EP03 | American Democracy Relies on an Engaged Citizenry

Throughout history and culture, throughout our personal and collective lives, we are at times “called,” to a task, epic to the moment.  Yet, the scope of such a calling can seem overwhelming, and for a number of reasons, many never get past an initial resistance to be more, be better, solve the problem, or to heed the call.  This episode explores American resistance to political engagement, despite alarming threats to democracy.

Right wing extremism, white nationalism, and the rise of authoritarian tendencies are misunderstood, and fail to spark the engagement needed to strengthen and preserve democracy.  Facing the greatest threat of our nation’s history since the Civil Wars, Americans sleepwalk their way forward with a lackluster response.  Right wing extremism, white nationalism, and the rise of authoritarian tendencies are misunderstood, and fail to spark the engagement needed to strengthen and preserve democracy.  What holds us back a full-throated “Hell NO!” when faced with this kind of “mayday?”  How can we overcome our own resistance to responding? And how can we competently engage as dynamic citizens? 

Topics discussed in this episode:  

20:00 Complacency
23:15 Cynicism

Episode Audio: <div id="buzzsprout-player-15133734"></div><script src="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2318949/episodes/15133734-ep03-american-democracy-relies-on-an-engaged-citizenry.js?container_id=buzzsprout-player-15133734&player=small" type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script> 

Episode Music:   An Epic Story, by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Disclaimer:   The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of sponsors, underwriters, advertisers or guests. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. 

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The time-honored motif of the hero’s journey, found in narratives of myth, religion, culture, and politics, applies not only to our personal lives, but also to the journey of democracy. Here, at the crossroads of American heroism and depravity, the rule of the people requires our participation lest it slip from our fingers altogether. What does the American quest hold for the future? America’s adventure requires that, as a people, we learn the value of democracy, win newfound integrity, and transform our nation to fulfill its promised liberties. American Musecast speaks as a hopeful guide through civics, current events, and the charms and challenges of our socio-political institutions. (A reminder to like and follow.)