Policy Press
11 A new watchword – ‘only connect’ on equal terms
Abstract
We focus here on a major theme in Western intellectual debate from the 20th century – the idea of reconnecting with each other. This enduring theme, explored here through a series of key thinkers, has a continuing resonance in the 21st century, not least because of the divisive effects of neoliberalism. While the latter’s tendency is to disconnect, the NSMs, remind us, however, that if such reconnection is to be helpful it needs to be reconceived for our age and rooted in a commitment to equality and inclusion, which is developed here.
Abstract
We focus here on a major theme in Western intellectual debate from the 20th century – the idea of reconnecting with each other. This enduring theme, explored here through a series of key thinkers, has a continuing resonance in the 21st century, not least because of the divisive effects of neoliberalism. While the latter’s tendency is to disconnect, the NSMs, remind us, however, that if such reconnection is to be helpful it needs to be reconceived for our age and rooted in a commitment to equality and inclusion, which is developed here.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents vii
- List of photographs viii
- About the author ix
- Acknowledgements x
- Foreword xii
- Introduction 1
-
Neoliberalism’s destructive agenda
- Policing and a very neoliberal murder 11
- Ideological damage – from the personal to the global 30
- Fake news politics 42
- The politics of disconnection 49
- Divide and rule 59
- Alienated even from ourselves 70
- Betraying intimacy 76
-
New routes for a different politics
- Changing our approach to making change 97
- Starting with our own lives 105
- What the new social movements can tell us 116
- A new watchword – ‘only connect’ on equal terms 125
-
Building a politics of inclusive connection
- What’s wrong with the new communication? 139
- Towards truly inclusive communication 155
- Learning from what we know 173
- Education for empowerment and change 192
- Working together: building alliances, including everyone 205
- Rethinking solidarity – extending connection 222
- Conclusion and next steps 238
- References 248
- Index 284
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents vii
- List of photographs viii
- About the author ix
- Acknowledgements x
- Foreword xii
- Introduction 1
-
Neoliberalism’s destructive agenda
- Policing and a very neoliberal murder 11
- Ideological damage – from the personal to the global 30
- Fake news politics 42
- The politics of disconnection 49
- Divide and rule 59
- Alienated even from ourselves 70
- Betraying intimacy 76
-
New routes for a different politics
- Changing our approach to making change 97
- Starting with our own lives 105
- What the new social movements can tell us 116
- A new watchword – ‘only connect’ on equal terms 125
-
Building a politics of inclusive connection
- What’s wrong with the new communication? 139
- Towards truly inclusive communication 155
- Learning from what we know 173
- Education for empowerment and change 192
- Working together: building alliances, including everyone 205
- Rethinking solidarity – extending connection 222
- Conclusion and next steps 238
- References 248
- Index 284
