A South African story, written by James Taylor and Andy Mason, illustrated by Denise Dorrance (click for bigger cartoon)
Civil Society at the Crossroads is a10-part cartoon story which explores the role of civil society in the world today, using the South African experience as an illustrative case study. Infused with humour and sharp insights into the social processes of opposition, resistance, collaboration and integration, Crossroads engages with key moments from the South African struggle and its aftermath, to illustrate key themes, both historical and theoretical. The objective? To help us understand the role and formation of civil society at a critical juncture, as we stand at the crossroads and contemplate the choices before us.
“Crossroads” will be published online in bi-weekly episodes between February and June 2012.
Great stuff…
Looking forward to more!!
cool
The expression ‘the future of civil society’ makes me think that civil society is ‘destined to hold a position’ in some unknown time to come … almost as if the present does not matter. Reflecting on South Africa, there is no doubt that civil society formations were instrumental in shaping the future South Africa – the church, community formations, what was then a mushrooming NGO sector, youth clubs and many more contributed to developing a vision for a free, democratic, inclusive and caring South Africa – that vision was alive, inspirational and guided us in the choices we made. For instance, funding support was not just accepted from any northern country, those in solidarity with our ideals and struggle were considered genuine friends. We are now at a point in this country where we are beginning to question the country and society we are becoming. So, as we contemplate the future of civil society, let us not lose sight of the kind of society we would like to live in now and into future and then see how we can all contribute towards shaping that society.
very interesting!!