Decision making Quote by Nancy Ferro
““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
Source Speech: Interview on activist organizing, 2020
Advocates non‑hierarchical, trust‑based relationships, warning media forces hierarchy and ego.
In simple terms: Promote trust, avoid media‑driven leadership.
Key Takeaway
Build egalitarian groups, resist media framing.
Themes
activism
trust
hierarchy
media
leadership
Mood
cautious
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- grassroots meetings
- media interviews
- community workshops
- online forums
- collective actions
Key Concepts
collective decision making
leaderless organization
ego dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can groups maintain non‑hierarchical values under media pressure?
- What structures protect against ego inflation?
A Different Perspective
Media may still amplify individual voices despite intentions.
