An Interview With My Masters: How To Become A Spiritual Activist
From the teachings of Nabir
Nabir was my spiritual teacher and mentor concerning the ways of the world. The things I learned from him, over half a century, have been the foundation for my meaningful, and very successful life.
Here is an introduction to Nabir and his teachings.
In this Friday Night Class Nabir explored the spiritual side of social activism.
I was particularly interested in this talk since I was an activist in college, and at one point I mentored Jerry Rubin when he became a businessman. Jerry once invited me to lunch with Abby Hoffman. It was quite an experience.
Here is the Q & A session that followed that talk. This class was of particular interest in that Nabir began asking questions rather than just answering them.
Q. Hi Nabir, I am an activist involved with culture jamming. This is the practice of subverting consumerism and actively criticizing wasteful lifestyle habits. Do you have any thoughts about this?
Nabir asks: What does the practice of culture jamming involve?
Student: By methods such as producing advertisements parodying those of global brands.
Nabir asks: What is specifically involved in this culture jamming?
Student: Certainly Culture Jamming can manifest as mayhem, mischief and misinformation. On the other hand, it may be the only non-violent tool available to influence governmental and non-governmental organizations. This is especially so for those non-governmental organizations that seem to be immune to government intervention and whose behavior is unethical, immoral, illegal, and resistant to any form of accountability other than profit margin.
Nabir asks: I find this interesting. Can you tell me about some prominent Culture Jammers?
A. There are many groups and individuals that engage in culture jamming, even if they might not call themselves by this name. At this time three of the most well-known jammers in the last decade have been Michael Moore, Morgan Spurlock, and two jammers known as the Yes Men. In order to appreciate what Culture Jammers do, it is important that one appreciates the importance of activism in creating and maintaining an effective and productive democratic society. It also helps to have an appreciation of performance art, a gonzo mindset, and a sense of the ironic.
Nabir asks: Do Culture Jammers come from any particular segment of society?
A. Culture Jammers usually come from consumer, political, and social activist movements. The most creative activists seek to subvert memes, and trends, particularly those associated with questionable political assumptions and commercial culture.
Nabir asks: Aside from creating and maintaining an effective and productive democratic society, how does Culture Jamming benefit society?
A. It grabs one’s attention causing an individual to, at least momentarily, challenge a habitual acceptance of a toxic or dysfunctional idea that has come to be seen as normal, “cool”, or socially acceptable.
Nabirs asks: Is Culture Jamming more effective with large groups or smaller groups?
A. Interestingly, Culture Jamming, through the work of individuals or small groups of activists, has a much greater impact on larger groups than on smaller groups.
Nabir asks. Why is this?
A. It is always easier to impose a conformist ethos on a small group than a large one. A group with smaller numbers or a large group whose numbers have dwindled is likely to lose its culture of freedom of thought and free expression. In the end, small groups will ossify into a cult of ultraliberal or ultraconservative orthodoxy. Such cultures often create a hierarchy that, over time, devolves into self-indulgence, self-righteousness, and self-inflated rhetoric.
Nabir: If I wanted to research a few of the pioneers and major influences in the area of Culture Jamming, where would I start?
A. Research Negativeland, the Situationists led by Guy Debord (Based in Europe), Guerilla Girls (Feminist Artists), Abby Hoffman, BLF (they adulterate billboard advertising), Ron English, Reclaim the Streets, the Reverend Billy, Michael Moore, and the Yes Men.
Student question: So now that you know about this what are your thoughts?
Nabir: I don’t know of doing all this makes a difference. I remember Occupy Wall Street. Did it change much? I know of one Pizza Parlor owner who was a supporter of this. He was put out of business. All these activists used his bathroom, never bought anything, used up his toilet paper, and left a mess. Many people will behave badly no matter what their politics may be.
If you feel this activism is important. Is your way to engage the world to make a difference. All power to you. Just remember, to be kind, compassionate, empathetic, and listen to another point of view. Even one, that you may not be in agreement with. Taking a position on some issue gives you the opportunity to be a better listener.
With this Nabir smiled, arose, and the class ended.
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Author: Lewis Harrison is the award-winning author of over twenty books on personal growth. He is the former host of the show “What’s Up” on NPR-affiliated WIOX FM in New York. He teaches seminars and speaks on personal development and life strategies throughout the world.
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