Activism: In the ever-evolving landscape of politics, we often find ourselves confined to the traditional left-right spectrum. This binary view, with its emphasis on economic and social policies, sometimes obscures deeper motivations driving voter behavior and political trends. As a result, we might miss crucial insights that could enhance our understanding of why people vote the way they do, why political movements gain momentum, and why some ideas resonate while others falter. I have found an alternative framework to be far more helpful: the Maslow Pyramid.

Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, typically illustrated as a pyramid, categorizes human needs into five levels: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Maslow famously hypothesized, that a lower-level need must be satisfied before we start attempting to fulfill the needs of the next level — as an example, while we’re starving and live in fear of being robbed (level one), we’re not so much concerned with having the respect of the community (level four). By examining political trends through this lens, we can gain a richer, more nuanced perspective on what drives societal shifts and voter preferences.

Physiological Needs and the Politics of Survival

At the base of Maslow’s pyramid are physiological needs: food, water, warmth, and rest — as well as immediate physical safety. In times of economic crisis, political discourse often gravitates towards these fundamental concerns. Populist movements frequently gain traction by promising to address the immediate needs of the people. For instance, during the Great Recession, there was a surge in support for policies focused on job creation, healthcare access, and basic economic security. Politicians who can convincingly address these basic needs often see significant support from constituencies facing hardship just getting from one day to the next without getting beaten, robbed, or starved. Fear of getting to this state (fear of getting robbed on your way to/from work, school, etc.) will also suffice to place oneself at this level.

However, if established parties fail to address these concerns, voters will inevitably turn to whomever offers a solution, even if it’s an atrocious one. It’s like choosing Comcast for your Internet connection when no other provider is available—you know the service is subpar, but having some connection is better than none. Similarly, in politics, when mainstream parties neglect the foundational needs of the populace, fringe or extremist parties can gain support by simply acknowledging and addressing these unmet needs — and that is regardless of how flawed their solutions to said problems may be.

Safety Needs and the Demand for Stability

Moving up the pyramid, once the physical needs are met, then safety needs encompass longer-term personal security, employment, and health. Political rhetoric around law and order, immigration control, and national security taps into these safety concerns. When people feel their safety is threatened, whether by crime, terrorism, or economic instability, they are more likely to support policies and leaders who promise to restore stability and protect them from perceived threats. The post-9/11 era (just after 2001), with its heightened focus on national security, is a prime example of how safety needs can dominate the political agenda.

Yet again, if traditional parties fail to provide a sense of security, voters may gravitate towards any party that promises to deliver it, even if their methods are draconian and/or frankly ridiculous.

Love and Belonging: The Politics of Identity

The middle tier of the pyramid addresses social needs: relationships, friendships, and a sense of belonging. Identity politics, which includes movements advocating for the rights of specific social groups based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and more, finds its roots here. Political movements that foster a sense of community and belonging can galvanize supporters by addressing these intrinsic needs. The LGBPQRST+ rights movement, for instance, not only fights for legal rights but also seeks to create a supportive community for its members.

When mainstream parties overlook these social needs, people will seek out any group or party that offers them a sense of belonging, even if that party’s overall agenda is problematic. It’s a matter of seeking connection where it’s available.

Esteem: The Quest for Recognition

Esteem needs encompass respect, self-esteem, status, and recognition. Political leaders who can validate the contributions and worth of their supporters often build strong, loyal followings. This is evident in political campaigns that emphasize the dignity of work, the importance of patriotism, and the recognition of personal achievements. Policies aimed at rewarding hard work and providing opportunities for personal advancement resonate deeply with voters seeking validation and respect.

Self-Actualization: The Pursuit of Fulfillment

At the peak of the pyramid is self-actualization — the realization of one’s potential and the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment. Politics at this level involves visionary thinking and appeals to higher ideals. Environmental movements with or without solutions based in reality, space exploration initiatives, and educational reforms often engage this need. Leaders who inspire through their vision of a better future, who challenge citizens to think beyond their immediate concerns and contribute to something greater than themselves, tap into this highest level of human motivation.

