SXSW 2023

Life, Liberty and Darth Vader

Description:

Political polarization is ratcheting up and leaving Americans more alienated from one another than at any time in recent history. Talk of civil war and hatred of our neighbors is frighteningly high. At times like this we need to step back and remember even the little things we have in common, such as shared stories. Star Wars is one such story and has been for 40+ years. Life, Liberty & Darth Vader zeroes in on the reasons a good person, Anakin Skywalker, became the monster known as Darth Vader. It was good intentions, a desire to protect others, and a belief that safety & security was of greater concern than choice and unpredictability. Vader was a control freak. Are you? This session will teach the value of letting go and embracing change. Because the alternative is fear, anger & hate.


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Takeaways

  1. Successful democracies are characterized by 3 things: strong social bonds, strong institutions & shared stories. By 2023, Star Wars is a shared story
  2. Star Wars titular baddie, Darth Vader, is one of many famous villains born of good intentions. We need to take this warning about politics seriously
  3. The desire for control and the inability to focus on the things within our actual control as individuals is tearing apart mental health & democracy

Speakers


Organizer

STEPHEN KENT, Author, HOW THE FORCE CAN FIX THE WORLD


Meta Information:

  • Event: SXSW
  • Format: Presentation
  • Track: Civic Engagement
  • Track 2
  • Level: Advanced


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