Chapter iii
Breaking the Dependency Chains: Building a Future without Dependency
As we move forward, it is imperative for future generations to recognize and actively disconnect from a system that was constructed to keep them enslaved or colonized. This system, deeply rooted in the remnants of colonial power, continues to perpetuate dependency through various mechanisms, such as calendars, time, language, education, and governance. To truly liberate ourselves and our societies, we must reimagine and reconstruct these foundational elements in ways that reflect our authentic values and aspirations.
Reclaiming Time, Language, and Education
The tools of colonial powers have profoundly shaped our understanding of time, language, and education, imposing structures that often disconnect us from our cultural roots. The calendars we follow, the languages we speak, and the educational systems that shape our thinking were frequently imposed by colonial rulers to consolidate their control. To truly decolonize our minds and societies, we must reclaim these aspects of our lives, aligning them with our ancestral traditions and natural rhythms.
Decolonizing Time and Calendars: Embracing Community and Natural Rhythms
The concept of time and the structures we use to measure it have long been influenced by Western models that often disregard indigenous practices and natural cycles. The Gregorian calendar, for instance, is a product of European religious and colonial history, imposing a linear and Eurocentric view of time that marginalizes other cultural perspectives. To decolonize time is to rethink how we understand and organize our days, embracing systems that reflect the natural world and our ancestral traditions, and recognizing that time should serve our communities, not just the demands of work.
Reimagining the Role of Time
Traditional Western calendars often focus on productivity and work, structuring time around economic activities and efficiency. This view can alienate us from the natural rhythms and communal values that have long guided human life. The Peopleize World Calendar offers a refreshing departure from these colonial and religious constructs by emphasizing a more holistic and community-centered approach to timekeeping.
Instead of merely tracking days and months as a linear progression of workdays and deadlines, the Peopleize World Calendar aligns with the natural and cosmic rhythms of the Earth. It incorporates celestial events and natural cycles, providing a framework that honors both individual and collective experiences. This calendar reflects the principles of harmony, balance, and interconnectedness, emphasizing that time is not just a sequence of work but a reflection of our place within the broader cosmos.
Breaking Free from Colonial and Religious Timekeeping
Historically, timekeeping systems like the Gregorian calendar have not only measured time but also imposed specific worldviews that prioritized European religious and cultural values. This has led to a disconnection from the natural world and cultural traditions deeply tied to the rhythms of nature. For example, the Gregorian calendar’s rigid structure can overshadow traditional practices and celebrations that are rooted in natural cycles, such as seasonal festivals and agricultural cycles.
The Peopleize World Calendar offers an alternative by embracing a diverse range of cultural and cosmic influences. It integrates elements from various traditions, offering a more inclusive perspective on time. By moving beyond the constraints of linear and Eurocentric timekeeping, this calendar allows individuals and communities to redefine progress and success according to their own values and natural cycles.
Embracing a Cosmic and Communal Journey
The Peopleize World Calendar invites us to embark on a journey that blends personal and cosmic experiences. It is divided into 19 Winals (months), each named after a planet or Earth element, symbolizing our deep connection to the universe and nature. This structure encourages us to view time not merely as a series of days but as a dynamic and interconnected phenomenon.
For instance, the N Equinox Winal emphasizes balance and reflection, mirroring the equinox’s equal division of day and night. This period encourages us to seek balance in our own lives, fostering harmony between work, rest, and community activities. The Mercury Winal focuses on communication and adaptability, urging us to enhance our interactions and responsiveness in our daily lives. Each Winal serves as a unique opportunity for reflection, growth, and alignment with the natural and cosmic rhythms.
Honoring Diverse Perspectives and Universal Principles
A decolonized approach to timekeeping, exemplified by the Peopleize World Calendar, honors and integrates diverse perspectives and practices. It recognizes the value of indigenous knowledge systems and the importance of aligning with natural and cosmic rhythms. By celebrating universal principles such as balance, transformation, and growth, this calendar fosters a more inclusive and equitable understanding of time.
For example, the inclusion of natural cycles in the Peopleize World Calendar acknowledges the significance of environmental changes and their impact on human life. Celebrations and observances tied to lunar phases, solstices, and equinoxes reflect a deep respect for the natural world and its rhythms. This approach supports well-being and fulfillment by encouraging us to live in harmony with the environment and to align our personal goals with broader natural cycles.
