By Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo,
Mexico is facing a tough situation due to the upcoming elections of the 5th of July. The nation is going through what many consider “the Mexican Evolution”, which is nothing else than the awakening of the society in the mist of a crucial time. Citizens have seen that is the time to stop being victims and pursue actions. In this sense, the necessity of running independent candidates has come up. Nonetheless, some of them have not waited and have already taken this step from different views, shapes, spaces and creativity.
It seems that society does not want to vote. Some have decided to make a blank vote and others a vote in white, which is not the same. The first one has as consequence the nullity of the vote, due to the lack of accomplishments by the political class, while the second is a protest with a proposition. It is about wearing white the day of the election, go vote with conscience and do the obligated exercise. But the color will be the reminder of the main topic in which the whole country has agreed: Security. Therefore, it goes beyond the political party or the person we chose. The clear message must be sent, and it says that the priority must be security.
This changes the rhythm of things and makes us perceive the election from another perspective. Society is not only tired, but it concludes that the political and electoral system does not work, that is why citizens question and want to see real results. They want to know how to fully participate in this topic and it goes beyond of what we have done so far in the intermediate organizations, NGO’s, charity associates or philanthropy.
It is clear that if we have stopped believing in political parties it is because we have started to believe in ourselves. Isn’t that wonderful?
It is clear to me that all of us, but specially the youth, have to retake and reconsider how they have seen their country and the world. That is why there is a phrase that clearly says: THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL. We have several examples in the environmental tasks, where we have seen that everything is changed when each of us assumes responsibility of our own squared meter:
- Use less plastic bags and take fabric bags to the supermarket.
- Recycle aluminum, PET and glass.
- Buy less wrap when getting gifts.
- Try to find ways for children to play with recycled articles.
- Save water.
- Change your light bulbs for those that save energy.
- Improve your economy by saving energy.
Well, just as in this topic there are several of individual participation, this should also happen in the political and social areas:
- I will not bribe.
- I will obey the law.
- I spread the word about how to contribute in the elaboration of tasks in favor of my community.
- I give books to people.
- I plant trees.
- I attend neighbor meetings and I am informed.
- I know who my deputy is and I am in communication with him or her.
All this goes back to the analysis that we must make before going to vote this 5th of July. We cannot just go and vote, we have to be clear about the fact that this is the great election.
MORE OF THE SAME OR SOLUTIONS BY CITIZENS
A PARADIGM CHANGE OR GOING BACK TO THE PAST
HIDDEN PACTS OR CITIZEN LIGHT
WEAPONS OR FREEDOM.
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nice thoughts. i agree, there is a great need for citizens more active participation. its not just to go and vote, but to keep those in government accountable.
What an amazing article.
Now this is what loving your country means. It means thinking about solutions and proposing new alternatives for a better lifestyle. It is admitting that Mexico has problems and they need to be resolved as soon as possible. It is making Mexicans (I am a Mexican before you roar at me) responsible for their actions and their current crisis (no the economic one this word has other meanings). I like that it also gives hope because the article calls for unity and action within Mexican society, it stresses the importance of developing a civil society capable of making politicians accountable and capable of being a social force that caa shape the country.
I am very proud to know that we have people like Ms. Clouthier in Mexico, that at least in their discourse do not appeal to low emotions and cheap nationalism (like the photographer from the last article). I am also happy to know that we have runners for electios such as Ms Clouthier that give concrete suggestions, eloquent proposals, and realistic options to improve the country.
Thank you Ms. Clouthier and thank you Liberate the Mind.
And I invite everyone that read the previous article on Mexico to read this piece, and judge for yourselves which way of thinking actually helps Mexico.
Excellent article,
We where so intrigued by the Tatiana Clouthier Phenomena, that we are preparing a document that will provide an insight into how the “citizen movements” are feeding the next step of Mexican Democracy.
Here is a brief introduction to the topic
http://hjbarraza.com/tatiana-clouthier-la-nueva-media-y-desarrollo-de-la-nueva-politica/
While some call it the “Evolution” of democracy, it seems only a natural pattern when you compare it to other democratised patterns, like software, media, innovation and management. Keeping the 2.0-ish hype behind it is clear that the dissolution of central power figures is the next natural step in human designed systems.
But none will be as intriguing as democratized governance and politics.
I work in Tatiana’s political campaign and she never stops impressing me. I just got back from seeing her jump out of an airplane! she parachuted down to where we and the media were waiting. The most AMAZING thing was that, 10 seconds after landing, she was giving a speach to the press. Amazing! she didn’t even sit or take a grasp of air! She said (roughly) “The people in san Pedro know who is the right choice, they are just afraid to change, they have to leap. that is why I jumped today, it’s what i’ve been asking of the people.” “when you are about to jump out of the airplane, i imagine it must be like what you feel when you are about to vote the 5th of july. Let go of your fear and do the right thing!” “I didn’t do this alone(it was a tandem jump) these kind of jumps are not done alone… lets all do it together as a comunity” That woman, as i told her today, is my hero. Im so grateful to be in her team.