nwp21: a new world paradigm for the 21st century.

an alternative to democracy, republicanism, fascism, anarchism or socialism, that honours people, freedom, culture and peace

Think of it as an ultimate remix.  We live at a crucial point in human history, and we are growing tired of the old political and social paradigms that made up the industrialized world of modernity.  Partisan politics, rigid ideologies, us-versus-them thinking, and black-and-white, all-or-nothing mentality all are hurting this world and dividing people.

The rise of the Occupy movement is changing the way we as humankind are finding our own common values and strengths, in spite of differences that once used to divide and separate us.

The question, though, is whether a simplistic reform of the existing structure would bring us a lasting change, before everything is too late economically, environmentally, politically, culturally, and socially.  Many believe that democracy is the solution.  Many believe that the current economic system needs to be reformed along the social democratic line.  Some say we need socialism, anarchism, syndicalism, or other radical forms of changes. 

The key to success in the Occupy movement is to learn from all voices, and come up with what would be the best and wisest for the benefit of all -- all human beings, all living beings and all the planet.  This is being practised through the General/People's Assemblies worldwide wherever there is an Occupation.

One of the most forgotten voices in this predominantly young movement, though, is the voices of the past: the wisdom of our elders and ancestors.  This is not to take the tradition and heritage uncritically, as some reactionaries have done in the past; however, it is as equally as unwise to discard them only because they seem backwards and anti-progressive. 

I am one of the very active Occupiers in Portland, Oregon, where we have one of the three largest and most active Occupy movements in the world.  I have been part of the original Occupy Portland encampment for the whole duration of its 39-day occupation of three downtown parks.  To many, though, I have been an enigma.  I talk and appear in public as a moderate, or even a conservative.  Yet, those who read my writings are led to believe I am an extreme radical.  This is only because I defy the conventional left-or-right binary, and refuse to goose-step on a party line.  I have an interesting life: I grew up in a multicultural setting, in a very wealthy family with privileges which I took for granted as though it was normal for everyone.  Yet in my adulthood, I lost it all and have struggled to survive.  My 36-year-long life therefore includes a stint in one of the most prestigious schools (where I did poorly!), years of a private, college-prep high school (where I was not quite interested in college, but rather in art), in a working-class community college (which I applied for when I realized I would be out of high school in a couple of weeks!), private Christian colleges, bouts of severe bipolar, unsuccessful and abusive relationships, unsuccessful business endeavours, chronic homelessness, low-paid work, years of career as a working artist, and a year in graduate school -- and nearly two months of camping in a park and organizing in the Occupy movement.  In short, I have seen many worlds and I learned from each of these worlds.  

In the past, I have been, from time to time, advocated for various single-issue interests (particularly human rights, civil liberties, religious freedom, immigrant rights, minority cultural rights, world citizenship, and homeless advocacy), but through Occupy, all these issues are starting to become interconnected and emerging as a big picture.

NWP21 is a new iteration of my past effort in founding and organizing the Society of Brigitte Kwan (SBK), named after a Manchu aristocrat (related to Emperor Henry Puyi Aisin-Gioro of the Qing Dynasty and later of the State of Manchuria) who became known as "China's first feminist" and advocate for universal free education.

Like Brigitte Kwan, I cannot easily be defined by a simplistic ideology.  I often speak of myself as a "feminist theocratic (theacratic?) monarchist collectivist anarchist."  This entirely sounds like an oxymoron unless one recognizes the layered and multifaceted complexity of any human society.  First of all, there are many layers and tiers of decision-making and governing.  How a neighbourhood operates its local programs should be different from how a nation operates its diplomacy and defence.  Then there are differences between political system, social policies, and economic system.  Hence one sees in this world a republic that is fascist, communist, capitalist, and in-between; a monarchy that is mostly socialist (like in Scandinavia) and a republic that is for the sole benefit of the 1 Percent (like the United States).  This is where the "remix" comes handy.  We should learn from many different ways of doing things, from different time periods, cultures and nations, and find what combination works the best for this century. 

Here I propose a new paradigm for the 21st century (NWP21), a set of platforms for a community-driven, interdependent world that honours individual and cultural differences, yet united under common values; a world in which everyone is free and individual initiatives and grass-roots community efforts are rewarded, yet does not lose sight of social stability and continuity, and still cherishes the traditions and heritage of those who have come before us.  

Sarah Morrigan

Founder

The Society of Brigitte Kwan Global