The psychological traits of true believers in mass movements can be observed in the followers of contemporary political figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Bernie Sanders.
Who Are the True Believers?
Reply
Category Archives: Art
Tuesday reflections
Tuesday reflections are simple yet profound reflecting different aspects of humanity
Choices Now: Tyranny or Revolution
join fighting fear
Drawn Together Tuesday
Drawn together Tuesday plays on both the artistic medium drawing and the unifying aspects of bringing diverse communities together.
What do you see and how do you feel?
Songs and Chants for Action
People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’
This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
People stay ready, there’s a storm ahead,
You don’t need no ticket, just rise instead.
Justice is calling, hear the freedom bell,
We’re fighting for tomorrow, where all can dwell.
There’s no room for hatred, no place for fear,
The time is now, the path is clear.
Together we’re mighty, together we’re strong,
We’ll write the future, where we belong.
So rise up boldly, let the world take note,
Freedom’s the anthem, every voice a vote.
People stay ready, the time has come,
We’re building the future, for everyone.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’
This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
Something You Can Do
Spokane, like many cities in the United State has seen its share of protests over the years. And year after year thousands show up at the Martin Luther King Rally and March. Who’s who of Black Spokane will show up. Black organizations and community centers show up. Church groups show up. Local press shows up. Politicians show up. They are ethnically and economically diverse. In 2011 there was a bomb found along the MLK March route. For the following year thousands more turned out for the march.
One of the current cliches is that we are all in it together. But how is this expressed in terms of social justice? In the constitution it says liberty and justice for all, but Blacks were counted as only 3/5ths of a person. The diversity of the nation has increased through immigration but we still all live in our silos and everyone was not and is not considered equal. One of most segregated organizations are our churches. But now when we are on the verge of a tyranny when everyone is losing their rights suddenly we are all in it together. But our protests are still segregated. The only diverse marches and rallies here in Spokane are the Martin Luther King rally and march in January of each year.
Thousands Turn Out in Spokane and The Nation
Our protests are not diverse. Think of these examples:
Civil Rights Movement (1960s -1970s)
Vietnam War Protests (1960s -1970s)
Environmental Movements (1970s – present)
Indigenous Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Black Lives Matter (2010s – present)
Protest Anti-Semitism
Protest Anti-Muslim
Open Housing
Homeless Rights
Economic and Labor Protests
Anti-Trump Protests
Women’s March
How do we all work together? When people leave the meetings and rallies they return to their homogeneous communities. Check out the following links for things that can be done in-between the significant emotional events of major protests.
- https://4comculture.com/choices-now-tyranny-or-revolution
- https://4comculture.com/opportunities-for-white-people-in-the-fight-for-racial-justice
- https://4comculture.com/what-we-can-do-198-methods-of-nonviolent-action
- https://4comculture.com/100-coffee-discussion-groups
- https://4comculture.com/14-principles
198 Methods of Nonviolent Action:
Pass this out at every march, rally and meeting you attend
Practitioners of nonviolent struggle have an entire arsenal of “nonviolent weapons” at their disposal. Listed below are 198 of them, classified into three broad categories: nonviolent protest and persuasion, noncooperation (social, economic, and political), and nonviolent intervention. A description and historical examples of each can be found in volume two of The Politics of Nonviolent Action, by Gene Sharp
Develop Effective Action Groups
Reflections on 50 Years of Social Action Groups in Spokane
These reflections and critiques offer insight into the challenges and nuances of organizing for social and political change, especially in a community with unique demographic and cultural dynamics like Spokane’s. I’ll break down some of the key themes and ideas that emerge from my observations, followed by an analysis of the different organizational meeting styles I have observed.
Observations on Spokane’s Social Justice Landscape
1. The Challenge of Unity in Diversity
I would like to highlight a critical stumbling block: the diversity of backgrounds and experiences among African Americans in Spokane, combined with open housing policies that have dispersed the community geographically. This dispersal creates physical and cultural barriers to organizing. Efforts at building unity often falter because of a lack of shared experiences or common interests.
