Winston Churchill once called democracy "...the worst form of government, except all the others." Of course, democracy (commonly understood to mean rule by the people) has never gotten solidly defined. Astra Taylor's "What Is Democracy?" addresses this issue, the changing understanding of democracy over the centuries, and how assorted issues - debt, racism, etc - can affect democracy.
The documentary does not give a definition, leaving it up to the viewer to decide what democracy should mean. Basically, the documentary uses the socratic method, posing questions that might not have ready answers. In the end, what one can draw from it is that democracy (however one defines it) can only flourish if the masses pay attention and participate. The alternative is a kakistocracy (rule by the worst or least qualified people).
Worth seeing, featuring interviews with Prof. Cornel West and former Greek PM George Papandreou.
What Is Democracy?
2018
Action / Documentary
What Is Democracy?
2018
Action / Documentary
Keywords: woman director
Plot summary
The concept of democracy is presented in light of democratic societies being under attack in present day. Academics and historians discuss the ancient Greek origins of the concept, which in its broadest terms means, "for the people, by the people". A wide range of people, from politicians, academics to a diverse array of the general public, discuss the concept from their own perspective. Those in the former two groups generally see issues in present day democracy in the imbalances in society, where those in authority or who control the flow of money, such as banks, have more power, while those who don't may fall prey to demagogues who twist the concept for their own political self interests. They also state that anyone can use the concept for their own personal benefit as opposed to democracy being seen somewhat inherent to a greater good. While democracy more closely equates to either the notion of one person/one vote or majority rule, many, if asked, mistakenly equate it with other aspirational concepts, such as justice, equity, freedom or specifically for Americans what they have coined "the American dream". Some of those academics and politicians argue that majority rule is an outdated ideal in that if that be the case, things like slavery would still exist. They therefore argue whether people really want a truly democratic society in its purest form, and if a pure democracy really is workable in any society.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
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"Democracy is something you do." - Abbie Hoffman
A bit slow at times, but extremely worthwhile
This documentary asks the perfect question for our times. What IS democracy? And, as an aside, how does one make it happen?
The answers suggested by various experts are far from obvious. There are many deep insights, and no particular partisan slant (though fascist xenophobes will probably disagree). This is a film about the basic concept of democracy - literally, 'rule of the people.' However, it does also delve into the ways that democracy is failing us at this crucial moment in history. Some of the 'artistic' passages could have been trimmed, but they do prove worthwhile within the overall composition.
This is a film everyone should see. Sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option. As stated in one of the film's framing quotes (from Plato): the penalty for failing to rule ourselves is to be ruled by those even less qualified.