A New Era of Timekeeping
The Peopleize World Calendar represents the dawn of a new era in timekeeping, one that is decolonized, inclusive, and deeply connected to the natural and cosmic rhythms that shape our lives. By moving away from colonial and religious constructs, we open the door to a more authentic and community-centered understanding of time. This shift allows us to reconnect with our cultural heritage, embrace the rhythms of nature, and redefine success and fulfillment on our own terms.
As we journey through the 19 Winals, each named after a planet or Earth element, we are reminded of the cosmic forces that influence our lives. Whether it’s the transformative energy of Fire, the harmonious beauty of Venus, or the renewal brought by Rain, each Winal offers a unique opportunity for reflection and growth. By adopting this calendar, we align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the universe, fostering a more balanced, mindful, and harmonious way of living that prioritizes community and collective well-being over mere productivity and efficiency.
Language as Liberation: A New Paradigm
Language is one of the most potent tools for both oppression and liberation. Historically, colonial powers imposed their languages on indigenous populations, leading to the erosion of local languages and, consequently, cultural identities. This forced assimilation into colonial languages like English, French, Spanish, and others has marginalized thousands of indigenous languages, many of which are now endangered. However, language can also be a powerful tool for liberation. By revitalizing and prioritizing indigenous languages, we can not only preserve cultural knowledge but also foster a profound sense of pride and belonging. This reclamation of language is a form of resistance against cultural erasure, and it is vital to creating a more inclusive and diverse global society.
To truly decolonize language, we must move beyond the mere inclusion of indigenous languages in a predominantly colonial framework. This means establishing educational systems that are rooted in the linguistic and cultural diversity of the communities they serve, rather than merely adding indigenous languages as supplementary or elective courses within a colonial curriculum. For instance, rather than teaching indigenous languages as a secondary subject, entire educational systems should be designed around these languages, with instruction in all subjects conducted in the local languages of the community.
An example of this approach can be seen in the initiatives of some indigenous communities in Latin America, where schools operate entirely in indigenous languages, with curricula that are designed and taught by members of the community. These schools are not just about preserving language; they are about creating a holistic education system that reflects and respects the community’s worldview, values, and knowledge systems.
This approach can also be seen in parts of Africa, where there is a push to move away from colonial languages as the medium of instruction. For example, in countries like Tanzania, efforts are being made to prioritize Kiswahili, a language spoken by the majority of the population, as the primary language of instruction in schools. This not only makes education more accessible but also strengthens national identity and cultural pride.
In this new paradigm, the diversity of languages would be celebrated, not hindered. This means creating spaces where the more than 10,000 languages spoken around the world are not only preserved but are also the foundation of educational, cultural, and social systems. For instance, digital platforms and technology can be leveraged to create online spaces where indigenous languages are used and taught, allowing for the sharing of knowledge and culture across distances. Additionally, media and entertainment should reflect this linguistic diversity, with indigenous languages being featured in films, television, music, and literature.
Educational Reformation: A Decolonized System
To truly break free from colonial systems, educational reform must go beyond the inclusion of indigenous perspectives within an existing colonial framework. Instead, we need to build entirely new systems of education that are rooted in the values, histories, and knowledge systems of the people they serve. This means rejecting the one-size-fits-all model of education that prioritizes Western philosophies and worldviews and embracing a multiplicity of educational approaches that reflect the diversity of human experience.
One way to achieve this is through community-driven education, where local communities have control over their own educational systems. This includes the development of curricula that are relevant to the community’s needs and that reflect its cultural and linguistic heritage. For example, in Bolivia, the government has implemented a system of intercultural and bilingual education, where indigenous languages and knowledge systems are at the core of the curriculum. In these schools, students learn not only in their native language but also about their cultural traditions, history, and relationship with the environment.
Another important aspect of a decolonized education system is the rejection of standardized testing and rigid, hierarchical structures that often marginalize non-Western ways of knowing. Instead, education should be seen as a collaborative and lifelong process that values experiential learning, community engagement, and the wisdom of elders. In this model, students would not be assessed based on their ability to conform to a standardized curriculum but on their ability to contribute to their community and to live in harmony with their environment.