The “myth of unity” is especially powerful. True solidarity often requires honest critique and the ability to challenge one another constructively. However the fear of disrupting fragile social bonds can prevent this, leaving communities stagnant or divided. Recognizing this tension is a crucial first step toward addressing it.
2. Opposition’s Strategic Plans
The opposition’s strategy of fostering disunity by perpetuating myths of unity and relying on ineffective slogans such as “each one teach one” resonates. While the latter sounds appealing, it does not scale quickly enough to make the kind of sweeping change necessary in the face of systemic opposition.
Calling for methods to teach larger groups and work collaboratively rather than individually is vital. Scaling up requires intentional, structured approaches that balance grassroots engagement with broader, unified strategies.
3. The Power of Small, Scalable Actions
Starting with small groups (5-10 people) that reach consensus and funnel ideas up to larger groups (20-40 people) is practical and reflects effective organizing models. This approach mirrors successful strategies used in community organizing and union movements. The key is ensuring that these small groups do not become isolated or self-contained but instead feed into a larger, cohesive effort.
Use independent media to disseminate ideas and strategies. In the digital age, leveraging social media, podcasts, and other platforms can amplify these messages far beyond the immediate community.
Critique of Organizational Meeting Styles
1. Small Groups That Just Complain
These groups are common in grassroots organizing and often act as pressure valves for frustration. While they may provide a sense of camaraderie and shared grievance, they rarely lead to action or change. The key to transforming these groups is introducing structure, goal-setting, and accountability.
2. Small Groups That Take Effective Action But Fail to Scale
These groups are the backbone of many movements, as they are action-oriented and often achieve measurable results. However, they can become insular and overly reliant on the comfort of their small size. To scale up, these groups must develop strategies for outreach, recruitment, and leadership development. Succession planning is also critical to prevent burnout and stagnation.
3. Large, Established Groups with Gatekeeping Leadership
Larger organizations with entrenched leadership may have the appearance of strength, but their top-heavy structure often stifles grassroots participation and innovation. Additionally, their focus on appearances (e.g., press conferences, grand speeches) can overshadow actual community engagement. Breaking down these gatekeeping tendencies requires fostering a culture of transparency, shared decision-making, and accountability within these organizations.
4. A Model Town Hall Meeting
I want to note a successful Democratic meeting – a state legislative town hall I recently attended which stands out as a shining example of effective organization and engagement. Its success can be attributed to several factors:
- Preparation: From the panel’s shared experiences and unified goals to logistical details like sign-ins, cards for questions, and microphones for audience participation, every aspect of the event was thoughtfully planned.
- Inclusivity: The setup allowed for both written and verbal questions, ensuring that all voices were heard, including those less comfortable speaking publicly.
- Follow-Up: Collecting contact information and ensuring unanswered questions were addressed later demonstrated respect for participants’ concerns and a commitment to accountability.
- Engagement: The inclusion of a younger, passionate panel member brought fresh energy and perspectives, which is often key to inspiring broader participation.
This model could serve as a blueprint for other events, fostering trust, transparency, and community buy-in.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
1. Build Bridges Across Diverse Experiences
To overcome the challenge of disunity, focus on identifying shared goals and emphasizing common interests rather than differences. This could involve hosting listening sessions or cultural exchanges to deepen understanding among community members.
2. Scale Effectively
- Start with small groups but ensure they are networked into a larger movement. Use representatives to connect these groups and share their findings.
- Embrace digital tools to communicate and scale your efforts. Social media campaigns, live-streamed events, and online forums can bring dispersed communities together.
3. Cultivate Leadership and Prevent Gatekeeping
Develop leadership training programs to empower new voices and prevent the monopolization of power by a few individuals. Encourage established organizations to adopt more democratic, participatory structures.
