As global fashion weeks and Los Angeles Climate Week begin ahead of Climate Week NYC, we are reminded of the importance of gathering spaces and the opportunities they provide for a strategic, amplified focus on shared interests. These spaces help prevent divide-and-conquer tactics that hinder sustainable development. In the music, fashion, and film industries, such events are crucial for collaboration and dialogue, driving industry-wide conversations and innovations.
Gathering spaces have been fundamental to human society, evolving over millennia as hubs for organizing, communication, and collective action. These spaces—whether town squares, community centers, or digital forums—play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and addressing communal challenges, including sustainable development. To understand this dynamic, it’s essential to explore the historical roots of organizing, the concept of “divide and conquer,” and the relationship between cultural sustainability and collective spaces, with a focus on historical examples from various times and places.
Gathering Spaces Throughout History
Historically, gathering spaces have been pivotal for collective action across cultures and eras. In Ancient Rome, the Forum was central to political, social, and economic activities. Citizens gathered to discuss legislation, participate in trials, and engage in civic discourse, shaping early democratic processes. In the medieval period, marketplaces like the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (established in 1461) served as commercial and social hubs, where people exchanged news and ideas, fostering community cohesion.
Gathering Spaces Throughout Geography
In the context of indigenous cultures, the Plains tribes of North America utilized communal spaces such as the Blackfoot’s sun dance grounds, which were vital for ceremonies, communal decision-making, and cultural transmission. Similarly, across the continent of Africa, the village square has long been a gathering point for elders and community members to discuss important matters and resolve disputes, as seen in the traditional councils of the Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania.
Cultural Sustainability and Gathering
Sustainable development benefits significantly from gathering spaces. Curitiba, Brazil’s “Green Exchange” program, started in 1990, uses community centers to facilitate recycling and urban agriculture. Residents trade recyclable materials for fresh produce, showing how gathering spaces can drive environmental sustainability and community engagement.
Cultural sustainability is deeply intertwined with gathering spaces. In Japan, Matsuri (festivals) serve as cultural celebrations and community bonding, promoting environmental stewardship. These festivals preserve cultural heritage while encouraging sustainable practices. In New Zealand, Māori communities use marae (communal meeting grounds) to pass down traditional knowledge and ensure the survival of cultural and ecological wisdom.
Digital gathering spaces have emerged as powerful tools for organizing and advocacy. Social media platforms have facilitated global movements, and the digital space supports worldwide sustainability efforts, showing how virtual platforms can drive global impact. However, digital spaces also present challenges, such as the digital divide, with around 2.7 billion people lacking internet access, highlighting the need for inclusive digital infrastructure.
Historical Uses of “Divide and Conquer” Tactic
The phrase “divide and conquer” (or “divide et impera” in Latin) reflects a strategy of control by breaking up and subduing opposition. This tactic has been used in various historical contexts.
- Ancient Rome: The Roman Empire extensively used “divide and conquer” by exploiting existing divisions among conquered peoples to manage diverse territories. Local rulers governed subjugated regions, with peace maintained through manipulated local rivalries and conflicts.
- Medieval Europe: Feudal lords used the tactic to consolidate power, encouraging disputes among lesser nobles to prevent any one from challenging their authority. This maintained a fragmented political landscape, easier to control.
- The Ottoman Empire: The Ottomans managed their diverse subjects through a form of divide and conquer, dividing the empire into millets (religious communities) with varying autonomy. This kept communities separate and manageable, maintaining control over a multi-ethnic empire.
- British Colonialism in the Middle East: The British Empire employed divide-and-conquer tactics by drawing arbitrary borders and favoring certain ethnic or sectarian groups. This exacerbated regional conflicts and contributed to long-lasting instability in the region.
Where Does The Industry Gather?
In the fashion industry, major fashion weeks and summits are more than showcases for new collections; they are key gatherings where designers, influencers, and leaders discuss sustainability, diversity, and creative direction. These events foster partnerships to reduce environmental impact, encouraging collaboration and avoiding “divide and conquer” tactics.
In the music industry, summits, festivals, and award shows unite artists, producers, and fans to celebrate achievements and advocate for causes. These platforms allow musicians to raise awareness about issues such as climate change, social justice, and mental health, amplifying messages and building a sense of community. In the film industry, gathering sparks similar dialogue across themes such as representation, sustainability, and ethical storytelling. They highlight individual works and promote conversations and collaborations that advance industry standards.
These events counteract “divide and conquer” tactics by bringing together diverse voices and perspectives. Whether in fashion, music, or film, they demonstrate the power of collective focus on shared goals, contributing to a more cohesive industry landscape.
Collective Efforts
Gathering spaces play a crucial role in countering “divide and conquer” tactics that can weaken collective efforts. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, these spaces promote unity and collaboration across industries. They address systemic challenges and advance sustainable development. Whether through fashion shows, music festivals, or film festivals, these events highlight the strength of coming together to focus on common interests and goals, ultimately creating a more cohesive and progressive industry landscape.
Gathering spaces—whether physical or digital—are integral to organizing and promoting sustainable development. They provide venues for collective action, counteracting the divisive strategies of “divide and conquer” and fostering cultural sustainability. Historical examples from Rome, Istanbul, North America, Africa, Brazil, Japan, and New Zealand illustrate the diverse ways in which gathering spaces contribute to social cohesion and sustainability. Embracing and enhancing these spaces will be key to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities for the future.
