How can we help those who are demonstrating and dying on the streets?
I think that what we are already doing — paying rapt attention — is the most powerful thing Americans can do to empower Iran’s popular uprising. If the USA is preceived to be attempting to interfere, we empower repression. If we become a factor in the process, we muddy the waters. But if we simply pay attention, with open hearts and minds, and if we let ourselves be affected by what we see, and if we speak publicly about our human and moral perceptions, in public forums that Iranians can access, we help. It will be obvious that we are paying attention, that we are emotionally involved in witnessing their cultural confrontation, that we are moved and inspired by their courage, dignity, and restraint, that we are learning from their examples.
Mutual awareness involves taking new perspectives. That tends to serve growth into more nuanced structures of awareness. In this moment, the world’s simple witnessing awareness is making a subtle, but fundamental and benignly transformative difference. We are helping by sympathetically identifying with their symbolic martyr, Neda, her family, and her nation.
When the whole world is watching, heroes are seen, and thus empowered. (At least their sacrifice does not go unnoticed.) The world’s rapt attention makese a difference. The observed is changed by the presence of the observer. This intersubjective connection, this imperfect empathic urge unites us with Iranians in a larger “we-space.”
It is a subtle difference, and it doesn’t necessarily change behavior, except as new understandings naturally evoke new behavioral choices. But this simple shift might prove to be the “iota” of difference, the “straw” that tips the balance scales (which may tip only over months or years) in favor of reform and progress in Iran.
Iran 2009 and Global Integral
Hi Terry,
thank you very much for your new take in Iran 2009. I remember your report from 2007.
Integral Change and transitions in Iran and Broader Mideast, as well as in global hotspots across the world needs for sure global constellations as much as local and regional flavor and responsbility, authority and impact on the ground.
Seeing it all from Europe I want to add two networks which provide global viewpoints and potential for integral opening. Near to the poltical realities. And with less naivite than some of the “Evolutionary Leaders” which met recently in Deepak Chopras hounse in California.
The European Council on Foreign Relations was founded 2007 in Berlin. As associate Member I participated in the opening event in 2007. Its one of the most innovative poltical Think Tanks of last years and provides lots of analysis, reports and new European Perspectives on global events, people and ideas, developments and tension zones in the world.
http://www.ecfr.eu
The World Security Network is interesting too as it offers tons of materials and analysis for global areas too.
About WSN:
http://www.worldsecuritynetwork.com/corp/index3.cfm
Steve McIntosh, author of “Integral Consciousness” belongs to its staff of experts too.
My strong wish is to align integral dots within these global emerging constellations. And to give space for diverse approaches. Agreeing to Steve McIntoshs statement from 2008 that there will be no magic shift from cultural creatives but lots of shifts. Worldwide in much of vertical complexity.
Very best for you,
Albert Klamt