１０月７日金曜日

I am against violence of any kind.

Power wields its might, oppressing both consciously and unconsciously. Resistance shall emerge from the oppressed, a fight for freedom portrayed as heroism.

Yet resistance can also be branded as terrorism, painting its actors as demonized and dehumanized others, with violence justified. I cannot forget or ignore that Nelson Mandela, in my second home, was once labeled a terrorist, and the ANC deemed a terrorist group in South Africa.

It all hinges on the perspective of those in power. Who names resistance? Who defines terrorism? Terror for whom? All leans in favor of power. It doesn't bring comfort but fear, spawning imaginations of demonized resisters. Such fear blinds them to others' struggles.

We refrain from judging actions or words alone. Context is our arbiter, weaving meaning based on who, when, with what, and why. Justification varies for some violence, while others face demonization. We dwell within our own imaginings.

Do you perceive this power imbalance?

We see what we wish to see, yet it becomes easier to ignore when one stands on the side of power. Ignorance is power. Oppressed souls cannot dismiss the oppressors.

It may appear that the oppressed seek conflict, for they cry inequality, but it's merely the nature of marginalized people who do not have the privilege to ignore violence from the powerful.

Do you perceive these power imbalances?

思うこと

私が初めて彼の地に行ったのは、2013年だった。
2014年には、南部に長期滞在したのだが、意図せず地上進行までに発展した紛争の一部始終（開戦から休戦まで）を現地で過ごすことになった。
帰国のために予約していた大韓航空は、飛ばなくなったので、運行していたフランス航空で、パリ経由で帰国したのを覚えている。

抑圧がある限り、抵抗は存在するのだと思う。

これ以上、苦しみが続かないでほしい、人々が希望を持てるようになってほしいと願うことしかできないのでしょうか。

奇しくも、北東アジアのピースビルダーとしてのパネルを終え、南アフリカに帰国した今日。
世界とのあまりのギャップに、どうしたら良いのかわからないなか、何も言わずにいることができなかった。