It’s rather telling that the biggest telltale sign for voters (and media), who are personally at this level of human needs, is that they often and happily paint the political parties and movements answering to level-one and level-two human needs as brutish, uneducated, simpleton and backwards — when in reality, what such name-calling voters who pretend to hold themselves to some sort of higher standard are really doing, is disacknowledging that other people’s most basic needs are simply not being met. Talk about being overprivileged in ivory towers! “Let them eat cake”, anyone?

If mainstream political parties neglect to engage voters at this level, people will align with any party that inspires them, even if the broader agenda is not entirely sound. It can be somewhat like signing up for a self-help seminar led by a guy who lives in his mom’s basement because he speaks so passionately about “unlocking your potential.”

A Holistic Approach to Political Analysis

By applying the Maslow Pyramid to our understanding of political trends, we gain a multi-dimensional view that goes beyond the simplicity of left versus right. This approach allows us to see how different policies and political messages resonate with various segments of the population based on their current needs and aspirations.

For instance, a comprehensive healthcare reform policy can address physiological needs by ensuring access to medical care, safety needs by providing financial security, love and belonging by reducing social disparities, esteem by recognizing healthcare as a right, and self-actualization by promoting a healthier society capable of achieving its full potential.

It’s further important to realize that an individual voter would vote for completely different parties, even at opposite ends of the traditional spectrum, depending on where they feel the most urgency in their personal needs at the moment, and that this is not a contradiction or uncertainty on policies.

In conclusion, the Maslow Pyramid provides a valuable framework for understanding the complex and dynamic nature of political trends. It reminds us that politics is fundamentally about people and their needs. By considering these needs in our political analysis, we can develop more empathetic, effective, and inclusive strategies that resonate deeply with the human condition. And crucially, we must remember that when these needs are ignored, voters will turn to any party that promises to meet them, even if it means accepting a deeply flawed solution. After all, in the absence of better options, you might just end up with Comcast.

BMX Instagram Compilation 2016 - Sven Avemaria

Here's a short Instagram compilation of clips we posted at our instagram account kunstformbmxshop about our bro Sven Avemarie from the last couple months. We hope you'll like it!

https://www.instagram.com/kunstformbmxshop/ https://www.instagram.com/svenavemaria/

Follow our youtube account on: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/kunstformbmxshop

wethepeople Foundation BMX Video Premiere - Stuttgart

Franzem lives in Sindelfingen near Stuttgart, Miguel is riding for kunstform BMX Shop since 2015 and he drops whether dirt or park the craziest bangers.

BMX Since: 2010
BMX discipline: BMX Dirt, BMX Park
Hometown: Lugoj, Rumänien
Residence: Sindelfingen, Stuttgart
Sponsors: Demolitionparts, sibmx, ridetsg, 24/7distribution, kunstform BMX Shop
Homespots: Horny love trails Filderstad
Favorite Spots: Lapoma Barcelona
Favorite thing beside BMX: travel, party, fitness
Instagram: miguelfranzem
Youtube: Miguel Franzem

Sven Avemaria Is always in a good mood, humorous and on the skateboard, as well as on the BMX a real G!

BMX Since: 2004
BMX Disziplin: everything what makes fun - mostly BMX Street and BMX Park
Hometown: Uhldingen-Mühlhofen
Residence: Uhldingen-Mühlhofen and Stuttgart
Sponsors: kunstform BMX Shop
Homespots: Skatepark Überlingen
Favorite Spots: everywhere, with relaxed people
Favorite thing beside BMX: skate,photographie and relaxing
Instagram: svenavemaria
Vimeo: svenavemaria
Youtube: SVENave

Our Bro & team rider Miguel Franzem Has destroyed his knee last winter, at the Simple Session ,so he was forced to put his BMX aside for a while. freedombmx has asked Miguel about his BMX break. You will find the interview here: LINK

Sven Avemaria is, as you can see on his Instagram account, a real style machine and not only on the BMX, also on the skateboard. Sven has been a motivated and diligent team rider for a few years now, which is reason enough to check his current whip!

Yo Sven, where do you come from and how long have you been riding?