This decolonized approach to education also involves the recognition and incorporation of indigenous knowledge systems in all areas of study. For example, instead of teaching science as a set of universal laws and principles derived from Western traditions, a decolonized curriculum would include indigenous ways of understanding the natural world, such as traditional ecological knowledge, which is often based on thousands of years of observation and practice. Similarly, instead of teaching history from a Eurocentric perspective, students would learn the history of colonization from the perspective of the colonized, and they would be encouraged to critically examine the ongoing impacts of colonialism in their own lives and communities.
Furthermore, a decolonized education system would not be limited by national borders or confined to formal institutions. Learning would be a global, interconnected process that recognizes the value of all cultures and languages. This could be facilitated by networks of indigenous scholars, educators, and activists who collaborate across borders to share knowledge and strategies for decolonization. These networks could also advocate for the recognition of indigenous education systems by international bodies, ensuring that indigenous knowledge is valued and respected on a global scale.
Moving Toward a Decolonized Future
The vision of a decolonized future is one where linguistic and cultural diversity is celebrated and where education systems are designed to serve the needs of the people rather than perpetuate colonial power structures. This requires a fundamental shift in how we think about language, education, and knowledge. It means rejecting the dominance of colonial languages and curricula and embracing a multiplicity of voices, perspectives, and ways of knowing.
In this new system, the goal of education is not to produce workers for a global economy, but to cultivate individuals who are deeply connected to their culture, their community, and the world around them. By prioritizing indigenous languages and knowledge systems, we can create a world where diversity is not just tolerated but is seen as essential to our collective well-being and survival.
This is not a simple task, nor is it one that can be achieved overnight. It requires the active participation of governments, communities, educators, and individuals. It requires a commitment to challenging the status quo and to imagining new possibilities for how we live and learn together. But by embracing this vision, we can begin to build a future that is not just free from the legacies of colonialism, but one that is rich with the knowledge and wisdom of all humanity.
Governance and Self-Autonomy: A New Model for a Just Society
Current governance and legal systems often reflect colonial legacies, concentrating power among a select few while marginalizing broader societal needs. These systems perpetuate inequality through force, external military support, and economic dependency. This centralization of power stifles true autonomy and hinders equitable development. To foster a just society, we must reimagine governance to ensure that power is decentralized and communities are empowered to govern themselves according to their own values based on equality.
Empowering Oppressed Communities: True Self-Autonomy
To break free from cycles of dependency and disempowerment, communities need genuine self-autonomy. This entails a radical shift in governance that allows communities to make decisions based on their unique values and needs, free from external interference. Governments must facilitate this process by implementing simple registration or application processes that enable communities to establish their cultural historical indigenous communities. This approach ensures that communities can assert their self-determination peacefully, without resorting to violence or revolution. By recognizing the inherent rights of communities to govern themselves, we can create a more equitable and just world where true self-autonomy is respected and upheld.
Establishing New Legal Frameworks:
1. Community-Driven Governance:
Develop legal frameworks that empower communities to establish their own governance structures, based on equality of all people, reflecting their cultural and social realities. This model should prioritize principles of equality, ensuring that all members are treated equal with dignity and respect.
2. Resource Management and Economic Autonomy: Empower communities to manage their resources and economic activities sustainably. In the Peopleize approach, land cannot be owned or inherited; instead, it is managed collectively to ensure that it supports the community’s well-being and is used to create self-sustaining systems. Resources are shared based on need and mutual benefit, promoting collaboration and equitable access. This model helps prevent resource hoarding and ensures that communities thrive through collective stewardship.
As part of this approach, governments will create a new currency system specifically designed to support these new programs and processes. Unlike the current monetary system, which was established to give colonial powers control, this new currency will be free and accessible to all people. The new money system is intended to promote equality, ensuring that money is not used as a tool for control but as a logical means to foster a global community where every individual and community has equal economic standing. Each community will have its own equal currency notes, supporting local autonomy while contributing to a balanced global economy based on fairness and shared prosperity.
