Growth Busters: Hooked on Growth

Film evenings begin with potluck refreshments & social hour at 6:30 pm,
followed by the film at 7:30 pm, followed by a discussion after the film.

Growth Busters: Hooked on Growth
by Dave Gardner

What if some of our core beliefs about how the world works turn out to be myths? This amazing documentary flips our world upside down to see what makes it tick, as it explores the most critical question of our time: How do we become a sustainable civilization? The film takes us on a whirlwind tour of growth mania. The cameras are turned on humanity as they look into the psychology of denial, crowd behavior, our obsession with urban and economic growth, and our reluctance to address overpopulation issues head-on. The film holds up a mirror, encouraging us to examine the beliefs and behaviors we must leave behind — and the values we need to embrace — so our children can survive and thrive. Individual and public policy decisions today are informed by a powerful, pro-growth cultural bias. We worship at the Church of Growth Everlasting. Undeterred by the facts, we’re on a collision course powered by denial and the myth that growth brings prosperity. Before we can shift our civilization meaningfully, effectively, and substantially toward true sustainability, the world must be “prepped.” We must become self-aware and recognize the programming that keeps us hooked.

Water shortages, hunger, peak oil, species extinction, and even increasing depression are all symptoms of a deeper problem: addiction to unending growth in a world that has limits. This comprehensive film examines our own survival skills. And it examines the cultural barriers that prevent us from reacting rationally to the evidence that our current levels of population and consumption are unsustainable. It asks why the population conversations are so difficult to have. Why it’s more important to our society to have economic growth than clean air. Why communities seek and subsidize growth even when it destroys quality of life and increases taxes. Our growth-centric system is broken. A shift to a sustainable model will be good for us. We will become happier and more prosperous! In this important film, we hear from leading thinkers of our time: scientists, sociologists, and economists — to help us separate fact from superstition. We’re approaching the end of growth. Will we embrace it? Or go down fighting?

Wheelchair accessible around the corner at 411 28th Street

$5 donations are accepted