I come from Uhldingen-Mühlhofen, which is located on the beautiful Lake "Bodensee". But timewise you can find me also in Stuttgart :)I've been riding BMX for a while (in the year 2004 I got my first 20 "complete bike, which I was still much too difficult ...) Long Live the 12th ", 16" and 18 "BMX, which are available today - And a pity that there wasn't such a thing when I started riding!

What is your favorite BMX video?

BMX-videos are always great <3

What bike setup do you have and what can you tell about it?

Perfect for me are short chainstays, a high standover and a slightly longer top tube! The color scheme on my bike is nice, which I like very much at the moment! But I want Colored tires again, haha

Frame: Volume WarHorse 21”
Fork: Odyssey R25
Bars: Merritt Simms 9.5”
Stem: Merritt - Inaugural MK II
Headset: Merritt Hightop
Grips: Odyssey Broc Raiford
Barends: Odyssey plastic
Tires: Merritt Option 2.35”
Rims: Merritt Battle Rims
FW Hub: Merritt Non-Stop Front Hub
BW Hub: WTP Helix V2
Spokes: Merritt & Salt
Hubguards: Vorne: Merritt Tension Hub Guards & Hinten: WTP driveside & BSD nondriveside
Pegs: Volume WarHorse 4.5” plastic
Seatpost: Tripod (IDK)
Seat: Fiend Morrow Tripod
Crank: Demolition Rig 24mm
Bearings: 24mm MidBB
Pedals: Merritt P1 Pedals
Sprocket: Merritt Pentaguard Sprocket 25T
Chain: Shadow Supreme
Brake: wer später bremst, ist länger schnell

Anything else to talk about? Take your chance!

Shoutout to all who rides BMX and make BMX to what it is at the moment! And a huge thank you goes to all those who always stand by me, support me and have made me the man I am now! LOVE Y'ALL <3

Yo Sven, thank you for your answers! We are glad to have you on board and look forward to the coming time with you!

etnies chapters Video Premiere - Stuttgart

Etnies "Chapters" DVD Premiere 2017 - Stuttgart

On the 4th september, we hosted the DVD Premiere of the new Etnies Chapters BMX Video which was absolutely amazing! Enjoy the video, your kunstform BMX shop team!

Video: Robin Kachfi

Subscribe our youtube channel: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/kunstformbmxshop

Sven Avemaria - One Dude Two Days x Freedombmx

Our allrounder Sven Avemaria was last summer with Freedombmx on the streets of stuttgart, to film a new episode of "One Dude Two Days", which u shouldn't miss! Enjoy the video, Your kunstform BMX Shop.

Video: Freedombmx



Subscribe our youtube channel: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/kunstformbmxshop

On the 9th of march 2018, the BFA Crew will host a video premiere of their latest mixtape "TOGETHER WE ROLL" at the Barfly in Sonthofen and you're officially invited! The doors will open at 8pm and for the first 100 guests there's 1 beer for free, so be quick!
Make sure to come over to celebrate with the BFA Crew and us!

All the best, your kunstform BMX Shop Team!

What:
Videopremiere BFA "Together We Roll"

When:
9th March 8pm - 3am

Where:
Barfly-Sonthofen
Marktstrasse 4
87527 Sonthofen


More infos on Facebook.

Our boys Markus Schwital and John Kraemer filmed a little flatland split edit during their vacation in Lisbon, which you can watch right here!

Enjoy the Video, your kunstform BMX Shop Team!



Video: Markus Schwital



Subscribe our youtube channel: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/kunstformbmxshop

Felix Prangenberg, Robin Kachfi and Marcel Gans were for a day in Luxembourg, where the boys met Jack Seymour who showed them around. As you can see in the video, the weather wasn't that nice, but it turned out tough to a great video!

Enjoy the Video, your kunstform BMX Shop Team!



Video: Robin Kachfi



Subscribe our youtube channel: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/kunstformbmxshop

Cult and Bonedeth just released their new DVDs and we want to invite you to this video premiere at our Shop in Stuttgart, Germany. The Premiere will take place at the 27th of October from 6pm - 10pm. Drinks and snacks are provided and the entry is free!