3. Collaborative Frameworks: Establish mechanisms for collaboration among communities, allowing them to share resources, knowledge, and support. Governments should facilitate these collaborations by providing the tools and infrastructure necessary for communities to connect and work together effectively. The goal is to create self-sustaining communities that build and develop what they need locally, collaborate to ensure that all production is regionally based, and work towards reducing CO2 emissions and minimizing waste. This approach fosters a network of interdependent communities that can collectively address challenges and opportunities while promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
4. Cultural and Educational Autonomy: Support the development of educational systems and cultural institutions tailored to community needs and values. Curricula should reflect local histories, languages, and traditions, and should be designed to promote equality and inclusivity. This empowers communities to preserve their cultural heritage while ensuring that all members have access to quality education that respects their identities.
Redrawing Colonial Borders: Crafting Inclusive and Cohesive Regions
Colonial borders have often divided communities and created conflicts. To address these issues, we must reimagine and redraw borders to better reflect social and cultural realities. However, the ultimate goal is to move towards a world without borders, where people are free to move to any community they choose. This approach is essential for achieving true equality, allowing individuals to live where they feel most connected and ensuring that no one is restricted by arbitrary lines drawn by past colonial powers. A world without borders fosters inclusivity and promotes a global community where all people have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the collective well-being of humanity.
Reimagining Borders:
1. Community-Centric Redrawing:
Involve communities in discussions about border adjustments to ensure new boundaries reflect local identities and needs. This participatory approach should consider cultural, social, and ecological factors, aiming for boundaries that facilitate natural and cultural coherence. For example, the creation of regions based on ecological zones or cultural affinities can better align governance with community realities.
2. Transboundary Cooperation:
Foster cooperation between neighboring communities and nations to manage shared resources and cultural ties effectively. This can lead to the creation of cross-border regions that integrate diverse cultural and ecological aspects while promoting equality and mutual respect. Initiatives like transboundary conservation areas exemplify how collaborative governance can address shared challenges and opportunities.
3. Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation:
Create forums for dialogue and reconciliation to address historical grievances related to colonial border impositions. These forums should support equitable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of all affected communities. Examples include truth and reconciliation processes that aim to heal past injustices while promoting unity and equality.
4. Sustainable Development:
Ensure that new regional boundaries support sustainable development by considering environmental, social, and economic factors. This approach can help prevent resource conflicts and promote equitable development across newly defined regions. The concept of eco-regions, which align with natural ecosystems rather than political boundaries, offers a framework for sustainable and inclusive development.
A New Economic Model: Redefining Money and Value
In the Peopleize approach, money is reimagined as a tool for tracking transactions rather than a means of control or profit generation. This shift involves creating a new economic model that ensures equitable access to resources and supports community well-being. The current world model is centered on the idea of “getting what you can for yourself,” often driven by greed and individualism. In contrast, the new model asserts that no person on Earth should have to worry about the five basic human needs: food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education. Money should not be an instrument of personal greed but a tool to create sustainable development and products that benefit global communities.
Governments will introduce new money notes specifically for these programs and processes, which will be freely available to all people. Unlike the current money system, which was historically designed to give colonial powers control, this new system is created to promote equality. The aim is not to use money as a tool of control but as a logical instrument to ensure an equitable global community. Each community will have its own equal money notes, reinforcing local autonomy while fostering global equality and cooperation. This approach allows money to serve its true purpose: facilitating the creation of a world where everyone’s basic needs are met, and where development is driven by a commitment to collective well-being rather than individual accumulation.
Redefining Money and Value:
1. Transactional Transparency:
Implement a monetary system where money is used solely to track transactions and facilitate the exchange of goods and services. Money should no longer be a tool for control or manipulation. By focusing on transparency, we ensure that financial transactions are clear, equitable, and devoid of exploitation.
2. Removal of the Central Banking System:
Replace the current central banking system with a framework where individual governments control their own currency. This ensures that all global currencies are treated as equal, removing the centralized power that banks hold over national economies. Governments, directly accountable to their citizens, will issue and manage money in a way that serves the public interest, fostering both national and global economic equality.
3. Equal Value and Basic Access:
Ensure that every individual has access to the money they need to live, play, and develop business ideas and community initiatives. This approach eliminates financial inequality and ensures that basic needs are met for all members of society. Universal Income (UI) models or similar systems can be used to provide everyone with a fair share of resources and money.
