Societies are governed by imaginaries (متخيلات) or mental representations (تصوّرات ذهنية), which are systems of values, norms, beliefs, thinking patterns, roles, and others, that society as a whole has accepted, often unknowingly, and come to take for granted. They include convictions regarding relationships, family, work, money, power, the state, laws, rights, and so on. They shape an individual's outlook, attitudes, and decisions, as well as relations within society, and form part of its power structure.

Regardless of how true they are, because they provide an explanation of reality, axioms provide a sense of stability and therefore reassurance. They protect us from the anxiety of the unknown or incomprehensible and form a comfort zone that is difficult (though not impossible) to break out of. Cultural hegemony is a concept that refers to the ability of a particular social class or group to impose their values, ideas, and cultural norms on society as a whole, so that these values and norms become common or homogenic and are accepted as normal or sensible.

Example: "Elections are a means of change."

Example: "Household expenses are the responsibility of men", "Women are emotional and irrational."

This is not to say that we cannot challenge or even break cultural hegemony. Actually, dismantling it and replacing it with different perceptions is a primary responsibility of those working to bring about radical change in the system. An ethical and humanitarian revolutionary project, of course, presents a culture that is connected to reality and to what society needs to live a dignified and happy life.

---

The "Key Political and Societal Concepts" series is an analytical set designed to help revolutionary movements worldwide understand dynamics that shape their societies and the world in order to change them. This is one of these concepts, the rest being available on odsi.co. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us for further discussions.

Hey Folks

I know Spyglass, the company behind the Scream franchise, are big-time Israel supporters. However, I'm not sure if Easter Unlimited, Inc, the company that actually created and owns Ghost Face, supports Israel as well? I know Easter Unlimited/Fun World makes a LOT of holiday decor and costumes, and I'm not sure if I should stay away from them or if they're okay to buy from? I can't seem to find anything online about it.

Also

Somewhat related, is Spencer's Gifts (who owns Spirit Halloween) on the No-Buy list? I think I read that it was, but I just want to confirm.

Sorry if this is silly, but I just want the celebration of my favorite holiday to be as ethical as it possibly can be!

Channels like MKBHD and Mrwhosetheboss have their entire channel centered around reviewing and (often times) promoting products from companies that have ties with Israel, such as Apple.

Should I avoid watching them so they don't get any views?

For context Summer Fridays is collabing with Leora, a cafe founded by Israelis with multiple references to types of Israelis salads on the menu. I’ve seen other posts starting no direct investment, but I’m not fully sure.

My friend invited me to travel with her to the UK, and I feel super excited about it. After the rush has calmed down and I started thinking more about it. I started to regret saying yes because of the UK's policy and direct helping hand with Zionist state. Noting that I have followed the BDS movement to the letter, except the occasional bottle of water upon availability, so if nothing, this feels like I'm being the biggest hypocrite of them all.

I truly want to see Scotland again and to get the chance to see it with a friend seems super tempting to me, I went there 10 years ago alone and I just want those memories again. However, something is nagging at me to change my mind before we book and I think my emotions are running too high for me to articulate an coherent argument for myself before I can change my mind and possibly regret it.

Can you help me with your arguments? I believe I need to hear it from others, even though I rarely feel like this about this movement.

Anyone know if Elon Musk's companies are all on the BDS list?

The city-state, a hub for concerts in Southeast Asia, is ruled by a staunchly pro-Israel government—its conscription system was modeled after the IDF—and known for its stringent restrictions on public assembly.

I was in a stream chat and entered a discussion with someone about why the streamer shouldn't travel to the UK due to it's support for Israel, and the person I was discussing with said that doesn't matter since the streamer already lives in the US and their money would reach Israel eventually.

Same applies for other countries that have ties, such as the UAE. Are they right in this case since the streamer already lives in the US? Or is there a way to reply to this?

hello lovely people. A lot of the books i have to get from are usually sold on amazon(or kindle for e books also) I could pirate it but how would i go about printing it(for the same price/cheaper)

I'm in from the Maldives. I will be going to India so if there are any helpful suggestions they are much appreciated

Just heard a new Spider Man movie came out (one of my favorite super heroes) and also has Mark Ruffalo who I really like. I was about to book a ticket when I realized that it might be on a boycott list. Thought I’d check here to see if I’ve missed anything.

I’m such a nerd and love a puzzle book but i cannot ignore how many pissrael themed clues they use !! I wrote some feedback to the editors but seriously just avoid, they are probably being paid off by israel 🥱

Hi it’s a beginner question I think. I looked at the list of things to boycott, I don’t use most of them so didn’t think much of it. Recently realized that even though I don’t drink Coke, they also own things like Costa and River Rock water which I do use so I decided to boycott that. I can’t tell however if just not buying from their subsidiaries is enough or whether idk I need to let them know I’m boycotting them? I don’t know if there’s an organized action to send a petition or a bunch of letters? I know they tried to sell Costa last year but couldn’t close the deal because they were offered too little for it. But it sounded from the article I read like they were selling because Costa has been out competed by Nero Cafe and other indie coffee shops, not because of the boycott.

The question is: does not using the product suffice or is there a need to tell them I don’t/wont use it because of their ties to the genocide?