Fascism and Faux-pen Source

by Zed A. Shaw

In the talk titled "Fascism and Faux-pen Source," delivered by Zed A. Shaw at the MountainWest RubyConf 2011, the speaker explores how to effectively run local source projects using principles that draw parallels to fascist propaganda techniques. Shaw argues that understanding the dynamics of community and narrative can significantly enhance the success of programming initiatives. The key points discussed include:

Community Dynamics: Acknowledging the dissonance within community members who conform to accepted ideas while leveraging this dynamic for empowerment.
Creating a Movement: Redirecting community fears into a common purpose and rallying around shared grievances can unify and mobilize members.
Narrative Construction: Establishing a compelling narrative that engenders a ‘we against them’ mentality can draw people in and foster a sense of belonging.
Cultural Resonance: Utilizing catchphrases and shared memes helps create a collective memory among members, reinforcing engagement.
Successful Examples: Shaw references historic programming communities like Linux and Java to illustrate how unity can create shared goals and opportunities to challenge established authorities.
Leadership and Inclusivity: He emphasizes the need for clear leadership and inclusive strategies to maintain participation and direction within communities.
External Perceptions: Addressing opposition effectively involves reframing discussions and controlling the narrative to highlight the community's contributions.
Resilience in Challenges: Ensuring transparency and emotional engagement strengthens community bonds during crises and enhances resilience.

In conclusion, Shaw advocates for programming communities to learn from past experiences, remain vigilant in pursuing shared goals, and engage actively with one another. The overarching takeaway is the importance of crafting narratives that resonate deeply within communities, thus enabling them to redefine their trajectories and stand united against common challenges. Shaw expresses hope that shared ideals will catalyze meaningful progress in programming communities as they embrace collaborative futures.

00:00:13.110 Hello everyone. I’m Zed A. Shaw, and today I'm going to teach you how to run your own local source projects in a way that can be extremely effective. So, Ruby programmers, listen up! I have discovered a revolutionary concept—this revolves around the ideas of open source, social media marketing, and effective promotion techniques that can change your life. This revolutionary technique is rooted in fascist propaganda. Yes, that's right.

00:00:45.450 Now, you may wonder how this applies to you. Sit back as I explain. I read a book titled 'Robert Pattinson's Get Animated: Anatomy of Passion.' I believe it describes fascism based on historical actions and speeches, which opened my eyes to how this perspective can be valuable. It teaches us how various technologies thrive by leveraging professional community dynamics.

00:01:06.509 In many communities, there exists a dissonance. The members often must conform to certain accepted ideas about what is beneficial for the community. They need to discuss concepts that they believe could harm this community, using language that emphasizes unity and security. This can sometimes lead to outright humiliation as community members struggle to belong.

00:01:40.409 Yet, harnessing this sense of community can be powerful. By redirecting fear into a common purpose, you can effectively create a movement. Historically, movements thrive when they can leverage common grievances. Many within these communities have a desire to create a shared enemy, which can galvanize unity and foster collaboration among members.

00:02:09.360 This approach fuels engagements such as the 'enemy unity' concept. To achieve your goals, consider creating a compelling narrative that resonates within your community. By doing so, you will effectively draw people in while also establishing a sense of togetherness—essentially crafting a ‘we against them’ mentality.

00:02:44.560 Part of this strategy also involves regular interactions that keep community members mentally engaged. You can use catchphrases or memes that reinforce the community’s collective memory. Such repetitions can create a unique kind of cultural resonance, echoing the tactics used historically in organizations with shared ambitions.

00:03:18.230 In this dynamic, the gratification of feeling part of a larger cause trumps individual petty concerns, leading to a greater sense of identity. You might also observe the thrilling moments of dominance, where community members celebrate the perceived victories over the ‘opposition’ or the ‘other.’ This behavior reinforces unity and loyalty among members.

00:03:48.180 If executed strategically, this can yield immense satisfaction and create an almost addictive cycle of engagement. Remember that your community can navigate complexities, including threats from outside entities. It is crucial to ensure that you establish strong internal narratives that can hold the community together in times of distress.

00:04:39.240 Now, let’s examine my experience with a failed ‘hackers union’ formed by a three-member team. Our initial goal was to unite, battles against encroaching powers. Unfortunately, this approach faced challenges due to the absence of a solid framework. This anecdote is a reminder that communities must anchor themselves on well-defined ideas that resonate broadly.

00:05:14.450 We operated amidst chaos, and without a common understanding or direction, we were unable to forge the necessary momentum to influence the landscape. Instead of fostering unity, we were fragmented, unable to push back against those who dominated the space. My suggestion is to create inclusive strategies that invite participation while also offering clear-cut leadership.

00:05:58.950 Consider the bigger picture: our community was confronted with opposition from established corporations reluctant to embrace change. However, rather than yielding to these opposing forces, there lies an opportunity to define yourself as an active participant in the shaping of new narratives and technologies. You should strive to turn these struggles into shared victories—sharing resources, knowledge, and collective narratives.

00:06:40.200 As we reflect on community movements like those formed around Linux or Java, we can observe how unity fosters a shared goal. The rise and fall of various programming communities offers crucial insights into how to build and sustain solidarity. The key lies in finding common ground among peers to challenge the status quo.

00:07:12.630 Take the Java community as an example, where former C++ programmers came together to create a new paradigm. They formed a collective to drive progress forward, liberating themselves from previous constraints imposed by traditional tech giants. Each community must learn from past missteps and stay vigilant to ensure they remain aligned with their core values.

00:07:35.070 It’s important to remember that in every community, there are those who will act in self-interest. This calls for attentiveness to ensure that members remain committed to the collective goals rather than individual desires. If these goals are not maintained, you run the risk of dilution or fragmentation of the community’s vision.

00:08:25.370 Consequently, it’s critical that leaders within community frames foster collective identity while ensuring that all voices feel heard. In crises, challenges will invariably arise, testing the fabric of unity. It is during these moments where transparency and emotional engagement are vital—they contribute to resiliency and reinforce the social contract.

00:09:30.369 Addressing external perceptions and potential enemies is equally important in this context. How we interact with those who question our legitimacy can shape external narratives. Propaganda can be utilized to diffuse points of conflict by reframing discussions to emphasize your community’s historical contributions and altruistic intentions.

00:10:26.670 In this way, you can capitalize on situations where dissent might arise, turning them into opportunities for further engagement. Remember, maintaining control of the dialogue is essential when navigating potential pitfalls, and a strong narrative will be your best ally.

00:11:20.490 As we conclude, reflect on the strategies discussed today. The intersection of community and propaganda is pivotal in ensuring that movements flourish. With careful thought and execution, the goals of your cause can be realized through a concerted effort that embodies the principles discussed today.

00:12:20.790 It’s essential that all programming communities find ways to engage with one another, sharing knowledge and ideals, while maintaining the integrity of their ideals. When you do so, you can redefine the landscape around you and stand united against common foes.

00:13:02.380 Thus, the time has come for us to band together. This collective effort can drive the change you want to see, ensuring that the movement you champion resonates with others while inspiring action. Looking forward, I hope to witness the power of shared ideals drive meaningful progress in our programming communities.

00:14:14.840 Let’s work to cultivate a community of like-minded developers who will not only challenge existing paradigms but will also redefine them. It’s time to embrace the future.

MountainWest RubyConf 2011