We are attempting to build, within our movement…
““We are attempting to build, within our movement, non-exploitative ways of relating to one another based on trust and concern rather than political expediency. We have serious personal/political intentions in breaking down hierarchical and elitist structures, and for experimenting with leaderless groups and collective decision making. In dealing with the media these revolutionary principles and practices are destroyed. The media works to create leaders, it knows no way of relating to us on our own terms. Being interviewed and presented as a leader is a real ego trip--the media brings out the most counter-revolutionary traits in people. Elitism, dissension and division are the ultimate results.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates for non-exploitative, trust‑based relations within movements, warning media that create hierarchical leaders and undermine collective decision‑making.
In simple terms: Building trust, rejecting hierarchy, resisting media‑driven leadership.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize collective trust over media narratives.
Themes
trust
collective decision‑making
anti‑hierarchy
media influence
revolutionary practice
Mood
optimisticouslycritical
determined
Type
Decision making:1
Leaders:1
Leadership:1
Media:1
Politics:1
Trust:1
Media Revolutionary:0
Elitism Dissension:0
Political Intentions:1
People Elitism:0
Revolutionary Traits:0
When to use this quote
- activist meetings
- community organizing
- media interviews
- leadership training
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
social movement dynamics
leadership theory
media studies
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can movements safeguard trust when engaging media?
- What structures resist leader‑making??
A Different Perspective
Media inevitably imposes narratives that can re‑hierarchize groups.