4. Learn from the Model Town Hall
The thoughtful, inclusive approach of the town hall meeting I attended is replicable. Key elements to incorporate into future events include:
- Advance planning and logistics
- Opportunities for direct and written participation
- Transparent follow-up processes
- A mix of seasoned and fresh voices to ensure both experience and innovation
5. Use Independent Media Strategically
Leverage independent media to broadcast successes, share strategies, and counteract misinformation. Platforms like blogs, YouTube channels, and podcasts can amplify voices that mainstream media often overlooks.
Conclusion
I hope these reflections capture the complexity of organizing for social justice in a fragmented community. The challenges outlined—disunity, ineffective strategies, and entrenched gatekeeping—are significant but not insurmountable. By building on effective models like the town hall meeting and prioritizing scalable, inclusive approaches, there is real potential to create lasting change.
If any of this information here at 4comculture.com is useful to you, pass it on to friends and community leaders in order that they might learn.
BLACKS VS WHITES 1925 to 2025
The Good Old Days! What the F@%#! are the MAGA folks thinking? Make America Great Again?
The phrase “the good old days” typically refers to a nostalgic longing for a past time that individuals perceive as better or simpler than the present. However, the meaning and implications of this phrase can vary significantly depending on the context and the speaker’s perspective: personal memories, cultural context, privilege and exclusion, selective memory, dissatisfaction with modernity. The Good Old Days
timeline: the Last 100 Years
To compare the last century, let’s break this down into key categories: cost of living, wages, population, culture (movies, slang, toys, hairstyles, clothing), and the experiences of marginalized groups highlighting changes over time and providing context for marginalized communities where relevant.
1. Cost of Living and Housing
- 1925: The average cost of a home in the U.S. was around $6,000. Rent was about $20–$60 per month, depending on location. The cost of living was significantly lower, but wages were also much smaller [1].
- 2025: The median home price in the U.S. is now over $400,000, with rent averaging $1,700 per month. Housing costs have skyrocketed, making homeownership increasingly difficult for younger generations.
Marginalized Communities:
In 1925, Black Americans and other marginalized groups faced systemic barriers to homeownership due to redlining and discriminatory lending practices. These inequities persist today, with racial wealth gaps making it harder for marginalized groups to afford homes.
2. Minimum Wage and Wages
- 1925: There was no federal minimum wage in the U.S. until 1938, when it was set at $0.25/hour. Many workers, especially women and minorities, earned far less in informal or agricultural jobs.
- 2025: The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour, though many states have higher rates. However, adjusted for inflation, wages have stagnated since the 1970s, meaning purchasing power has barely increased.
Marginalized Communities:
Historically, women, immigrants, and Black workers were often excluded from wage protections. Today, these groups are still overrepresented in low-wage industries, such as service and caregiving jobs, where wage growth has been slow.
3. World Population
- 1925: The global population was approximately 2 billion.
- 2025: The world population is now over 8 billion, with significant growth in Asia and Africa.
Marginalized Communities:
Population growth has brought challenges like resource scarcity and climate change, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities in developing nations.
4. Movies and Entertainment
- 1925: Silent films dominated, with stars like Charlie Chaplin and Clara Bow. A movie ticket cost $0.25–$0.50. Popular films included The Gold Rush (1925).
- 2025: Movie tickets now average $10–$15. Streaming services dominate entertainment, but blockbuster films like Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) still draw crowds.
Marginalized Communities:
In 1925, Hollywood largely excluded Black actors and other minorities, relegating them to stereotypical roles. Today, representation has improved, but disparities remain in opportunities and pay.
5. Toys and Games
- 1925: Popular toys included teddy bears, yo-yos, and tin soldiers. These were simple and often handmade.
- 2025: Toys are now high-tech, with video games, drones, and AI-powered gadgets dominating the market.
Marginalized Communities:
In the 1920s, toys often reflected societal norms, with few options representing diverse cultures. Today, there’s a growing push for inclusive toys, such as dolls with different skin tones and abilities.
6. Slang Terms
- 1925: Popular slang included terms like “bee’s knees” (something great) and “cat’s pajamas” (something stylish).
