大象传媒

Despite western culture鈥檚 obsession with financial growth and relentless forward motion, the truth is that growth itself is neither good nor bad. Growth is morally neutral; it simply means change.

But when growth becomes the sole objective, we lose sight of our interconnectedness. We move further away from the interdependence that history (and nature) shows us is essential to our survival and ability to thrive. Our allegiance to 鈥済rowth above all else鈥� has facilitated rampant inequality鈥攁s seen in the racial wealth gap, health and access disparities, and oppressive laws advanced under the pretext of expanding 鈥渋ndividual freedom鈥� for some. 

Both domestically and globally, we continue to see real-world examples that growth cannot, in fact, be infinite鈥攖he endless pursuit of economic growth and GDP has long been running up against ecological limits. In the same way that individual environmental footprints distract us from corporate pollution, the commodification and prioritization of personal and economic growth is designed to obscure and distract us from seeking paths toward communal betterment. 

What would the world look like if we prioritized symbiotic growth instead of individual, linear 鈥減rogress鈥�?聽

What if we redefined what growth means? A holistic assessment of the cost, benefit, and impact of the change we seek could help us move away from the exploitative models that racialized capitalism has taught us, and embrace change that results in positive growth for everyone. In that world, people are free to pursue their dreams and desires, and they are provided not only opportunities to do so, but also armed with a deep understanding of and empathy for how their actions and decisions will affect the people, plants, and planet around them. 

Our fall 2023 issue will highlight the people and communities that are changing how we think about growth鈥攁nd showing what it means to grow together. From questions about the environmental value of planting trees and the omnipresence of a 鈥済rowth mindset鈥� to worker-led sustainable agriculture practices and the growing pains of a nation鈥檚 shifting racial identity, the 鈥淕rowth鈥� issue will dig deep to interrogate our long-held assumptions about what it really means to grow. 

We want to hear about the communities, organizations, and individuals who are redefining growth, prosperity, and the very idea of success. 

In particular, we are seeking:

• Nominations for 鈥淧eople We Love鈥� who support Black folks re-engaging with nature. Please send nominations directly to [email protected].
• Op-eds that unpack situations where growth can be detrimental or cancerous, or scenarios where one鈥檚 own growth took them in unexpected directions.
• Cultural critique and/or media analysis exploring the idea of symbiotic growth.
• Explorations of the unique experience and value of playing a supporting role in the raising of children鈥攕erving as an auntie, uncle, or other trusted adult who helps to shape a child鈥檚 worldview.

All the stories we seek will be examples of excellent journalism and storytelling: stories with compelling characters that are well-researched and demonstrate struggle and resolution. Hurry and send your pitches to [email protected] by June 20 to be considered for the Fall 2023 issue. (After that, you can continue to send them to [email protected]).