The theater of Dionysus at in Athens, circa 500 BC, where 17,000 citizens could share the same experience. Now, THAT is social media! No wonder it was the birthplace of democracy.
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Democracy is a system of government in which power ultimately rests with the people, who exercise that power directly or through freely elected representatives.
We tend to think of democracy as an idea that we learn in school and some of us practice every two or four years. It is often confused with personal liberty, offered up to justify a right, as in, “This is a democracy, so I have the right to _____________.”
Ideas can be inconvenient and put aside in order to “get things done.” But things put aside are things that can get lost and forgotten.
By combining my backgrounds in both documentary filmmaking and organizational psychology, this website uses video to define democracy by presenting practical examples and to explore its value as vital to American culture.
Neglecting democracy can allow a community to split into tribes. Tribalism encourages people to bond but not to bridge, to signal but not communicate, to react but not initiate. To turn once vibrant communities into ZIP codes.
As I revisit these videos, I see people enjoying themselves and one another, sharing time, laughter, and connection. I hope you find them inspiring.
Enjoy!
Defining Democracy Through Examples
Potluck Jam
Every Monday, when the weather allows, people begin to emerge along the banks of the Hudson River in Kingston at stretch called The Strand.
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The Last Night at the Wild Hive Cafe
A place where NOBODY knows ypur name -- at first and then you are friends.
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It Takes a Play to Make a Community
We go behind the scenes (and scenery) to witness how, in the making of a play, a new community is also produced.
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A Start Up from Scratch…
A company is born on Glenmore St., East New York, just like GM, Coca Cola, IBM...
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Small Town Battles World-Wide Pandemic
A pharmacikst got some volunteers togetrher to give Vaccinations.
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It Takes a Community to Run a Railroad
The story of the Catskill Mountain Railroad is one of historical preservation, local tourism, grassroots railroading and political intrigue. What a combination! Take a look at this movie before...
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