All the best, your kunstform BMX Shop Team!

What:
Cult & Bone Deth Video Premiere

When:
27th October, 6pm - 10pm

Where:
kunstform BMX Shop
Rotebühlstr. 63
70178 Stuttgart


More infos on Facebook.

The new Academy BMX Parts are now in stock, like for example the Academy BMX "Pro" Brake in the colorway Oilslick, which is made from industry standard die-cast aluminum featuring extra wide brake arm bends for large tire clearance and low profile spring adjustment caps for universal functionality. Includes a simple one piece straddle cable hanger system, brake pads, and all necessary hardware.

Also now in stock, the Academy BMX "Pro" BMX Crank, which is a solid 3-piece crank set made of 100% 4130 CrMo with a 48 spline hollow spindle with a diameter of 19mm. The crank arms of the Academy BMX "Pro" BMX Crank have a tubular shape with rounded edges and the area of the axle recording is fully welded around to ensure maximum stability.

Check our online-shop for more new Academy products!



Have fun!



All the best,

Your kunstform BMX Shop Team

Miguel Franzem filmed with Landon Barnes a rad new video at the Joyride150 BMX park during his Canada trip. Miguel made the best out of his time in Canada and produced a lot of awesome clips, which you can see in his latest edit.

Enjoy the video, your kunstform BMX Shop Team!



Video: Landon Barnes



subscribe to our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/kunstformbmxshop

Bro Sven Avemaria filmed together with the dudes from Nutsandboltsbmx his new BMX Street Edit in the beautiful City Zurich and the result is just awesome!

All the best, your kunstform BMX Shop Team!



Video: NutsandBoltsBMX



Subscribe our youtube channel: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/kunstformbmxshop

Sven Avemaria got a brand new BMX bike from GT Bikes. Freedombmx has asked Sven about his new bike and his plans in the near future. Check the whole Bike Check now on Freedombmx!

Click here for the full interview.

Interview: Freedombmx

Fotos: Sven Avemaria

All the best, your kunstform BMX Shop Team!

Related links:

• all products of GT Bikes
• all Products of kunstform

On the 11th of May 2019 will be a BMX Street Jam at the Skatepark of Voru (Estonia) organised by local BMX riders. The BMX jam will starts officially at 12 o'clock. You'll find more infos about this BMX Event at the Facebook event page!

More information about the BMX event:
Facebook Page - Street BMX Mayhem 2k19 - Voru (Estonia)

What: Street BMX Mayhem 2k19 - Voru (Estonia)

BMX disciplines: BMX Street

When: 11th of May 2019

Where:Skatepark of Voru (Estonia)

All the best,
your kunstform BMX Shop Team!

Related links:

• all products of kunstform

Federal FTS Video Premiere - Stuttgart

Federal FTS Video Premiere - Berlin

When: Friday, November 1st 2019 (8 pm)
Where: Bar Deggendorf, Petersburgerstr. 74A, 10249 Berlin

Presented by: Kink & Traffic Distribution

On 01.11.2019 the premiere of the new Kink Champagne BMX video takes place in the bar Deggendorf! The new full-length team video will be released worldwide on DVD & Blu-Ray on November 2nd. Over 2 years of filming, over 20 cities in the US, Australia, Canada and Europe, video parts by kink drivers like Travis Hughes, Agus Gutierrez, Chad Osburn, Calvin Kosovich, Hobie Doan, Dan Coller and Nathan Williams are sure to be guaranteed BMX entertainment!



Feel free to join us!

All the best

Your kunstform BMX Shop Team

When: Friday, November 8th 2019 (8 pm)
Where: kunstform BMX Shop (Stockroom), Rotebühlstr. 63, 70178 Stuttgart

Presented by: Kink & Traffic Distribution

On 08.11.2019 the premiere of the new Kink Champagne BMX video takes place at kunstform BMX Shop Stuttgart! The new full-length team video will be released worldwide on DVD & Blu-Ray on November 2nd. Over 2 years of filming, over 20 cities in the US, Australia, Canada and Europe, video parts by kink drivers like Travis Hughes, Agus Gutierrez, Chad Osburn, Calvin Kosovich, Hobie Doan, Dan Coller and Nathan Williams are sure to be guaranteed BMX entertainment!



