I’ve been reading Solidarity, a book by Leah Hunt-Hendrix and Astra Taylor. The authors “understand solidarity as the recognition of our inherent interconnectedness, an attempt to build bonds of commonality across our differences.” They analyze past and present solidarity movements to understand what distinguishes solidarity from other kinds of “movements”. Again and again across history and across cultures, solidarity happens with diverse groups of people recognize their common struggle and band together to fight the oppression they are all experiencing.
I was reflecting on this idea as I did chores with classical music filling my ears. Then Aaron Copeland’s Fanfare for the Common Man came on. WOW! What a metaphor for the ideas of solidarity that Hunt-Hendrix and Taylor discuss! A group of diverse instruments band together to produce a moving 3-minute tribute to common folk. Each instrument adds a unique tone to the richness of the piece. Each has opportunities to shine and opportunities to step back and support other instruments. Every player contributes to the whole. I’ve always loved the piece; thinking about solidarity gives new depth to my appreciation of it. Have a listen! Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcND9dlwpC4
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