4. Eliminating Profit from Money:
Prohibit the generation of profit through money, such as interest or fees. In this new model, money cannot be used to make money, thus removing financial instruments and practices that perpetuate inequality and exploitation. By eliminating profit-driven mechanisms, we promote a more equitable distribution of resources.
5. Promoting Environmental Sustainability:
With profit no longer a driving factor, we can prioritize the creation of sustainable products and practices that benefit the environment. Resources can be allocated toward developing and producing goods that are durable, eco-friendly, and support long-term ecological balance. This shift encourages businesses and communities to adopt sustainable practices that prioritize environmental health over short-term financial gain.
6. Supporting Innovation and Community Development:
Provide individuals and communities with the resources they need to explore innovative ideas and build self-sustaining projects. This includes supporting entrepreneurial ventures and community-driven initiatives that align with collective well-being and environmental sustainability. For instance, community grants or resource pools can support local projects that enhance quality of life and foster collaboration.
7. Collaboration Over Competition:
Encourage a collaborative economic approach where communities and individuals work together to achieve common goals. This model fosters mutual support and shared success, moving away from competitive and exploitative practices. Cooperative business models, such as worker cooperatives and communal resource-sharing, exemplify this collaborative spirit.
8. Integrating Technological Solutions:
Utilize technology to support this new economic model. Digital platforms can facilitate transparent transactions, track resource distribution, and support collaborative projects. Blockchain technology, for example, can be used to ensure transaction integrity and community accountability.
By adopting this new model of governance, land management, resource allocation, and economic systems, we can create a just and equitable society that respects community autonomy and fosters collaboration. This approach ensures that resources are managed sustainably, power is decentralized, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Embracing these principles will lead to a more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious world where communities can flourish and collaborate for the common good.
Peopleize Government
The concept of democracy as it exists today is often a façade, with elected politicians making decisions on behalf of the people, often without their input or consent. A truly “peopleize” democracy government would involve direct participation from all members of society in the decision-making process. Every law and policy should be voted on by the people, ensuring that governance reflects the will of the majority rather than the interests of a powerful few. This model of government would prioritize the needs of the community, ensuring that power is decentralized and that every voice is heard.
Path to True Freedom: What Can I Do?
To achieve true freedom and move beyond the constraints of dependency, I can take several impactful actions. This journey involves not only addressing historical injustices but also creating new frameworks rooted in the values of indigenous cultures and communities. At the heart of this effort is the recognition that the true power lies with the people. Governments and economies exist because of our collective labor and participation. If we, the people, were to stop working, the global economy would come to a halt. They cannot control or oppress us if we stand together because they need us to sustain their systems.
It starts with one person connecting with another. By taking individual actions and forming connections with others who share similar goals, we can begin to build a network of change. Every small effort counts, whether it’s supporting local initiatives, advocating for systemic reforms, or simply engaging in dialogue. These connections help to grow our collective impact, fostering a network of mutual support and shared purpose. As we work together and expand our reach, we create a powerful movement for change.
By recognizing and asserting our collective power, we can take control of our destinies, ensuring that governments serve the people, not the other way around. Here’s how I can contribute:
1. Reject Colonial Legacies:
I can actively work to challenge and dismantle the remnants of colonial systems that still influence our societies. This means questioning and addressing outdated legal and economic practices that perpetuate inequality.
2. Support Equitable Systems Rooted in Indigenous Values:
To move beyond colonial legacies, I can promote and support systems that incorporate indigenous values and knowledge. This includes advocating for policies and practices that revitalize indigenous governance models and cultural practices into institutions.
3. Build Inclusive and Equitable Systems:
I can contribute to creating inclusive and equitable systems by supporting education that ensures diverse perspectives. This involves promoting curricula that reflect local histories, languages, and traditions, and ensuring that all voices are heard in decision-making processes.
4. Foster Community Autonomy and Self-Determination:
Empowering communities to manage their own resources and make decisions about their futures is crucial. I can support community-led initiatives and advocate for policies that respect and enhance local governance structures, ensuring they align with community values and needs.
