Questioning our assumptions and socio-political assumptions is critical to better understanding the truth and recognizing just how much perspective plays a role in how we see the world.
One of the socio-political norms we should be questioning is how we perceive power dynamics.
Power dynamics are the basis for who we perceive to be powerful versus powerless and how the powerful exert control over the powerless.
Control is intangible, and yet it is based on this perceived balance of power.
Imagine a robber enters a bank waving a gun; that robber is, in that moment, in control of the situation.
But is the gun real, or a clever replica?
Whether the gun is real or fake is irrelevant, because as long as people perceive that weapon to be real and the wielder to be in a position of power, the robber will maintain control.
All this to say, the balance of power is based on people’s perspectives.
Socially, we often perceive institutions to hold greater power than individuals.
This is why bureaucracies run countries, major political parties run politics, companies shape global and local economies, and large aid organizations lead the global development movement.
We are taught to respect the balance of power.
Historically, we see time and time again examples of individuals or groups of individuals challenge the existing balance of power and winning against what seems to be insurmountable odds (if you want to read more about this, read Malcolm Gladwell’s masterpiece David & Goliath).
These people were able to overcome their preconceived notions of power and claimed that power for themselves.
By refusing to accept the socially-accepted balance of power, we can begin to shift the balance of power away from institutions and pre-existing structures back towards the people.
Refuse to accept that political parties alone should set government agenda.
Refuse to accept that large corporations should shape our economies as they see fit.
Refuse to accept that systemic poverty is unavoidable.
Refuse to accept that religion and politics are inherently divisive.
Refuse to accept that implicit racism and sexism is acceptable.
Refuse to accept that people should have to go into debt to get medical help.
Refuse to accept that environmental degradation is unavoidable.
Refuse to accept that exploitation of labour and environment is necessary to maintaining a standard of living.
Refuse to accept that things have to be the way they are.
Refuse to accept that you can’t do anything about it.
In my next post, I will be exploring how we can use anger as tool to enact social change.