suppressed, the democratic process is weakened, leading to a disillusioned and disengaged populace.’ My observation of these lines that one is building narrative that is recipe for the anarchy. When there is no certainly only certainty is uncertainty. Nation has to agree on something (consensual values) challenge prevailing narratives mean undermining the bedrock of a society and then the whole society will be adrift having lost its moorings. This narrative would lead to collective agnosticism in which whole nation will have nothing to follow

In this discussion with feminist scholar & political theorist Dr. Diana Coole, we discuss the increase in coercive pronatalist policies as an outgrowth of the silencing of population discourse - & the dire social and ecological consequences. https://lnkd.in/eT_tgnrY

Excellent article worth reading on ailing our democracy-- wrought by declining public trust and polarization, and the vital role of civic virtue. Appreciated the shout-out to the Peace Corps and the important role that public service organizations (like it) play in fostering civic engagement, social capital, and moral cohesion. One quote "In sum, democracy and capitalism coexist in a balanced ecosystem, in which the “atmosphere” necessary for flourishing is the trust cultivated through civic virtue. When that atmosphere is degraded, neither democracy nor capitalism can thrive."

In facing America's crisis of civic virtue, I argue that the real issue lies not in capitalism or democracy, but in our collective commitment to honesty, civility, and shared moral norms. It's time to rejuvenate our public virtue. Read the full article in the Journal of Democracy's April issue. Free to read until April 30. https://lnkd.in/gSdFgcCG

The current debates around anti-Zionism and antisemitism in the U.S. are intensifying the contest for America’s political center. The most likely scenario is that these issues will widen the fracturing of the American left. Read more in our newest report by Dr. James Jay Carafano: https://lnkd.in/dvd7eEfT