One of the core pillars of Solarpunk must be diversity. But what does this really mean? In our critiques of the modern day, it is only right that we recognize a lack of diversity so we can strive to achieve a true representation of the world around us–especially in our fiction.
A major problem with society today is a trend towards insular (or tribal) empathy. The mentality of “we only take care of our own” is as toxic as the “every man for himself” mindset, but with the capability to mobilize groups against each other. Empathy is a much needed part of the human experience, but it can be twisted and used to further hatred. Not only do we need an actual understanding of different cultures, we need the empathy to solidify that culture or religion does not separate our shared human experience.
I do not think separate spaces/quarters for different cultures or religions is ever the right way to go, even if it is under the guise of diversity. We already have multiple examples throughout history (and current day) that show us intermingling cultures can and have succeeded in both retaining their individualism and cooperating for a greater good. Cultural exchange and appreciation are not only possible, but necessary for a solarpunk future.
We already know there would be many more Grenfell Tower casualties if Muslim residents had not been awake in the building. How can we adapt this into stories or hopeful futures? Muslim people getting up for early prayers, and before or after laying out presents for Christmas so Christian parents can properly sleep. Christians providing rideshares and the like for Muslims during Ramadan, so no one who is fasting needs to take unnecessary risk. Christians sorting through foods to ensure they are halal or kashrut (kosher) without Muslim or Jewish people having to touch them.
Different religions or cultures covering for one another during holidays, festivals, religious occasions, etc!!! (At work or otherwise) how cool would it be to have so many beliefs and holidays to identify with?! No culture would go extinct if we had an exchange of appreciation. Instead of appropriating cultures, we could share them at a personal level. Even if it was only during a celebration, would it not be better at an empathetic level to teach the true meanings and feelings of your religion, spirituality, or culture? (Hell, even gender and sexuality too?!)
Each culture/ethnic group having everyone celebrate and appreciate on a day, week, month… from history and legends to food and dancing. Imagine the love we could share if we took the time to listen and learn about other cultures!
But along with celebrations and exchange, we must also have remembrance. We should never forget the great evils we perpetuated against one another. No matter how ‘utopian’ we want the future to be.
The darker histories need to be told so we do not fall prey to their cyclical effect.
Teaching about conflicts/wars from both perspectives in general history education, which allows for all specific pride events or history months. Also including cooperation that has existed throughout history; the kind where all involved prospered. Even on smaller (non national) scales.
Teaching ALL the world’s opinions on subjects that are hotbeds within Christianity/Islam/organized religion, especially homophobia and transphobia; it would lead to an understanding that queer, transgender, and nonbinary people have always existed within history. And even still today, we have cultures that recognize these people as…people. Because that’s really the barrier here– ensuring no one is dehumanized due to looking or acting or believing differently than others.
If we can move empathy from an insular level to a broader one we could really get somewhere. If we can help each other understand we all share the human experience, racial and cultural divisions would fall by the wayside. If we start to actively reflect how truly diverse our world is in the fiction we create, the future will be as bright as we are all hoping it to be.
Solarpunk needs to be the hopeful future that everyone deserves; it is up to us to create art and media that reflects our world as it truly is–not how some of us wish it to be.
Ah, yes, we must be inclusive of diverse cultural practices such as FGM, honor killings, and cousin marriage.
Oh, what’s that you say? That’s not culture, that’s a human rights issue?
Too bad believing in human rights is itself cultural.
You want “diversity” of religions, but you don’t want the believers to actually believe in those religions. You think that religion is just an aesthetic, just a set dressing, it doesn’t have any real stakes. But it’s actually an ideology, more akin to the contests between the Capitalists and the Communists.
I question your axioms. Diversity is not good in and of itself. FGM is cultural, and all other things being equal, the culture that does not practice it is superior to the culture that does. You cannot deny this without destroying your argument for diversity to begin with.
But then again, my future is fusion-powered.