35 - Navigating the S. Florida Activist Scene

On this episode of the ant I discuss with a fellow activist friend the mood of the local activist scene and how we might strengthen it. Mercedes and I touch on many topics, such as new A.I. Data Center construction, the stifled energy of the Palestine Solidarity movement and the possibility of alternative democratic & social models for society. This was a broad and mostly theory focused conversation so anybody who is new to getting political might find some utility in it. There’s a lot to learn and a lot to do. If you agree then call into the show. Send an email to [email protected] and we can set it up. PLEASE SUPPORT: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-mutual-aid-in-gaza Timeline (5:40) Introduction to Mercedes (6:15) S.FL energy level of the Palestine Solidarity Movement (9:00) Experiences with activism & community building (14:15) Thinking on ways to connect struggles & interests (29:00) The A.I. Data Center problem (33:25) Cui bono? Who benefits? (37:35) Revisiting the local Israel Bonds investment (41:45) Can you go through the system to try to change it? (45:35) What are politics even? (52:15) Thoughts on Social Anarchism (54:00) How it compares to Socialism and other understandings (1:02:45) Rationalizing the scope of the problem (1:09:00) Managing emotions in organized spaces (1:15:05) Democratic models for organizations (1:22:10) What are working class politics? Music ‘Entanglement’ by Soccer96 Follow (YouTube) https://tr.ee/W8xXr88JIK (IG) https://tr.ee/uJj9Un_kgQ (Spotify) (ApplePodcasts) (Substack) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anthrotographer.substack.com