Astra Taylor’s Documentary, What is Democracy? takes an in-depth look at the concept of democracy and its history, from its ancient Greek roots to its modern-day iterations worldwide. Taylor travels to countries such as Greece, the United States, India, and Brazil to interview people from all walks of life, comprehensively exploring democracy’s various facets. She also examines its present-day challenges, such as the rise of populism, the effects of neoliberalism, and the marginalization of minority groups. By reviewing the past, present, and potential future of democracy, Taylor’s Documentary offers an insightful and engaging analysis of one of the most critical political systems of the current time, entailing the evolving nature of politics.
Major Claims
The filmmaker Astra Taylor’s Documentary What is Democracy? makes several significant claims about the state of democracy in the world today. Taylor’s primary argument is that democracy is not a static concept but constantly evolving and that the current interpretation of democracy is not necessarily the best or only one (Galinsky). Taylor also argues that democracy is an inherently participatory system of governance and that citizens must actively engage in making it effective (Galinsky). Finally, Taylor suggests that the challenges to democracy today are mainly due to a lack of education and awareness about the system. These can be addressed through greater civic engagement and education.
Throughout the Documentary, Taylor points to a number of the structural issues that are limiting the effectiveness of democracy today. She argues that the current system is too top-down, relying on the individual decisions of a few influential people (Galinsky). She also suggests that the current version of democracy is too focused on the interests of the wealthy and powerful and does not adequately represent the needs of the majority of citizens (Galinsky). Additionally, Taylor discusses the role of money in politics and how it can create an unbalanced playing field for ordinary citizens.
Finally, Taylor puts forth several ideas to improve the current system. She calls for greater transparency and accountability in government, as well as more direct forms of democracy, such as citizen-initiated referenda and term limits for elected officials (Astra Taylor: What is democracy?). She also suggests that citizens must become more involved in the political process by voting and engaging in civil society. Ultimately, Taylor argues that democracy can only thrive if citizens are educated about the system and actively participate.
Evidence
Astra Taylor’s Documentary uses a variety of evidence to make her case. The film draws on various sources, from academic studies to interviews with experts and ordinary citizens. Taylor also uses archival footage and images to illustrate her points and to add a visual component to her arguments. Additionally, Taylor includes some thought-provoking quotes from various sources, such as Margaret Mead and Thomas Jefferson.
Overall, Taylor’s evidence effectively makes her case (Home). By drawing on multiple sources, Taylor can provide a comprehensive picture of the current state of democracy and the challenges it faces. The archival footage and images add an emotional component to her arguments, and the quotes from influential figures lend credibility to her claims (Astra Taylor: What is democracy?). Additionally, the interviews with ordinary citizens help to add a human element to the Documentary and demonstrate the potential for ordinary people to make a difference.
Rhetorical Appeals
Astra Taylor’s Documentary uses some rhetorical appeals to make her case. The primary appeal is logos or logic. Taylor uses a variety of facts, figures, and evidence to make her case, and she puts forth well-reasoned arguments backed up by evidence. Additionally, Taylor appeals to ethos or credibility (Astra Taylor: What is democracy?). By drawing on experts, evidence, and quotes from influential figures, Taylor can demonstrate her credibility as a filmmaker and her expertise on the topic.
The Documentary also makes use of pathos or emotion. Taylor includes some archival footage and images to add an emotional component to her arguments, and the interviews with ordinary citizens help to add a human element to the Documentary (Astra Taylor: What is democracy?). Finally, Taylor appeals to kairos or timeliness. By discussing current issues related to democracy, such as the role of money in politics and the challenges posed by social media, Taylor can demonstrate the relevance of her arguments.
Aspects the Author Could Have Added to the Documentary
When reading against the grain, one could suggest that the filmmaker could have added more discussion about potential solutions to the challenges facing democracy today. While Taylor indicates several possible solutions, such as greater transparency and accountability in government, some other potential solutions could have been discussed. For example, Taylor could have explored the potential for technology to increase civic engagement, or she could have discussed the possibility of international cooperation to address global challenges to democracy (Astra Taylor: What is democracy?).
