Upstanders: How Douglas Busch of The Genos Center Foundation Is Standing Up Against Antisemitism, Racism, Bigotry, and Hate
Open your heart , your compassion, your ears, and your knowledge towards strangers or people struggling. Art, whether music or visual, helps to open our hearts.
An upstander is the opposite of a bystander. A bystander is someone who stands by while others are being bullied, maligned, or mistreated. An upstander is someone who stands up to protect and advocate for the victim. We are sadly seeing a surge of hate, both online and in the real world. Many vulnerable minorities feel threatened and under attack. What measures are individuals, communities, and organizations taking to stand up against Antisemitism, Racism, Bigotry, and Hate? In this interview series, we are talking to activists, community leaders, and individuals who are Upstanders against hate, to share what they are doing and to inspire others to do the same. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Douglas Busch.
Douglas Isaac Busch is a world renowned American photographer, inventor, teacher, artist, gemologist, philanthropist and architectural designer who has gained global fame for his pioneering use of the world’s largest portable view cameras with negatives to craft the planet’s biggest photographic contact prints. In 2023 Mr. Busch announced his legacy project, The Genos Center Foundation, a multicultural exhibition hall, art gallery, non-denominational chapel, sunken gardens and sustainable reflective water gardens focused on eradicating genocides worldwide. His vision is for visitors to see the artwork and the world from a new perspective. Through art we can raise awareness, understanding and promote healing as we recognize not only the past but the present.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I was born in Miami Beach, Florida, to Jewish parents William Goldworn and Enid Gottlieb Goldworn. My photography career began back in high school for our school newspaper before I enrolled at the University of Illinois College of Fine and Applied Arts majoring in cinematography, photography, and graphic design. During that time I also served as president of the photo-cine co-op; and participated in a newly created independent study program.
Upon graduation I was recognized as one of the top 10 seniors and the first independent studies student in 1973 before I relocated to Carmel, California and became assistant for Morley Baer and Al Weber. It was during this time I also had the privilege of helping Ansel Adams with Portfolio VI by washing prints. Working under my mentor’s guidance provided me with an opportunity to participate in various workshops across the Four Corners area.
Can you share a personal story of how you experienced or encountered antisemitism, racism, bigotry, or hate? How did that experience shape your perception and actions moving forward?
Over my 70+ years on this Earth, it is difficult to share the amount of racism, bigotry and hate I have experienced and witnessed across the globe but I also have experienced tremendous amounts of love and compassion as well.
This is largely why the Genos Center Foundation is so important. People have preconceived notions of hate based on their lack of understanding of history and their own emotional subconscious often overlooking the obvious details of the bigotry they embody. Human conditions and fears drive intolerance, but they can also be sparked by curiosity to teach tolerance and inspire reflection through the power of art.
Can you describe how you or your organization is helping to stand up against hate? What inspired you to take up this cause?
The Genos Center is designed to raise awareness and education for genocides not only of the past but those occurring today in areas such as Myanmar (also known as Burma), China, Ethiopia, Iraq, Syria, South Sudan, and most recently the Artsakh blockade. Genos Center will serve as a space of remembrance and education where we teach tolerance through the art exhibitions and education.
Through the power of art visitors will form new ties between their understanding of history and emotional subconscious through curated shows that highlight the overlooked details of genocide sparking curiosity about human conditions and fears.
Our vision is for visitors to see the artwork and world from a new perspective expressing emotion, provoking thought and inspiring change. Through art we can raise both awareness and understanding to promote healing as we recognize not only the past but the present.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your work as an Upstander?
Each day that I speak with someone new about the project I realize the significant need, now, for something of this magnitude. Despite the Armenian Genocide happening over 100 years ago, it is occurring again with the Artsakh blockade. They said never again after the Holocaust yet it has happened again. In Rwanda, Darfur, Bosnia, Cambodia & so many unfortunate other tragedies.
Not only are many humans unaware of these atrocities but prejudice, racism and bigotry remain rampant among society’s around the world. Understanding this and the need that exists, I understand my vision and legacy now more than ever.
My PR team at Ingrained Media told me about how the lead singer of “System of a Down” was active in the cause and of course I had no clue who they were. Then my neighbor said I need to meet his friend Serj Tankian who is involved with the cause. Serj came over to my studio and we talked as he showed me he’s more than a musician but also an intelligent and passionate person whose work to help others and to share his voice and platform for the Armenian Genocide and Armenian persecution today.
Could you share an inspiring story that demonstrates the impact your efforts have had on an individual or community?
With my No Strings Foundation, I offered no strings attached financial grant support to photographers so they could continue their passions. Some of these photographers have gone on to do great work in their fields. I am humbled to have been a small part of their journey. Education is a passport to the world and I love knowing what a role I played in helping people.
In your opinion, why do you think there has been such a surge of antisemitism, racism, bigotry, & hate, recently?
When you have people who have big platforms and they use those platforms to spread hate. Even if the person whose making the comments is not going to actually physically harm anyone, they reach such a wide range of people who they don’t know and who may respond with violence. Some of these people are so high profile that when they say hateful things the media reports it and the media discusses it and this reaches even more people.
This is a form of radicalizing people and then the internet is built around algorithms and if you like trains they feed you content related to trains, if you like planes the system is designed to feed you planes, and unfortunately if you are into antisemitism the system will feed you antisemitism. This leads to validating these feelings or emotions or beliefs passed on to you.
