Scott Davies, Conatus News, Progressivism, and the Personal Narrative
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Doral360
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2017
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: We both write for Conatus News. It is a progressive publication, politically and socially, which is oriented, often, towards the center to center-left. How did you find the publication?
Scott Davies: I initially discovered the publication via Twitter, after following various liberal and progressive Twitter users who tweeted out links to Conatus articles. From there, I began to follow and interact with some writers from Conatus News for a period of time. Recently, Conatus put out a request for writers and social media officers, which I responded to and have since begun to work for Conatus as a writer and social media officer.
Jacobsen: What is your personal narrative? How’d you get to this point?
Davies: My personal narrative, in terms of my political beliefs, is that I have generally been center-left and liberal for the majority of my life. I have always believed that the state can have a positive role in peoples’ lives, especially in terms of issues such as healthcare and the welfare state more broadly. I have also always believed in the fundamental right of freedom of speech. I believe speech should not be regulated in any way, and I am also increasingly wary of private and corporate pressures being placed on free speech. Although I still considered myself broadly left-wing, I am increasing with elements of the Left who seek to restrict speech, whether it be through government regulation, de-platforming or otherwise. These positions, ones which Conatus also hold, are a major reason why I decided to get involved with them.
Jacobsen: If you could summarize the progressive position, how would you do it? What is it?
Davies: The progressive position is fundamentally forward-thinking and egalitarian in nature. It seeks to continually enhance and improve the quality of life of people as a whole. It is reform-minded and emphasizes civil liberties.
Jacobsen: How accepted is progressive politics in Australia?
Davies: Progressive politics are becoming more and more accepted within Australia. In some measures, such as marriage equality, Australia is behind many Western nations. However, for the most part, Australia is becoming more socially progressive.
Jacobsen: In the context of the current controversies around the religious dress, especially the fundamental right to wear them, how are Australian politicians taking in the challenge, in a mature or immature way?
Davies: It is interesting that you ask this question, as this issue flared up recently in Australian politics. One Nation senator Pauline Hanson wore a burqa in the Senate chamber as a protest against the garment. The move was widely condemned as being an act of bigotry against Muslims and as being unnecessarily inflammatory and provocative. It did, however, spark an important conversation about religious garments in general, as well as the general separation of church and state in politics.
Jacobsen: What is the fastest growing faith or non-faith position in Australia?
Davies: According to the most recent Census results, released just a few months ago, for the first time, the ‘No Faith’ position is the most widely held position. A majority of Australians still identify to a religious faith, but the ‘No Faith’ option was held more than any one religion.
Jacobsen: What do you consider the pivot topic, the more important fulcrum point, for politics at the moment – upon which all or simply most else hinges?
Davies: I believe that one of the most important pivot points or trends in current politics is the change from the traditional left-right political spectrum to a divide between globalism on the one hand and nationalism on the other. Within this, the majority of economic and social issues are encompassed.
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