- 2025: Modern slang is heavily influenced by internet culture, with terms like “slay” (to succeed) and “vibe” (a mood or feeling).
Marginalized Communities:
Slang has often originated in marginalized communities, particularly Black and LGBTQ+ cultures, before being adopted by mainstream society.
7. Hairstyles and Clothing
- 1925: Women embraced the bob haircut and flapper dresses, symbolizing liberation. Men wore tailored suits and hats.
- 2025: Hairstyles are diverse, with natural hair movements celebrating Black hair textures. Clothing trends are casual, with athleisure dominating.
Marginalized Communities:
In the 1920s, Black women faced pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. Today, natural hair movements challenge these norms, promoting acceptance of diverse styles.
8. Marginalized Communities: Then and Now
- 1925: Segregation, lack of voting rights, and systemic discrimination defined the experiences of many marginalized groups. Women had just gained the right to vote in 1920, but opportunities were limited.
- 2025: While progress has been made, systemic inequities persist. Wage gaps, housing discrimination, and underrepresentation in media and politics continue to affect marginalized groups.
Black and White
Population Trends Over the Last 100 Years
- Early 20th Century (1920s-1950s):
- In the early 20th century, the U.S. population was overwhelmingly white, with white Americans making up approximately 90% of the population. Immigration policies, such as the Immigration Act of 1924, heavily restricted non-European immigration, reinforcing this demographic dominance.
- People of color, including African Americans, Native Americans, and smaller populations of Asian and Hispanic Americans, made up a much smaller percentage of the population.
- Mid-20th Century (1960s-1980s):
- The Civil Rights Movement and changes in immigration laws, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, began to reshape the racial makeup of the U.S. population.
- The African American population grew steadily, while immigration from Latin America and Asia increased significantly, diversifying the population further.
- Late 20th Century (1990s-2000s):
- By the 1990s, the percentage of white Americans began to decline as immigration surged and birth rates among people of color outpaced those of white Americans.
- The Hispanic/Latino population, in particular, grew rapidly, becoming the largest minority group in the U.S.
Current Trends and Projections
- Current Demographics:
- As of the 2020 Census, non-Hispanic white Americans made up about 57.8% of the population, a significant decline from the 1960s when they accounted for over 85% [1].
- People of color, including Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian, and multiracial individuals, now make up a growing share of the population. For example, children of color became the majority of U.S. youth by 2020 [2].
- Future Projections:
- The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2045, non-Hispanic white Americans will fall below 50% of the total population, making the U.S. a “majority-minority” nation[3].
- This shift is driven by higher birth rates among people of color and the aging of the white population. Generation Z is expected to be the last generation with a white majority, while Generation Alpha (born after 2010) will grow up in a majority-minority society [3].
Key Factors Driving These Changes
Immigration from Latin America, Asia, and Africa has been a major driver of population growth among people of color since the mid-20th century. Birth rates among Hispanic and Black populations have historically been higher than those of white Americans, contributing to the demographic shift. The white population is aging rapidly, with lower birth rates and higher mortality rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
The strongman leaders, oligarchs and White Christian nationalists have declared war on Blacks. The only way we will survive is to build coalitions. What are your thoughts on the demographics above?
Over the last century, the U.S. has transitioned from a predominantly white nation to one of increasing racial and ethnic diversity. This trend is expected to continue, with people of color projected to outnumber white Americans by 2045. The only way Black people will survive is to build a broad coalition with people of color, lower economic communities and the internationally disenfranchised.
Music Making Social Changes
Over the last hundred years, music has played a pivotal role in inspiring and motivating social change. From labor movements to civil rights, anti-war protests to environmental activism, songs have served as powerful tools for communication, mobilization, and solidarity. Let’s explore some of the most influential songs and artists that have shaped social movements across different eras.
1920s-1950s: Labor Movements and Early Civil Rights
During this period, protest music primarily focused on labor rights and the emerging civil rights movement.
