“Whatever group controls the
way things are seen in some ways also has the power to control the way things
are” (Fook, p. 43, 2012).
When we talk about writing for social change, hopefully positive social
change, we are relying on the thought that useful information is being shared.
Somehow informing others inspires change and ultimately effective action. I
cannot help but thing about the writing of Jan Fook that was very recently
encountered. In her chapter, New Ways of
Knowing, she discusses postmodern thought and makes the connection between
knowledge and power.
It makes me think that we really do need to share our perspectives and are
hopes for positive social change. It is important that we develop our voices
and continue to put the word out. As Fook indicates in her writing whoever’s
interpretation of reality is shared and eventually accepted somehow becomes in
control of these very ideas. If individuals do not share what they have to
offer, to express their world views and ways of seeing, there is no counter
conscious developed to combat the mainstream media, the capitalistic agendas and
the dominant culture which continues to exploit those that it can.
Something that makes me realize that what you and I have to share is
important and valid goes along with this concept. We have to ask, as postmodern
thought does, “who are the legitimate generators of knowledge?” When we do ask this question we realize that
there are no individuals or groups of people who have the monopoly on
knowledge. They only do when opposition to these views is not offered or
alternative views are not expressed. No group’s knowledge is more important
than another.
Last point, we really have to be aware of where we get our information. Do
we rely on the narrowed views of a particular circulation, television station,
someone deemed a professional? Do we
remember to question who the authority is, what the authority says? If we don’t we better start now, actively
seek knowledge from different sources and then we most share what we have. We
are obligated to share this information, this knowledge because in it is the
power to make those positive changes.
Oh Levi, you always teach me stuff in a very non-confrontational and easy way. Thanks for that. I usually try and hit people over the head with a 2x4 and you can guess how well that goes over. Especially when you're talking revolution, which you are.
ReplyDeleteWhat you're talking about here reminds me of Sequestration. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/02/obama-sequestration-_n_2795749.html) I am not going to explain what it is because the article link I posted can do that. Let me back up.
I had the opportunity to attend a Homelessness Roundtable in Sacramento last Wednesday. It was put on my Home Base and the focus was on homelessness and how counties can best serve those in most need. At one point, the topic of Sequestration was brought up and we were asked to take a moment to contact our representatives about it. We did. It's still a huge issue but what got my attention wasn't the making of the calls, it was the break from the formal meeting to actively make change.
Normally, at my social worker job, I am not at liberty to ask or even make calls like this while on the clock. I am not trying to talk trash about the nonprofit where I work but the few county dollars we get require I not be active on company time.
But Wednesday, I was. It would seem to me that social workers would be at liberty to canvas for whatever they think is right and there are certain latitudes, but there are stipulations as well.
I don't have any answers. I blog in different areas including for the nonprofit where I work but I am not talking about Julian Assange on that site like I do my personal blogs.
Lots to consider here Levi. I like the new blog format, too. Cheers!
Questioning authority, questioning knowledge, questioning the theories we are learning and books we are read is our gateway to knowledge. I love the line "who are the legitimate generators of knowledge?" This is exactly what I teach my daughter listen to your teacher but if it does not feel right to you then stand your ground and speak your truth. It also makes me think who are the legitimate people in power and the dominate culture? Which leads me to a song by Bob Dylan "You Gotta Serve Somebody". We all have to answer to someone and we all have our own individual truth and light to share.
ReplyDeleteKnowledge is power, and yet you need to be so careful of the source! Now days with the internet, knowledge is particularly available, and perhaps biased. As an example, last week I was looking up background information on the film we watched, Rabbit Proof Fence. I found some historical information about the characters, yet the more I read, the more suspicious I was of the bias that might be presented, and in fact this particular source appeared to be quite racist after some investigation. Using this example, yes everyone has their own perspective. Yet when overtly racist perspectives are publicized, I will admit that it is difficult for me to label them as legitimate.
ReplyDelete