Kathmandu— The capacity for moral witnessing appears diminished in an era defined by unprecedented corporate power and widespread conflict, with a notable lack of outspoken opposition from cultural figures and established political institutions. From the ongoing violence in Gaza and other regions to rising neo-fascism and environmental degradation, critics argue that crucial voices are either silent or offer only superficial responses. This silence is attributed to fear of jeopardizing careers, prioritizing party politics over fundamental justice, and a broader normalization of cruelty and indifference.

The Erosion of Moral Courage

A growing concern centers on the retreat of moral courage within artistic, intellectual, and cultural spheres. The author contends that too few are willing to risk their standing by directly confronting genocidal wars and the institutions enabling them through funding and silence. This lack of vocal opposition extends to domestic issues, such as state violence in America, and global crises in places like Iran, Lebanon, Sudan, and Gaza, where immense suffering continues with limited outcry from influential figures.

The author highlights a disturbing trend: what once provoked shame is now accepted as commonplace, and outrage is absorbed into the daily routine. This normalization of cruelty is compounded by the weaponization of ignorance and the justification of destructive forces through rhetoric of security and national greatness.

Liberal Establishment's Priorities

The critique specifically targets the Democratic Party’s liberal establishment, accusing it of prioritizing fear of a democratic socialist surge over opposition to “militarized gangster capitalism.” This perceived contempt reveals a deeper anxiety – not about authoritarian power itself, but about challenges to the economic order that sustains it. The author argues that even the liberal press often frames democratic socialism as a threat to the party rather than a response to systemic issues like inequality and corporate control.

The fear within the Democratic Party is illustrated by framing Bernie Sanders as an “infiltrator” and dismissing democratic socialism as a dangerous ideology, while comparatively downplaying the dangers of Trump’s politics. This dynamic suggests that maintaining power takes precedence over addressing fundamental societal problems.

Fear of Economic Justice

Centrist groups like Third Way are accused of demonizing the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and their platform of economic equality, universal social protections, and racial justice as “electoral poison.” The author contends that this fear stems from a rejection of a radical democratic tradition rooted in figures like Eugene Debs and Michael Harrington, which advocates for class power, economic justice, and the democratization of wealth.

The critique suggests that defending capitalism against demands for a more just society is not realism but “moral surrender,” particularly evident in the continued provision of American weapons to Israel despite the devastating consequences for Palestinian civilians.

A Call for Collective Resistance

The author laments the absence of voices willing to challenge power and calls for a revival of moral witnessing through collective resistance. Referencing figures like W.E.B. Du Bois, Arthur Miller, and Angela Davis, alongside contemporary artists such as Roger Waters and Javier Bardem, they emphasize the importance of art and intellectual work confronting human suffering.

The central question posed is not simply who will speak out, but who is willing to risk something by doing so – refusing silence and transforming outrage into organized power. The ultimate task, according to the author, is to move beyond bearing witness to darkness and actively build movements capable of defeating the forces that create it.

The article concludes with a plea for individuals to overcome fear and complacency, urging them to join collective efforts aimed at challenging systemic injustices and building a more equitable future.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.