Dis/Dys
Political discord, disinformation campaigns, relationship dysfunction: these may feel like the order of the day. However, the sense that one's own era is out of control and spiraling towards dystopia is a myopic commonality of every era. This shortsightedness overlooks the fact that similar challenges and anxieties have been faced throughout history. Though we may tend to associate the prefix dis/dys with the negative, with 'not' being something, it can also mean 'the opposite of,' carrying a less pessimistic connotation. Disruption in the business and tech worlds can be a desirable thing. Disorientation can lead to new insights by forcing us to question our assumptions and see things from a different perspective. And discernment, which etymologically means to separate apart, is a keen ability that we need more of in our world. Though we will delve into difficult topics in this section concerning how polarization occurs and is inflamed, what role systemic inequities have in perpetuating societal dysfunction, and why disinformation is so dangerous and yet so common, we will also discern where to place our precious attention and why disrupting our businesses, or our routines can prove beneficial.
Key themes
Guiding Questions
Strategies to Counter Disinformation, Discord, or Dysfunction
Discerning When Disruption or Disorientation is Warranted and When It is Troubling
Inspiration for Dystopias and Reflection Back Into Society
Causes, Function of, and Approaches to Discord in Society
The Role of Power Dynamics and Systemic Inequalities in Perpetuating Dysfunction
Creative Expression as a Means of Processing and Making Sense of Difficult Situations
How do extreme ideologies and polarization contribute to societal divisions and conflicts? What strategies can be employed to promote dialogue and reconciliation?
What systemic factors contribute to dysfunctional political systems? How might they be reformed to promote greater transparency, accountability, and public trust?
How do dysregulated emotions and interpersonal conflicts impact individuals' mental health and well-being? What strategies can be employed to promote emotional regulation and resilience?
What role do systemic inequalities and power imbalances play in perpetuating dysfunction and disenfranchisement within societies?
In what situations is disorder, disorientation, or disruption the desirable state?
Where does disinformation emanate from, how does it spread, and how could it be countered more effectively?
Why are humans so fascinated by dystopias?
How can we become more discerning beings in our decisions, in our life paths, and in our relationships?
In what ways can art, literature, and other forms of creative expression help us process and make sense of the disorienting aspects of human experience?
What are the ethical implications of exploring or portraying dystopian scenarios? What kind of change of future do such explorations contribute to?
