Futurism: Final Essay

Allison Brown Professor Molina HP 4151: Futurism 001 May 5, 2023 Final Essay What is the human future to which you are committed to creating? In Emergent Strategy, Adrienne Maree Brown articulates a vision for human progress that is rooted in community, collaboration, and adaptability. This is not a fixed future but an ever-evolving process of growth and transformation brought about by the principles of emergence and complexity. Through small actions and connections, profound effects can be created. My focus is creating a future where communities are empowered to tackle systemic issues such as poverty, racism, and environmental degradation through collective action. Individuals must be linked to their purpose and communities while also contributing to the benefit of all in meaningful and gratifying ways. The underpinning values bind this vision together: justice, equity, and sustainability. As expressed by Brown, fractals are "infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across various scales." This means that the dynamics of small-scale interactions can be observed in larger systems, just as acts of kindness or resistance on a smaller scale can amplify into transformative changes for whole communities. To reach this vision, it is important to accept emergence and complexity, remembering that change rarely happens in a linear or orderly fashion. In order to move forward, we must learn to be open to uncertainty and ambiguity, and stop trying to control every single thing around us. 1 The importance of maintaining a deep respect for nature and a commitment to sustainability is another key aspect of the human future that I am committed to creating. Brown writes that we cannot continue living without nature. This means that we must prioritize the health of our planet and work to protect it from the destructive forces of climate change, pollution, and overconsumption. With whom will you co-create this future? Creating a future I'm devoted to calls for collaboration and co-creation with a variety of people and organizations. It's impossible to accomplish this solo - it necessitates working together in solidarity and backing each other up. Emergent strategy's main principle holds that minor actions can have major, unpredictable results. This implies each person has the capacity to make an impact and help create a brighter future. Nonetheless, keeping in mind that some people and organizations have been ignored and abused, it's necessary to acknowledge they may encounter greater hindrances when it comes to taking part or connecting. In order to bring about a future of true equity and justice, it is essential to prioritize the voices and perspectives of those who have been most affected by systemic injustices. In this effort, we must work closely with communities of color, indigenous groups, queer and trans communities as well as other marginalized communities in order to understand their needs, worries and aspirations. Furthermore, bridges must also be built across different fields and disciplines. The difficulties that face us today are intricate and multifaceted, which is why working together with scientists, policymakers, activists, artists and others is necessary for developing comprehensive solutions that tackle the root causes of environmental and social issues. Additionally, forming relationships based on trust and mutual assistance is another 2 important factor in the co-creation of our future. Thus it is important to build networks through deep listening activities which involve empathy and vulnerability; this helps build a shared sense of purposefulness and commitment. What are the challenges that you will face in creating this future? Creating the kind of future I'm focused on won't be easy. There are numerous roadblocks hampering the construction of a fairer and more eco-friendly world, and it's wise to recognize these difficulties to tackle them properly. The most significant difficulty is that much of what we grapple with carries a systemic quality. Issues such as poverty, racial bias, and ecological degradation have deep roots in our culture, thus necessitating systemic improvements to confront them. This demands taking on existing power arrangements and developing newer systems centering on justice, equality, and ecological responsibility. The absence of political impetus to address these issues further complicates the situation. Governments and companies tend to prefer preserving the status quo than advancing towards a more equitable and sustainable world, resulting in individuals and communities having to drive change and invent alternative systems which disrupt prevailing beliefs. Moreover, conflicting interests between groups are often present; making it difficult to identify common ground, collaborate for a unified purpose, especially when power discrepancies or historical traumas exist. The other issue is the scarcity of resources for many people and neighborhoods. Building up a long-lasting shift necessitates ample resources and groundworks, yet those suffering from these struggles may not have access to what they need to make a change. Also, working in complicated systems implies an uncertainty that comes with it. Emergent strategy takes into 3 consideration that progress can be irregular and uncertain, and even the littlest of actions can lead to great, unpredictable effects. As such, we must be willing to take chances, trial new ideas, and change our strategies as we move on. What are your recommendations for the human race? As part of my commitment to creating a more just and sustainable future through emergent strategy, I have several recommendations for humanity: 1. Prioritize justice, equity, and sustainability: It is essential that we prioritize justice, equity, and sustainability in all aspects of our lives, from individual behavior to collective decision-making. This means challenging existing power structures and systems that perpetuate inequality and environmental degradation, and working towards creating new systems that prioritize the well-being of all people and the planet. 2. Build strong networks of support and care: Emergent strategy emphasizes the importance of building networks of support and care, recognizing that our own well-being is intimately connected to the well-being of others. This means creating spaces for deep listening, vulnerability, and empathy, and working to cultivate a sense of shared purpose and commitment. 3. Embrace uncertainty and unpredictability: Creating systemic change often requires taking risks, experimenting, and adapting our strategies as we go. We must be willing to embrace uncertainty and unpredictability, recognizing that change can be nonlinear and that small actions can have large and unforeseeable impacts. 4. Center the experiences and perspectives of marginalized communities: To create a truly just and equitable future, it is essential to prioritize the voices and perspectives of those 4 who have been most impacted by systemic injustices. This means working closely with communities of color, indigenous communities, queer and trans communities, and other marginalized groups to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations. 5. Work collaboratively across sectors and disciplines: The challenges facing our world today are complex and multifaceted, and require collaboration across traditional boundaries. This means working with scientists, policymakers, activists, artists, and others to create holistic solutions that address the root causes of social and environmental problems. 6. Take action: Finally, it is important to recognize that change cannot happen without action. We must all take individual and collective action to create the kind of future we want to see, whether through grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, or other means. We cannot wait for others to create change for us - we must be the change we wish to see in the world. What is the legacy that you wish to leave for the next 7 generations? Reflecting on the importance of leaving a legacy for the next seven generations, I am inspired by the Indigenous principle that we should consider the impact of our actions on future generations. This concept speaks to the interconnectedness of all life and serves as an ongoing reminder to make decisions that are beneficial for those who come after us. I strive to create a more equitable and sustainable future, where all people have access to resources and support, nature is respected and cared for, and communities work together in solidarity. 5