Additionally, the filmmaker could have discussed the role of media in shaping public opinion and how this can impact the democratic process. This is an important issue that is often overlooked and could have provided a more balanced view of the challenges facing democracy today. Finally, Taylor could have provided more discussion of the potential risks associated with specific solutions (Astra Taylor: What is democracy?). For example, while greater transparency and accountability in government can be beneficial, it is also essential to consider the potential risks of such measures, such as the potential for abuse of power or the erosion of privacy rights.
Author’s Tone and Audience
The tone of Astra Taylor’s Documentary is one of urgency and optimism. Taylor emphasizes the importance of taking action to address the challenges to democracy and to create a more participatory, equitable system. She also speaks to the potential of ordinary citizens to make a difference and to create a more democratic system (Home). Taylor’s audience is primarily citizens of democratic countries concerned about the state of democracy today. She speaks to those looking for solutions to the challenges facing democracy and provides a call to action for citizens to become more engaged in their own political systems.
Astra Taylors Life and its Influence on the Documentary
Astra Taylor is a well-established activist, writer, filmmaker, and singer of Canadian-American origin. She is best known for her documentary films, focusing on topics such as democracy, technology, and social justice. Taylor graduated from McGill University, where she studied philosophy and worked as a journalist and a teacher. Her experiences heavily influence Taylor’s worldview as a student, journalist, and activist (Home).
Her interest in democracy and social justice is likely due to her philosophical studies and her involvement in various social justice causes. Additionally, her experience as a journalist likely contributes to her interest in transparency and accountability in government, as well as her belief in the importance of civic engagement. Finally, her experience as a teacher likely contributes to her focus on the importance of education and her faith in the potential of ordinary citizens to make a difference.
When reading against the grain, one could argue that Astra Taylor’s Documentary does not sufficiently address the potential risks associated with some of the solutions she suggests. For example, while Taylor offers the benefits of greater transparency and accountability in government, she does not discuss the potential risks of such measures, such as the potential for abuse of power or the erosion of privacy rights (Astra Taylor: What is democracy?).
Others have also discussed the potential risks of some of the solutions Taylor suggests. For example, in an article for The Guardian, journalist David Shariatmadari argues that the introduction of citizen-initiated referenda could lead to a “tyranny of the majority” and that it could be used to limit the rights of minorities (Moran). Similarly, in an article for The Atlantic, political scientist Richard Hasen argues that introducing term limits for elected officials could lead to inexperienced politicians and an increase in lobbyist influence (Hasen). Thus, there are some considerations needed for every decision made in solving political and social concerns.
Conclusion
Astra Taylor’s Documentary What is Democracy? makes a compelling case for the importance of democracy and the need for citizens to engage actively in order to make it effective. Taylor draws upon a wide range of evidence to make her arguments and uses various rhetorical appeals to make her case. Additionally, Taylor’s personal experiences as a student, journalist, and activist likely influence her worldview and the arguments she makes in the Documentary. Finally, while Taylor provides some potential solutions to the challenges facing democracy today, there are potential risks associated with some of these solutions that should be considered. Ultimately, Taylor’s Documentary provides a solid call to action for citizens to become more engaged in the democratic process and to work to create a more equitable system.
Works Cited
“Astra Taylor: What Is Democracy?” Whitechapel Gallery. 2019. Web.
Galinsky, Michael. “Astra Taylor’s Question for the Ages, and Today: ‘What Is Democracy?’.” International Documentary Association. 2019. Web.
Hasen, Richard L. “The Courts Are the Only Thing Holding Back Total Election Subversion.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company. 2022. Web.
“Home.” Cinema Politica, 2022. Web.
Moran, Joe. “Don’t Believe a Word by David Shariatmadari Review – the Truth about Language.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media. 2019. Web.