5. Build Community Resilience:
I can help build resilient communities by supporting local businesses, promoting sustainable practices, and prioritizing local resources. By fostering economic independence and cultural pride, I contribute to creating self-sufficient communities that thrive independently of the current oppressive systems.
6. Use Education as a Tool for Liberation:
Education should empower, not indoctrinate. I can advocate for educational reforms that teach the true history of colonization and emphasize the importance of self-determination. By supporting educational initiatives that challenge oppressive systems, I help future generations become agents of change.
7. Support Global Solidarity and Cooperation:
While local actions are vital, global solidarity is also necessary. I can support international efforts to promote justice and equality by advocating for fair resource sharing and collaborating with global initiatives aimed at dismantling colonial structures.
8. Reclaim Cultural Heritage and Time:
I can contribute to reclaiming and celebrating cultural heritage that was suppressed under colonial rule. By embracing and integrating indigenous languages, cultural practices, and historical narratives into everyday life, I help restore and honor these important aspects of identity.
9. Transform Education:
I can support initiatives that restructure education to value diverse knowledge systems. This includes advocating for the inclusion of indigenous perspectives in curricula and promoting educational practices that bridge historical gaps and foster a more inclusive understanding of history and culture.
10. Redefine Governance and Democracy:
I can advocate for governance systems that reflect community autonomy and respect cultural diversity. By supporting participatory decision-making and inclusive governance models, I contribute to creating systems that are fair and representative of all voices.
11. Promote Environmental Stewardship:
The struggle for true freedom is intertwined with environmental justice. I can advocate for the protection of natural resources and support initiatives that align with indigenous environmental stewardship, reinforcing sovereignty and self-determination.
12. Support Economic Independence:
I can promote economic models that prioritize local economies and community-owned businesses, reducing reliance on external powers and fostering economic sovereignty.
13. Leverage Technology for Empowerment:
I can use technology to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and support the development of tools that enhance community governance, education, and economic independence.
14. Forge International Alliances:
By participating in global networks and building alliances with like-minded individuals and organizations, I can help amplify the impact of our collective efforts and contribute to a larger movement for decolonization and global equity.
15. Harness the Power of the People:
Ultimately, the power lies with us, the people. Governments and economies exist because of our collective labor and participation. If we were to stop working, the entire global economy would come to a halt. They cannot control or oppress us if we stand together, because they need us to sustain their systems. By recognizing and asserting our collective power, we can take control of our destinies, ensuring that governments serve the people, not the other way around.
By taking these actions and building connections with others, I can play a role in dismantling systems of dependency and building a future rooted in justice, equity, and self-determination. My efforts, combined with those of others, can help create a world where every community has the autonomy to define its own equal destiny and where true governance ensures that every voice is equal, heard, and valued.
OUR HEARTFELT GRATITUDE
As we write these words for Liberation Dependency Syndrome: The Post-Psychological Effects of Slavery, Colonization, Capitalism and Democracy, we are overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude. This book is more than a compilation of ideas; it embodies a collective vision for a world where understanding, healing, and true equality can flourish.
To every reader who has joined us on this journey, your support has been invaluable. Your willingness to delve into complex histories, challenge established narratives, and envision a future free from the shackles of historical oppression has been the driving force behind this work.
We are profoundly thankful to those who have shared their insights, offered encouragement, and demonstrated passion for this subject. Your commitment to exploring the psychological impacts of Slavery, Colonization, Capitalism and Democracy has significantly shaped this book, and your dedication to principles of equity has been a constant source of inspiration.
Creating a work of this scope and significance is never a solitary effort. It is the result of a shared aspiration for a world where the legacies of exploitation are dismantled, where every individual is valued, and where systemic inequalities are addressed. We are deeply appreciative of all who have contributed to this vision, whether through direct support or by exemplifying values of empathy and reform.
To the advocates for change, champions of equality, and visionaries of a more just world, this book stands as a testament to our shared goals. May the ideas within these pages ignite meaningful discussions, inspire collective action, and drive the transformative change we all seek.
To all who hold the belief in a future defined by equality, we offer our deepest thanks. Liberation Dependency Syndrome is not merely a piece of literature but a beacon guiding us towards a more equitable future. Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey.
With heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes,
xoxo
PEOPLEIZE
