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“But one element of freedom is the choice of associates, and one defense of freedom is the activity of groups to sustain their members.” (page 93) Are there groups you associate with? As Snyder argues, they don’t have to be political groups. In what ways have authoritarian leaders opposed the free association of individuals? Give an example. What different ways can you contribute to good causes?
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I’m not really part of any political, hobby, or charity group right now, so it’s somewhat difficult to comment personally about this. In the past, I worked and volunteered for several arts organizations and groups, so I have an interest in the arts community. Authoritarian leaders have all targeted and suppressed artists. The Nazis actively censored art and writers they didn’t approve of and it appears that the US is beginning to do so too in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
One clear example to me is the banning of books and the targeting of librarians. Restricting my ability to choose what I want to read is a taking away my personal freedom. Another example – tRump taking over the Kennedy Center, cancelling shows, and declaring an end to “woke programming.” This immediately saw Black performers and LGBTQ performers in DC and in Chicago and other US cities losing their funding. They are essentially losing their voice. Let’s hope the artists find other outlets where they can perform and reach an audience. Deborah Rutter, the former president of the Kennedy Center, said something that resonated with me. She said: “I am a believer in the work of the artist. I am not a propagandist. I am not a politician. Art speaks for itself. Art sometimes doesn’t make you feel comfortable, but it is telling the story of who we are and all artists, as all Americans, have the freedom of expression.”
I think there are lots of different ways to contribute to good causes and sustain groups. It doesn’t have to be through money. It can also be volunteering your time and participating in your activities of interest. In my neighbourhood there are plenty of ways to do this. There are volunteers who tend to an Indigenous community garden and a birding group who leads tours through parks to learn about birds in the area (and encourage conservation efforts). There’s also a group called Streamkeepers who help monitor local streams for pollutants and help improve conditions for salmon and trout. There’s a zen meditation group. And there’s a cat rescue, where volunteers can help homeless cats. So there are lots of options. Just listing them all here lifted my spirits because they are all evidence of groups of people coming together to take care of the world around them.
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Heartfelt thanks to Louise Penny who cancelled a book launch for “The Black Wolf” at the Kennedy Center after the administration’s announcement of tariffs on Canada. The subsequent assault on art and freedom of expression have only confirmed the importance and strength of her stance.
I know Louise says the choice was not a difficult one for her. It still speaks volumes.
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I believe authoritarian regimes benefit from individualism. From people hating, fearing and silencing one another. Authoritarians benefit when citizens are apathetic, nihilistic and paralyzed with fear. Contributing to good causes through donations, volunteerism and other forms of support leads to camaraderie, joy, hope and strong reminders that goodness and humanity exist.
Democracies around the world are under attack because authoritarian regimes want to normalize autocracies, stamping out all signs that freedom is possible.
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“On Tyranny” is deeply concerning and also a practical call to action. This is another chapter that provides a path forward. There is some association one can join or support. Financial contributions don’t have to be large. You can round up your grocery bill to contribute to a food bank, sign up for a promotional run/walk, join a neighborhood clean up or go to a neighborhood association meeting (trust me, you will make their day!). Go to a town hall or school board meeting. You don’t have to say anything; just being there is a statement of interest.
In ABQ, candidates for city offices need a certain number of signatures to be on the ballot. A signature and $5 helps them qualify for public financing. Sign for everyone who asks unless you know you oppose the policies of that candidate.
My husband and I have arranged a planned annual contribution to our local food bank. If you live in the U.S., your city, town or county is almost certainly threatened with the loss of federal funds, likely critical to the working of your local government. Your elected leaders will be happy to provide options to contribute.
To echo Tara and Jane, there are lots of opportunities to volunteer. The connection of people, to one another and to a shared purpose, is the antidote to the isolation that provides the necessary ground for an authoritarian regime to take hold. It seems ironic in the American ethos where autonomy is the objective but it is connectedness and our associations that support a civil society.
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