ARREST III: Economic Justice
April 20, May 4, May 11, May 18th. 7-9pm
Poverty in America and elsewhere is intertwined with the rise of fear and the narratives that justify the inevitability of poverty and support the proposition that rising authoritarianism is needed to produce or maintain social stability. In this series we will examine the structure of our current economic systems and unpack some of the underlying assumptions embedded in those structures that help create and widen the economic disparities seen in the US and the world. Understanding the causes of the economic disparity along racial, ethnic, and sexual lines can help us address these disparities in more productive ways. If we are serious about moving toward a beloved community with love at its center, we need to genuinely understand the harsh reality of our neighbors living in poverty and the forces that resist their moving out of poverty. Come and explore with us the underlying structures and potential alternatives that could help us live into our vision of advancing justice. All sessions are currently scheduled to be held via Zoom. Those who register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgvqY_RC2kv8Wo2OAAM3-PtzjLxeHCr25YpJolznXBxwNAsw/viewform will have reminders and materials for future sessions sent to them.
Session I - April 20, 7-9 PM - The Lay of the Land - what does “economic justice” mean and not mean?
Opening Music and Chalice Lighting
Sharing of questions which came forward for you based on the introductory info?
Basic definitions - making sure we are all using the same terms to mean the same things
Why justice does not mean all differences will be erased.
Consider: What is the economy for? Who decides?
Introductory Videos to be viewed before the session:
Ted Talks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th3KE_H27bsThe Dirty Secret of Capitalism
Bill Nye -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL4zoo8xijc
World Economic Forum -Shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEnf_CFoyv0
Session II - May 4, 7-9 PM - Features of the System - are there elements of our current economic systems that are inherently unfair?
Session III - May 11, 7-9 PM - Are the current systems sustainable in the long-term as presently constructed?-
Session IV - May 18, 7-9 PM - What could systems more consistent with our UU Principles look like?
Recommended Books:
Poverty, by America (2023) by Matthew Desmond
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents (2020) by Isabel Wilkerson
The Poverty Paradox (2023) by Mark Rank