This article introduces concepts behind a book called Citizens, by Jon Alexander and Ariane Conrad. The book examines societal narratives that have channeled how individuals now and in the past...
This article introduces concepts behind a book called Citizens, by Jon Alexander and Ariane Conrad. The book examines societal narratives that have channeled how individuals now and in the past viewed their role in society, whether as “subject” in an authoritarian regime or as “consumer” in most modern democracies. The authors propose an alternative model (narrative) based on a meaning of the word “citizen” that they formulate in the book. It involves a redefinition of the concept of societal leadership and depends on pervasive, meshed engagement of individuals in communities. I haven’t read the book, but it sounds interesting.
I will say that I am highly skeptical of the remarks about corporations choosing to do the right thing (e.g. the examples of Unilever, GE and The Body Shop). No one should ever trust for-profit corporations to do the right thing for society, and I think it is dangerous to suggest so. But the other examples and described visions are very interesting.
This article introduces concepts behind a book called Citizens, by Jon Alexander and Ariane Conrad. The book examines societal narratives that have channeled how individuals now and in the past viewed their role in society, whether as “subject” in an authoritarian regime or as “consumer” in most modern democracies. The authors propose an alternative model (narrative) based on a meaning of the word “citizen” that they formulate in the book. It involves a redefinition of the concept of societal leadership and depends on pervasive, meshed engagement of individuals in communities. I haven’t read the book, but it sounds interesting.
I will say that I am highly skeptical of the remarks about corporations choosing to do the right thing (e.g. the examples of Unilever, GE and The Body Shop). No one should ever trust for-profit corporations to do the right thing for society, and I think it is dangerous to suggest so. But the other examples and described visions are very interesting.