Certainly action, and continued action, in all spheres of society, is required by the rebellion against a totalitarian force - both from groups and individuals. But a parallel social structure, a network of the rebellious where there can be free expression, is important also. Not just as a rebel base (as in Star Wars) but a place to remain sane. Especially when a tyrannical regime looks like it’s going to be in place for an extended period.
A tactic recommended by Vaclav Havel, a political dissident under Soviet communist rule who later became president of Czechoslovakia, is the construction of what are called “parallel structures”. A parallel structure is any form of organization, business, institution, technology, or creative pursuit that exists physically within a totalitarian society, yet morally outside of it. In communist Czechoslovakia, Havel noted that these parallel structures were more effective at combating totalitarianism than political action. Furthermore, when enough parallel structures are created, a “second culture” or “parallel society” spontaneously forms and functions as an enclave of freedom and sanity within a totalitarian world.
This is very encouraging to hear about such distributed or decentralised networks trading beyond the reach of government mandates or control. We need much more of it, and I'm sure it's happening. Thanks for checking in TheQuieterOne!
In a word: Substack! Connecting with critical thinkers like yourself and people who are resisting tyranny in myriad forms all over the world is both illuminating and inspiring.
This is very encouraging to hear about such distributed or decentralised networks trading beyond the reach of government mandates or control. We need much more of it, and I'm sure it's happening. Thanks for checking in TheQuieterOne!
In a word: Substack! Connecting with critical thinkers like yourself and people who are resisting tyranny in myriad forms all over the world is both illuminating and inspiring.