In our post-industrial world the stage has been set by a technology-driven, information tsunami that forces us to press forward in a turbulent environment of rapid change. On this stage we find two distinct groups. The first group is all of us, “we the people”, the masses. We struggle to find and follow the second group – our leaders—chosen because we believe they have the necessary skillset and integrity to guide us through. Because I (like most people) am often perplexed by the behaviors of both groups, I’d like to take a moment to discuss possible motivations and goals, with an eye toward uncovering workable strategies that will produce economic wins for all of us.
Motivation of Elites
Some elites are basically noble, honest servants of the people; others are driven by greed and self-interest. However, they share a common goal of using their resources, personalities and influence to maintain their elite status. Impressing, influencing or even controlling the people becomes a part of the political game that sustains the elites.
From the beginning of civilization, the currency of the elites has always been “attention”, but the digital age has heightened the value this asset. Occasionally a leader may operate behind the scenes, a puppeteer pulling the strings. But most are out front drawing the spotlight. Publicity gets support, following and votes to keep elites in power.
Motivation of the Masses
The masses of people just want safety, security, comfort and an opportunity to live well and share in the wealth of the land. Few of us relish the notoriety of being among the elite. We shy away from the responsibility that accompanies that role. We choose the best and brightest among us to implement policies and strategies to support our desired lifestyle. But we don’t want the burden of finding solutions to perplexing problems. We seek leaders who can develop and articulate simple, understandable solutions and spare us the task of comprehending all of the nuances and implications for ourselves.
The social media which has emerged in the digital age has given the masses superpowers. We have full access to information – which used to be the exclusive domain of the well-educated. And we also have full access to the coveted currency of attention. We have a voice which can be used at will without any gatekeeping institution having an easy means of intervening or censoring.
Our Move
As “we the people” now have a voice that cannot be easily restrained, we can create a concerted effort that is consistent with our collective goals. Without going through governors, congressmen or other elected officials, we can “post, like, share and subscribe” our message directly to the top, on the wings of magical social media algorithm. In unity, we can present them with a clear, reasonable and actionable requests, and so dangle the carrot, enticing them to form a partnership with us. Whether honorable or self-centered, the elite ego seeks to be recognized as one who delivers value to the people. But we must use our voice to define that value for them.
Our Strategy
First, we must minimize “the rant”—the angry name calling, blaming, accusations and finger pointing. These shenanigans only serve to draw attention to us. The rant may feel good for a moment. But we want to use our collective voice as a means of communicating a useful message – one that just might penetrate through the system, grabbing the attention and motivating those who can implement the change we would like to see.
Then we need to be strategic in sending a clear request that allows a leader to embrace it, take action and (maybe most importantly) take full credit for it. Giving us what we want is how leaders stay in power, but they must know what we want. Can we learn to make requests that can be implemented with minimal political pushback? I think we can. Here are two examples of requests that come to mind.
A curriculum change in education
A major overhaul of this outdated, industrial age system would require massive amounts of time, money and collaboration among opposing parties. But what if the public began pressing for just one crucial, small change: teaching all students about money, beginning in elementary school, with the goal of eventually graduating seniors who are financially literate. Surely, we don’t need act of congress to add a course or two to the school curriculum. And political leaders at the school board, state or national level will want to be known as the one who brought this educational upgrade to the people. We won’t regret playing to an ego or two in order to get what we want and need.
Paid maternity leave
Workers gained this basic benefit during the industrial age, but it has somehow vanished today. Some working mothers in the U.S. are receiving only two weeks paid time off after giving birth. Additional time for physical healing or family bonding must be taken as unpaid time off, vacation or sick time. Yet in many other countries, employers who are less profitable than some in the U.S. will allow six weeks, six months or more for maternity leave—and some even grant paid leave to fathers. Perhaps we need another Fair Labor Standards provision like that of 1938. But maybe, with the voice we have now, we can vote with our posts and our dollars to influence leaders in industry to see the benefits of being more family friendly.
I offer these thoughts to draw the focus away from clamor, confusion and rhetoric that separates us. I want to spotlight the unprecedented opportunity we have, using the tools of technology to bring about collaboration between the people and the elites. Afterall, these elites are people, too. We can find workable strategies that will be a win for everyone.
Siting the Marvin Gay song again: “We’ve got to find a way to bring some lovin’ here today!” That’s what’s going on!
Read more of Gail’s article on Plaid or connect with her on her website.
