DeepSummary
In this episode, host Chris Duffy interviews Hungarian activist and academic Tessza Udvarhelyi about her efforts to fight for democracy and against authoritarianism in Hungary. Udvarhelyi shares her background in environmental psychology and how it shaped her understanding of the relationship between physical spaces and feelings of inclusion or exclusion. She discusses her work with housing rights movements, empowering marginalized groups like the homeless to participate in decision-making processes, and her belief that true democracy requires those most affected by issues to have a say in the solutions.
Udvarhelyi talks about her experience transitioning from an outside activist to working within the local government in Budapest's 8th district. She highlights the challenges of balancing ideals with practical realities, the importance of making compromises, and the need to consider multiple perspectives. Despite the increasingly authoritarian regime in Hungary, Udvarhelyi remains hopeful that the grassroots model they have established in the 8th district can be a blueprint for change throughout the country.
The conversation also touches on the personal struggles Udvarhelyi faces, the reasons she chooses to stay in Hungary despite the political climate, and the advice she would give to young activists facing setbacks or slow progress. Throughout the episode, Udvarhelyi emphasizes the importance of community, participation, and constantly striving for a more just and inclusive society.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- True democracy requires those most affected by issues to have a direct role in decision-making processes, not just a chance to voice opinions.
- Building an inclusive community and expanding one's definition of who is part of the moral and political community is crucial for achieving justice and democracy.
- Grassroots movements must be grounded in the specific needs of the people most directly impacted by the issues being addressed.
- Activism and fighting for change is an ongoing struggle that requires constant effort and engagement with both large and small issues.
- Physical spaces and environments can shape feelings of inclusion or exclusion and impact the ability to build a just, democratic society.
- Young activists should expect setbacks and mistakes but maintain clarity about their motivations to persevere through challenges.
- Finding ways to empower marginalized groups to participate in decision-making is essential for achieving true democracy.
- Despite obstacles, maintaining hope and a long-term vision for change is important for activists working towards their goals.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Democracy is not a noun, but a verb, and it only exists if we do it. So it's not something that is there for you to enjoy, but it's actually something that you have to make every day. I would say, unfortunately, every minute, it's always in the making. So you can't only go for the big things, but to solve and be involved in the solution of a lot of small problems, because that's how democracy is created.“ by Tesia Udvarhelyi
- “To me, it means that it reflects the needs of real people, so that it's not an abstract idea that we are fighting for. So, for example, we could fight for the right to housing or the right to education, but it's very abstract. And for me, for movement to be grassroots means that people who are denied that right are involved and the demands reflect their needs and their specific needs.“ by Tesia Udvarhelyi
Entities
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Episode Information
How to Be a Better Human
TED and PRX
7/1/24
No matter who you are or where you live, political choices influence your life. Hungarian activist and academic, Tessza Udvarhelyi, emphasizes that anyone, whether or not they work in politics, has collective power. This week, she joins Chris to discuss her work fighting for democracy under an increasingly authoritarian government, why affording power to the people is a must, and how we can all participate.
For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts