Monday Motivation #3: Tapestry of Power and Conflict
The world unfolds like a vast tapestry, woven with threads of power, conflict, and the lived experiences of individuals and communities. In this edition of #MondayMotivation, we'll explore a diverse range of stories that shed light on these intersections and the profound impact they have on our global landscape.
Three Things to Read:
This article from Srinivas Peri lays bare the heartbreaking reality of a nation trapped in a seemingly endless conflict for the last six decades. The article reminds us that these struggles often have deep roots, a "lethal incendiary mix" of regional power struggles, geography, and societal fault lines.
Same question kept repeating? Who is responsible for this mess? There is no clear-cut answer and difficult to pinpoint when? what? and why?
This insightful piece offers a glimpse into the vibrant, messy beauty of democracy in action. In a run up to India's elections, the author compiled the reports on a diverse array of key issues from across the nation. Yet, as the author notes, in each phase inflation, joblessness and precarity held centre stage.
At this time, it seems probable that the BJP will be so busy keeping its government in power that it will have little mindspace for the real challenges facing the country. What those issues are, we already know.
Shreeja Rao 's powerful CNN piece argues Dalit women are not defined solely by their struggles. She critiques a media landscape that often portrays Dalit women as victims, focusing solely on the violence and hardship they endure. This "casteist gaze," as she calls it, reduces a rich and diverse community to a single narrative. The reality, Shreeja emphasizes, is far more complex.
My community of Dalit women are doubly oppressed by caste and gender... But to say that we are only limited by our misfortunes would be misguided, and far too reductive.
Two Things to Watch/Listen:
This Al Jazeera English documentary showcases the unwavering efforts of an Indian activist fighting to protect the India's Aravalli mountain range from the devastating impacts of illegal mining. The story underscores the power of mobilisation in the face of entrenched interests and the imbalance of power.
领英推荐
How does one measure development? It has to be the wellbeing of everyone. It's not fair if there are great roads and fancy cars for some, and others are struggling to get clean air and drinking water. How can you deny these basic rights to so many people?
In this thought-provoking podcast by Dwarkesh Patel, Professor Sarah Paine C.M. Paine delves into the complex interplay between maritime and continental powers, drawing insights from historical events and their relevance to modern-day geopolitical tensions.
You have to listen to the counter argument or the counter?argument is called “you lose the election” and the other party is in. But the notion?that you're going to streamline it and not have disagreements, that's what dictators do and they?have problems. They double down on bad decisions.
One Thing to Ponder:
This online resource, created by Alina Karlsen and Tess de Rooij , serves as a powerful platform for exploring the intersections of gender, power, and social justice. Take some time this week to explore this treasure trove.
Inspired by the claim that “everything is political”, we claim that everything is gendered... We aim to describe the gendered workings, histories and aspects of all the things that make up our world, from everyday objects to institutional biases.
Bonus Read:
Sometimes, the simplest tips can have the biggest impact. In a recent Substack post, author Susan Cain shared Gary Provost's profound insight into the power of diverse expression.
As we reflect on the stories and insights shared in this edition, let us be mindful of the complex interplay between power, conflict, and the human experience. By understanding these intersections, we can see how power structures impact individual lives, and how the human spirit can rise above conflict. As we weave a future where the threads of power and conflict are intertwined with empathy and understanding.
What other narratives illuminate the dynamics of power and conflict? How can we leverage this understanding to build a more just and equitable world?
Policy Researcher at NL MFA ? Co-founder of thisisgendered.org
8 个月Thanks for the feature Nikunj Agarwal!
Advocate
8 个月Interesting feminist encyclopaedia Nikunj. 'Care work' and other forms of unpaid women's daily labour remains a lesser talked about term. Entire familial structures depend on it and yet it's all but invisible to the "formal sector", and in fact is heavily taxing upon the mental and general health of women. Particularly those employed outside of the house as well. Across the middle and lower classes, newly married women are expected to cook the day's meals before and after returning from "work", as a matter of duty towards the matrimonial house. In such a system women are truly expected to work round the clock, endlessly, "selflessly" -or face the social repercussions of their tough decisions. It's a long way to go.