THE TWO WORLDS OF THE OPPRESSED

Liberation is a praxis; the action and reflection of women and men upon their world, in order to transform it.-PAULO FREIRE.

                  Whenever a revolution occurs, it is common to hear of two factions fighting, one in support of it (the revolution) and the other opposing it. I’ve tried to interrogate this issue and I came to a conclusion that this is always a ‘fight’ fought by two oppressed people. The only difference is that they have ‘clothed’ themselves differently. One is clothed as a defender of the oppressor (who happens to oppress both of them). The other is clothed as a liberator of all peoples (the oppressed and the oppressors). But what really causes this fight? Why shouldn’t they team up and fight against their oppressor as one formidable force? The answer is simple. It is the ‘glue’ that binds them to their respective conditions. This ‘glue’ controls their mindset hence their actions and lives.

                       In the first case, where the oppressed fights in the defense of the oppressor; this guy has been conditioned to think that the world revolves around wages, working, marriage……..then of course death. He has reduced himself to the status of a compulsive thinker; the one who looks at the world as a ready-to-occupy-mansion hence he has nothing to contribute but to conform to its ways. What a misguided thought! He is always blaming the world for his woes. He doesn’t believe in himself. He believes that the only way to earn a living is to exchange his intellect with some coins! He takes his master as a super-human who should not be criticized .He doesn’t believe in the collective struggle to better the future. By thinking like this, he is indirectly referring himself as an ‘animal’. Yes scientifically we are classified as animals. But my conscience tells me we are more than animals. Animals do nothing other than conforming to their surroundings; a phenomenon that is commonly referred to as adaptation. As humans we are creative creatures. We don’t just conform, we ‘mold’ the world to suit our aspirations.

                    In the second case (the liberator); he looks into the future. He believes that the future lies on his actions. He has ‘discovered’ his position in the club of humans. He doesn’t think like a conformist but a game-changer. His ideals are long lasting and have an impact on all humanity. He is not ‘fighting’ for himself, he acts as the proverbial bridge to the ‘promised land’. He understands that conforming to the ideals of the oppressor is fertile ground for his continued dependence on others. This one is selfless, he does not believe in the short term benefits and rewards of wages, jobs and salaries. His visions are long term.

                     To sum up, empty talks leave no impact unless put into action. The challenge is yours.