Economy taboo. . .protecting those with more resources than you!

A taboo is a strong social prohibition (or ban) relating to any area of human activity or social custom declared as sacred and forbidden; breaking of the taboo is usually considered objectionable or abhorrent by society.

If there is one thing I can appreciate about the blogging community it would have to be the openness. The seemingly unrestricted discourse that helps shape new thoughts and ideas into theory and action. This, to me, is the first and most important step in revolution. Everyone knows that you must first be able to discuss the problems of the world before you begin to fix them. My post today revolves around those institutions and concepts that are protected from scrutiny. Those concepts that use Taboo to protect them.

Woah!

Breathe.

First, what institutions/concepts are protected by taboo? A major institution that immediately pops into my head is religion. Others include sex, politics, economy as well as. . . free speech.

Free speech?

Yes, free speech

Emma Goldman said it back in the day. . .

"The most unpardonable sin in society is independence of thought."

Those who think or go 'against the grain' are breaking the Taboo of free thought thereby making people uncomfortable and thus being persecuted for doing so.

Hmmm. . .

What's that smell?

Aaaah yes. . . the resounding fragrance of Bullshit!!

Today I want to talk about economy as a taboo. I was raised, and I know many people were raised, to not talk about their finances. Live this secret life of personal economy and 'take care of your shit.' Well, our personal economy seems to be failing! By not talking about personal economy we prevent education and community solidarity (a.k.a. help when you're broke) and thereby decrease the competency of personal economy.

Mmmmhmmm.

Also, by staying quiet about our personal economies we aren't challenging those that have access to more resources. I think that by talking about personal economies, we have the opportunity to evaluate where the resources have been, where they are, and where they are going! Very important!

Why am I talking about this today? Well, a friend of mine and I are forming a social justice group here in Amsterdam. Really, there are so few non-governmental social justice groups here that we felt like it's time to start a real one- free of bullshit. The group name will be revealed after everything is ironed out logistically (so far, we have a group name, mission statement and statutes but nothing secure). The group revolves around the current economical crisis in Amsterdam (as well as in other countries). I really think we need to discuss personal and national/international economies in order to destruct economical stratification. So, let's try it! Woot Woot!

Hear that?