I accidentally infiltrated a cryptocurrency conference with crypto leaders from around the world. As a nonprofit, social justice activist, I came in with an open mind to learn. I had a narrow perception of crypto prior and here is what I learned.
The dominant narrative of crypto is super narrow. People (i.e me) think it’s a high-risk investment or something used for crime or is a bunch of tech bro’s becoming millionaires. I was exposed to the counter narrative of people who see the utilitarian vision of crypto.
I was captivated by crypto leaders from Latin America who have seen dictators come and go & unstable currencies drastically fluctuate. The wealthy put their money in dollars in US banks, but the rest suffer. They see a vision w/ wide adoption where crypto is like your credit card
I also heard of crypto technology people are using in Australia where you can use Crypto to pull money out of ATMs for a small fee & stories of people who can’t get loans because of bad credit who can access better loans from their crypto than a bank.
One company has a program working with law enforcement to detect illegal and illicit purchases using crypto.
Even tho there were very few women, I was impressed by the diversity of people working in crypto... their ages, countries, etc. One guy used to be a film director. They are genuine ppl passionate about making the finance industry more just and equitable.
Social justice folks, they need us in these cryptocurrency conversations. This isn’t a passing fad and we need to get in to influence decision makers and bring forward the utilitarian vision rather than the wealth gap increasing with us being left out.
I just learned who someone was I talked to. I overheard this guy make a comment about the homeless and housing in SF. I interrupted & told him about the history of the homeless & affordable housing in the Bay. Turns out he is a billionaire. I hope I had an impact on him.
