D r e a m s c a p i n g

2015 is a big year in development. It marks the end of the (failed) Millennium Development Goals and the beginning of the Sustainable Development Goals, which the United Nations will officially adopt this fall. Given the transition, I thought it would be an appropriate time to reflect on the concept of development and the industry that it has spawned.

The concept of development is primarily viewed as a process of modernization. But this view of development is false. In reality, development is a continuation of the hegemonic practices of colonialism. In fact, many countries and regions became worse off in the age of development, which began at the end of the Second World War.

I’m not about to go into a large critique of development, which has been done by many professionals far more capable then myself. See (Escobar, 1995) (Rahnema and Bawtree, 1997) (Easterly, 2006 and 2013) Instead, what I wish to present here, is an alternative to development.

Imagine a world that acknowledges the freedom of choice that the peoples of humanity are entitled to. Imagine a world in which there is a respect for multiple ways of living. Imagine a world where diversity is cherished, where we coexist as peoples instead of existing as a people. Where living is grounded on the certainty of the present — the authenticities of the experiences of the existents, multiple ways for multiple peoples, relational co-existings.

What we need is not another process for development. What we need is a fundamental shift in the way we view reality. In a word, we need to dreamscape. Dreamscaping is the art of speaking our realities into existence. Dreamscaping requires intentionality in life, and prepares the world, and us, to live in that intentionality. Dreamscaping encourages us to live consciously, with respect for one another and to help each other achieve all our dreams. Dreamscaping brings us to understanding, and fosters friendship. Come, and let’s dreamscape this world, together.

Dreamscaping.

Carving s p a c e s for dreams to be laid

Where daydreams can be played out

And trances of visions, thoughts, ideas and imaginations can be made;

Realizing that all dreams are worth being

Because they are alive within all human beings.