- “Which Side Are You On” by Florence Reece (1931)
This song emerged during the Harlan County War, a series of coal miner strikes in Kentucky. Written by Florence Reece, the wife of a union organizer, it became an anthem for the labor movement and was widely covered by artists like Pete Seeger [1]. - “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday (1939)
Originally a poem by Abel Meeropol, this haunting song protested the lynching of African Americans and became a powerful anthem for the civil rights movement. Its impact was significant in raising awareness about racial violence and injustice in America [2]. Billie Holiday’s emotional delivery made it one of the most significant protest songs of the era [3]. - “Ol’ Man River” by Paul Robeson (1927)
Originally written for the Broadway musical “Show Boat,” this song was transformed by Paul Robeson into a powerful statement on racial injustice. Robeson altered the lyrics to reflect the struggles of black Americans, making it a civil rights anthem [4].
1960s-1970s: Counterculture and Civil Rights Movements
The 1960s and 1970s saw an explosion of protest music, addressing issues from civil rights to the Vietnam War.
- “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan (1962)
This song became synonymous with the civil rights movement, asking poignant questions about peace and freedom. It was adopted by various social movements, highlighting its versatility and enduring appeal [5]. - “We Shall Overcome”
This song became the unofficial anthem of the civil rights movement. It was sung at protests and rallies, providing hope and unity among activists. Martin Luther King Jr. noted its power in inspiring courage and a sense of community [6]. - “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye (1971)
This song addressed issues of war, poverty, and racial injustice, becoming a timeless call for social change and reflection [7]. - “Respect” by Aretha Franklin (1967)
Originally written by Otis Redding, Franklin’s version became a powerful anthem for both the feminist and civil rights movements, demanding respect and equality. - “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)
This song became an anthem of the anti-Vietnam War movement, critiquing the disparity between those who were drafted and those who were not.
The 1960s was a fertile era for the genre, especially with the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, the ascendency of counterculture groups such as “hippies” and the New Left, and the escalation of the …
1980s-2000s: Anti-Apartheid and Social Justice Movements
This era saw a focus on global issues, particularly the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.
- “Free Nelson Mandela” by The Special A.K.A. (1984)
This song became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement, calling for the release of Nelson Mandela and drawing global attention to the injustices of apartheid in South Africa [8]. - “Biko” by Peter Gabriel (1980)
This song is a tribute to Steve Biko, an anti-apartheid activist who died in police custody. Gabriel’s song brought international attention to the apartheid regime’s brutality and became a rallying cry for the movement. - “Sun City” by Artists United Against Apartheid (1985)
This collaborative protest song, featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bono, was part of a campaign against apartheid in South Africa. It raised awareness and funds, contributing to the global anti-apartheid movement. - “Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil (1987)
This song by the Australian band Midnight Oil highlighted the need for land rights and justice for Indigenous Australians. It became a powerful anthem for environmental and social justice, calling for action to return land to its rightful owners [9].
2000s-2020s: Contemporary Social Activism
In recent years, protest music has addressed issues such as racial justice, climate change, and other social movements.
- “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Adopted by the Black Lives Matter movement, this song became an anthem of hope and resilience in the face of racial injustice. Its impact is seen in its widespread use during protests and demonstrations. - “This Is America” by Childish Gambino (2018)
The song and its accompanying video critique gun violence and racism in America. It became a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions about the contradictions of Black life in the U.S. [10]. - “The Bigger Picture” by Lil Baby (2020)
Released shortly after the killing of George Floyd, this song became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. Lil Baby’s lyrics address systemic racism and police brutality, resonating with the widespread protests that followed Floyd’s death [11]. - “The 1975” by The 1975 featuring Greta Thunberg (2020)
This track features a spoken word piece by climate activist Greta Thunberg, calling for immediate action against climate change and critiquing the status quo [12].
Throughout the last hundred years, these songs and artists have not only reflected the social and political climate of their times but have also inspired and motivated change. They have provided a voice for the marginalized, united diverse groups under common causes, and continue to resonate with new generations, demonstrating the enduring power of music as a tool for social change.