Society’s fabric is an ever evolving matrix of interdependent parts. On the meta level, we, as a society, can always choose the narrative we want to follow. Cultural anthropology shows us that the spectrum of human characteristics is vast and varies depending on the culture. On a practical level, a fundamental rule of social sciences is that society produces the people it needs so as to fulfill its intrinsic function which could be production of wealth for the 1% (American example) or the betterment of the whole population (Scandinavian example).
If we promote cooperation, empathy, social and economic justice we will create a society that is driven by such values. It is a simple equation for the magnitude of complex mechanisms that form the prevalent narratives of our times. Supported and perpetuated by the country’s chief leader, the prevalent narrative ought to reflect the Constitution, and support human rights. In a situation where the president is denying freedom or decent living conditions to its people, a dangerous narrative is gaining the foothold. This process amplified by the echo-chamber of social media preys on our weakest impulses and encourages us to hide behind screens, emboldening us to espouse ideas we would not dare to do so in an accountable, face to face context, until it escalates, creating the optimal conditions for social unrest and driving people to act out on the narrative of division.
There is a great talk by professor Maya Wiley currently running for mayor of New York City from the New York City Media Lab Summit. In her lecture from 2018, she talks about the fact that our data driven global economy is, in fact, dependent on the creation of meaning.
Maya Wiley at the New York City Media Lab Summit, 2018.
That creation of meaning is also the main advice Barack Obama gave Joe Biden. In a recent interview promoting his new book, he explained that the main mistake of his presidency was the belief that if you do good things and follow your ideals in creating policies people will understand what you are doing. However, he tells Joe Biden “that in order for people to know, you need to inform them about all of your actions on a regular basis”, create meaning for them, define your directions at each step. State your narrative, and keep on explaining it. It seems obvious, right? But perhaps the most obvious things are those that are in our midst, and thus escape us.
This is the difference between the two presidents, Obama who finds value in keeping the citizens informed, and Trump with the fog of tweets, fake news, and division tactics. The first representing the American people, and the latter using the presidency to further inflate his pocketbook and ego. Two very different narratives, and leadership styles.
