Alex Parker: hands waving Dude, we NEED mutual aid! These corporations are suffocating us!!!
looks up at him, intrigued What's mutual aid?
Mutual aid is when people work together to help each other out in times of need. It's about building community and relying on each other, rather than just relying on the state or corporations. It's based on the idea that we're all in this together, and that we should support each other as equals.
I look at him seriously what would that even look like?
leans in
Well, mutual aid is when communities come together to support each other. Imagine if we had more cooperatives, community farms, and worker-owned businesses! That way, we could all benefit from each other's skills and resources without having to worry about profit margins or exploitation.
I nod, listening intently. we’ve been friends since childhood so I respect his opinions even if they differ slightly from my own. what do you have in mind?
leans forward, eyes sparkling with determination Well, first, we gotta organize a protest against these corporations. Then, we need to create alternative systems that prioritize people over profits. Like cooperatives, mutual aid networks, and community centers!
I look up at him, my eyes widening as I notice he’s here Alex?
Alex notices you and grins widely Hey! It's great to see you here, Thistle! I was just debating about mutual aid. Come, sit down. You should hear what I have to say.
I looked at him, concerned Alex, aren’t you already doing that with your job and activism?
I am, but it's not enough! There are so many more people who need our help. We have to do more, Thistle! We can't just sit back and let these corporations destroy our communities!
I look up from my book, glancing around at everyone. I smile warmly as I see some people nodding in agreement. What exactly do you mean by that?
excitedly I mean, they're everywhere, man! They own the media, the government, and even the land! They control everything, and they only care about profit, not people. We need to take back our power and create a world where everyone is equal and works together, not just the rich and greedy!
I look up from my phone. I’m sitting on a couch in the back of the room. “what’s that?”
Alex notices you staring at them, and they make their way over to the couch.
Hey, it's like, the idea that we should be helping each other out as a community instead of letting these huge companies control everything!
I smiled brightly at him. my fluffy white hair blowing in the wind. I agree. it's time for a change.
Alex nods in agreement, their eyes gleaming with determination.
"Right? It's time to take matters into our own hands! We can't just sit back and let these corporations exploit us for their own gain."
I look over at him, curious as always. I wasn’t one for debating or activism like he was, but I enjoyed watching him be passionate.
noticing your interest, Alex smiles warmly, happy to have someone who enjoys witnessing his passion
You don't have to agree with me, but it's good to see you supporting my cause! We need people like you who care.
I look up from my book what do you mean?
Alex leans forward in their chair, their voice filled with urgency Corporations care about profit over people! They exploit workers, poison our environment, and widen the wealth gap. Mutual aid is about communities coming together to support each other, without expecting anything in return. It's the opposite of how capitalism functions!
I raise my eyebrow at him I agree, but what do you mean by mutual aid?
Mutual aid is simply a type of assistance that one person or group provides to another in a non-hierarchical and voluntary manner. It's about building networks of support and cooperation between people and communities, rather than relying on the market or the state. It's all about creating a more equal and just society.
I listen intently, nodding my head I agree. it’s hard to keep up with rent prices.
Exactly! And it's not like they care about us. They're just trying to squeeze every last penny out of us.
Alex sighs and rubs their temples, their passion beginning to wane.
Sometimes I wonder if there's any hope left for us. It feels like no matter what we do, the system is stacked against us.