What the media probably won't tell you about this morning's #extinctionrebellion tube action is that yesterday there was a lot of polling/debate across internal XR comms about it and most were heavily against it. But it's a decentralised movement... 1/?
... And whilst there are so many strengths in decentralised self organising systems (and it is incredibly refreshing and exciting being part of one), this is the risk, that there will be disagreement about what is acceptable within the principles and mandates and... 2/?
... A sub group can take an action that potentially harms the group. Usually we try to reach consensus, so I'm disappointed these affinity groups went ahead knowing they didn't have majority XR support. And this risk is greatly heightened by the fact that media have taken... 3/?
... Little interest in how XR works, mostly focusing on arrests (when there is so much more that we do and are). So most people don't understand our decentralised nature and think that all XR actions speak for all XR or that actions are dictated by our "leaders"... 4/?
... This is probably something XR could do much better in their own comms, conveying their positive vision for the future, their regenerative culture, the empowering nature of self organising systems. Know that there is much reflection and iteration going on within
... 5/?
... 5/?
... As most of us are well aware that there are many things we could do better. Reflection and learning from mistakes in a democratic way is built into the principles of XR. Anyway, I hope everyone involved in the incident this morning is OK 💚
Please note, I am not saying that this wasn't "official" or "approved" as an action, or that XR was "against" this, just that these labels don't really make sense in this situation and trying to give bit of context.
I'm trying to respond to comments and questions and criticisms (and thank you for all of these) but twitter has stopped showing me those at the bottom of my mentions so apologies if it looks like I'm ignoring you!
OK I'm out for now, I haven't even had a real breakfast yet (2 oatcakes. Totally insufficient). Today has actually restored my faith in Twitter a bit, lots of good conversations, valuable criticism etc, it is worth looking at responses to all parts of this thread. BYE FOR NOW.