This is one of the reasons we have had to limit our social media posts, even though we are not established yet. That doesn’t stop people from seeing our news and posts and engagement ranges from “this is awesome” to antisemitic responses. We end up having to police the negative comments and these are comments that don’t relate to our goals or mission and aren’t relevant to our cause and mission. As I mentioned already, we are inclusive and non-denominational so the comments rarely make sense. I think social media empowers people to be rude.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
- Stop Denying
- Start Listening
- Start Learning
- Start Speaking Out. Don’t Be Silent.
What are your “5 Things Everyone Can Do To Be An Upstander”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
Stand up for those who can’t defend themselves.
Stand up for those who may be different than you or have a different plight because we are stronger together and smarter together.
Open your heart , your compassion, your ears, and your knowledge towards strangers or people struggling. Art, whether music or visual, helps to open our hearts.
Don’t just speak about it, but speak about how you can make an impact. Speaking with people and educating them without insulting them.
Remember that your voice is needed, has value, and has reach, why not use that for good?
How do you handle the emotional toll that comes with being an Upstander?
Well, the truth is that even the most recognized genocide, The Holocaust, which is a part of education still has those who doubt it. With all of the sacrifices made by the Allied Forces to free the concentration camps, the Jewish people’s extermination was 6MM but the Nazi’s killed 21MM total in the “Death Camps” many of which are related to those who doubt it.
If that fight, a fight the world fought for, is one that must continue to be validated then all other genocides and the genocides that will happen in the future will not stand a chance. I am not Armenian, I am Jewish, I am not connected to Rwanda or Darfur but I want them to know I am standing up for them and we are building the Genos Center so those with less of a voice or those with no voice have a platform. If we forget history then we are destined to repeat it.
If you were in charge of the major social media companies, what would you do to address the hate on the platforms? Could you share specific strategies or policies that you believe would be effective in addressing hate on social media platforms?
I wish I knew the answer. I do know they rely on algorithms and I want to know why they can’t see and slow hate trends. Not feeding the hate and spreading hate is an easy place to start. Stopping the lies and policing that all posted is a “fact” and “true”. If a conspiracy theory or lie emerges, then they should be removed.
How would you answer someone who says: “Hate speech is permitted under the US constitution. Why are you so worried about permitted, and legal speech?”
While the U.S. Constitution, especially the First Amendment, robustly defends freedom of speech, the essence of our concern at the Genos Center Foundation isn’t merely about its legality but rather its societal and moral implications. The First Amendment ensures government non-interference in speech, but it doesn’t mean all expressions are free from consequences or that they are beneficial for our society. Truth matters.
Our foundation strives to promote compassion, understanding, tolerance, and unity among individuals. Hate speech, though perhaps constitutionally protected, directly challenges these values by potentially inciting violence, sowing division, and perpetuating resentment. Furthermore, legality does not always align with ethics. Even if something is permitted by law, we possess a moral duty to question and educate against it if it jeopardizes societal harmony. Our concerns stem less from the legal status of hate speech and more from its potential to damage the fabric of our society.
Are you optimistic that we can solve this problem in the United States? Can you please explain what you mean?
I am optimistic that the good in humanity can and will prevail but as we see now this does not come without struggle and tragedy. Addressing the issue of hate speech is complex and challenging. It involves balancing freedom of speech, a fundamental right in the US, with the need to protect individuals from harmful or threatening language. There are differing opinions on what constitutes hate speech, which further complicates the matter.
Education is another crucial aspect. Many organizations and institutions are working hard to promote understanding, empathy, and respect among diverse groups. This includes efforts at all levels of education, from elementary schools to universities, as well as workplace initiatives. Banning books is banning history and the truth. We should be open to experiences, ideas and happenings whether lived by us or through others who write about it.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an Upstander but doesn’t know where to start?
Start by educating yourself. Understand the issues you are passionate about. The more knowledgeable you are, the better equipped you’ll be to make a difference.
Speak up, don’t stay silent. Use your voice and your platform to raise awareness and advocate for change. Be open to different perspectives and experiences. Listening to and learning from those affected by the issues you care about can help you understand the problem more deeply and how best to address it.
Get Involved. Join or support organizations that align with your cause. This could involve volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about their work. Empathy can guide your actions and responses in a way that respects and acknowledges the experiences of others.
Remember that change often takes time and persistence. Being an Upstander is a continuous process. It’s not about being perfect, but about striving to make a positive difference wherever you can and communicating your conclusions and staying open to other’s conclusions.
In what ways can education be leveraged to combat antisemitism, racism, bigotry, and hate?
Bigotry, ignorance, and intolerance are handed down through generations of fear of what we do not understand. How can we truly ac-knowledge the atrocities of the past in order to prevent them from repeating?
In a world full of misinformation, manipulation, and denial, knowledge is the most effective weapon against prejudice, bigotry, and intolerance. We must do better than those who came before us. We only fear what we do not understand. Through education and clarity, we can live in peace and brotherhood.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
The Golden Rule always works: do unto others as you want done unto you. When I lose sight of this one tends to lose compassion and understanding.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: to understand his leadership, courage, and commitment to saving his people and how it extends across the planet. His great courage and fervor in bringing us all into a brighter, peaceful, and compassionate future through example.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
All of my projects are available at www.DouglasBusch.com. The Genos Center Foundation is also seeking donors to help us build the project and you can learn more about donor opportunities at https://GenosCenter.org
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your important work!
Upstanders: How Douglas Busch of The Genos Center Foundation Is Standing Up Against Antisemitism… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.