Feel free to join us!

All the best

Your kunstform BMX Shop Team

Oh boy, our homie & GT Bikes team rider Sven Avemaria went two times to the BMX Street Mecca Barcelona within the last 6 month to enjoy the sun, spots & sangria. While being there, Sven was stacking a lot of clips with chilled BMX Street Lines which you can now enjoy nicely in your hammock!

Have fun with the video, your kunstform BMX Shop Team!

Video: kunstform

Related links:

• all products of GT Bikes
• all products of kunstform

If you follow the Cinema team riders like Chad Kerley, Garrett Reynolds or Nathan William on Instagram, you may have already seen one or the other BMX part from Cinema in gold. With the new delivery of Cinema BMX that reached us recently, the new "Colorway" is finally available in our shop.

Yes, 2022 is here and we wish you a happy new year. The year starts well, because we have a few deliveries like the new Kink 2022 BMX bikes, the new Dan Lacey Slip On from Vans and the golden BMX parts from Cinema.

We are happy to run a video premiere again and it is a big pleasure to present you the new "F-It All" video from Fitbikeco. on Saturday in Stuttgart and on Sunday in Berlin. Entrance is free and we look forward to seeing you.

Video premiere Stuttgart

Video premiere Berlin

We received a fresh shipment of Cinema BMX parts and in addition to various wheels, grips and pedals, there are also the new "Stealth" saddles, the Cinema "Projector" stem in a new colorway and the very popular "Williams" tires in various colors available now.

We have received a new delivery from the Australian BMX company Tempered Bikes. In addition to the new "Wrath" & "Ritual" BMX frames we also have various new seats in different designs in stock. Several options of handlebars, the popular Tempered Bikes stems, sprockets and much more is available now!

It's now been 20 years since Sebastian Pospischil registered the kunstform business and we want to celebrate this anniversary in our BMX shop in Stuttgart with a BMX Street and a BMX Flatland Jam. We invite you to celebrate this milestone on 11. November 2023 in Stuttgart to celebrate with us. At 12 noon we start in our BMX shop and explore some BMX street spots in Stuttgart. At the same time, a BMX flatland meeting will take place at the famous spot 'Haus der Geschichte'. Later the party continues in our shop and warehouse. We are happy to have you with us.

We'll be sharing some recaps in the coming days, so stay tuned. Thank you for your support; Without you this anniversary would never have been possible. A big thank you also goes to our supporters for this event: @odysseybmx & @demolitionparts via @sibmxdistro, @shadowridinggear & @mankindbmx via @unitybmx, @fitbikeco & @sandmbicycles via @allridebmx, @cultcrew & @eclatbmxbrand via @traffic .bmx and @ridetsg via @247bike.

When: Saturday November 11th, 2023 (from 12 p.m.): Meeting point in the Stuttgart shop

Where: kunstform BMX Shop, Rotebühlstr. 63, 70178 Stuttgart

Supported by: @odysseybmx & @demolitionparts via @sibmxdistro, @shadowridinggear & @mankindbmx via @unitybmx, @fitbikeco & @sandmbicycles via @allridebmx, @cultcrew & @eclatbmxbrand via @traffic.bmx and @ridetsg via @247bike

We look forward to seeing you!

Best regards

Your kunstform BMX Shop Team

On September 21st, 2024, the video premiere of the new Fracture - Visions of Light will take place in our kunstform BMX Shop in Stuttgart! It will be a celebration to which you are cordially invited! Riders in the video: Kilian Reichmeyer, Mattes Torn, Nico van Loon, Linda Grabner and many more. Afterwards we will also show the kunstform video of the Copenhagen trip on the screen. So come along!

Schedule:
5 p.m. - BMX Jam in the stock room
6 p.m. - Premiere of Fracture "Visions of Light"
7 p.m. - Premiere of kunstform Copenhagen

You are cordially invited!

Best wishes

Your kunstform BMX Shop Team

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