Directors Corner: Spring 2010

Consider how many e-mails arrive in your inbox everyday that have some sort of quote or slogan at the bottom.  One of my personal favorites is the old saw from Margaret Mead—“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

The use of slogans by advertisers and even by charismatic leaders working for social change creates an illusion that we know where we are headed and how to get there.  Terms like “sustainability,” “participation,” and “empowerment” are often used to express sincere intentions to work for change in ways that are inclusive and challenge the status quo.  Yet they are also often used uncritically.  Without a deeper understanding of their implications or articulation of meaningful paths of action, the enthusiasm for social change these terms inspire may lead, unintentionally, to adopting practices that reinforce existing hierarchies and power structures. As the Center continues its work with small groups of citizens eager for change, it is sobering to be reminded of the pitfalls of superficial enthusiasm.

Fortunately, there are scholars like Herb Reid and Betsy Taylor who are able to ground such slogans with meaningful analysis of the importance of place, public space, and the “counterexpertise” of civil society.  For example, by harkening to their message of the importance of place-based narrative and “aesthetic ecology” situated in the global context, we may be able to transform otherwise reductionist or dualistic approaches to community work and social change. 

Now, in their new book Recovering the Commons (U of IL Press, 2010), Herb and Betsy provide tools that can help academics and change agents alike converge their thinking and their actions in order to create real change in real places in real time.  Irrelevant academics?  I don’t think so.

Contact Evelyn: eknig0@uky.edu