Politics, Power and Resistance - Mariah AbouMelhem
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• Page 2-6: Who Rules? Theories of Power • Page 7-11: The Clash of Civilisation • Page 12-16: Action for Change II: 21 st Century Revolutions • Page 17-18: Reference List Politics, Power and Resistance Mariah Abou Melhem 17475958
Politics, Power and Resistance - Mariah AbouMelhem
Politics, Power and Resistance - Who Rules? Theories of Power - The Clash of Civilisation - Action for Change II: 21st Century Revolutions
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• Page 2-6: Who Rules? Theories of Power • Page 7-11: The Clash of Civilisation • Page 12-16: Action for Change II: 21st Century Revolutions • Page 17-18: Reference List
Politics, Power and Resistance
Mariah Abou Melhem 17475958
POWER! DING DING DING... FIGHT!
(Turning Marx on His Head, 2013)
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Karl Marx and the Marxist intellect are driven by capitalism whereby it is the fact of the ruling class vs. the working class. Marx bases his theories through the separation of class and class conflict in the state and its relation to the economy held by a capitalist position opposed to democratic position. (Nash, 2010, p. 4) Max Weber was clearly anti-Marxist and was confident in the notion that the state needed more power. Weber discusses the importance of liberal democratic politics and views the state as ‘the most powerful institution in modern society since gaining monopoly over legitimate means of violence’ (Nash, 2010, p. 9). Weber references both the Elitist model which sees the state having masses of power; and also the Pluralist model whereby power depends on who can seize popular interest and shift public opinion (Allen, 2011, p. 109).
Power Separation • Division of Class, Wealth and Economics
(Movement Between Classes is Harder than One Thinks, 2012)
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Within today’s society, and also from the Marx theory, class is defined according to wealth of a person and the economic status. The image above (Movement Between Classes is Harder than One Thinks, 2012) distinctly identifies the separation between class which can be seen as moving from working class to upper class and to ruling class (Allen, 2011). This capitalist theory displays the notion of ‘whoever has the means of production has power in society’ (Abc.net.au, 2012) which leaves the state also known as the superstructure to change according to whatever happens to the base, refereeing to the economy (Allen, 2011).
Powers Combined State is Bourgeoisie?
(Keep it in the family, 2013)
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Although it seems in both the Marx and Weber theories that the state and capital are distinctly separated and differing, they are able to monopolize together. The bourgeoisie work with the state as the ruling class have resources that are able to influence the state. It may be said that the state is bourgeoisie due to its embodiment of laws which protect private property (Allen, 2011, p. 114). I believe it is clear that the state and the capitalists are able to take from each other and built from that either a stronger or weaker economy and society.
Lets try another approach... Antonio Gramsci
Neo-Marxist Communist: Regulated Power Apathy Optimistic Hegemonic Society Coercion Individual Power
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Presentation Notes
Gramsci draws from the arbiter model as a neo-Marxist whereby he believes the state is able to remain autonomous and create a balance of power (Nash, 2010, p. 6). This is revealed through institutions of the state such as hospitals, prisons and schools within society. Gramsci works towards the idea of a hegemonic society whereby it is not just controlled by the state but by different interest groups that provide for people’s ideas and values (Nash, 2010, p. 6). The Gramsci theory is similar to the communist theory as a means of apathy by regulating and distributing power to people who appeal to society.
...and the winner is?? • Marxist VS. Weber
(The big fat pyramid, 2011).
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Within today’s society, state seems to be in rule and control over different facets of society although it does not have full power, which creates a pluralist model (Nash, 2010, p. 13). Society can be viewed as a state governed by system of democracy provides representatives with power to shift public interest and shape the nation. It can also be seen as I believe through a capitalist view, whereby class is separated in regards to wealth and the economy. Marx states ‘It is true that labour produces wonderful things for the rich – but for the worker it produces privation. It produces palaces – but for the worker, hovels. It produces beauty – but for the worker, deformity. It produces intelligence – but for the worker, stupidity’ (Allen, 2011, p. 2). Marx puts forth the idea that society works to earn what is expected and to survive, although it seems a working class individual works to benefit the ruling class at a greater extent.
The Clash of Civilizations ‘People's cultural and religious identities will be
the primary source of conflict.’ (Huntington, 1993, p.22)
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Huntington (1993) discusses the notion of the clash of civilisation which creates "great divisions among humankind and the dominating source of conflict will be cultural" (Huntington, 1993, p. 22). The future conflicts that are said to occur between civilisations focus on differences in people’s cultural and religious identities. Huntington (1993) has identified several civilisations, many appearing to be religion orientated, including the ‘Western world, Latin American, Confucian, Japanese, Islamic, Hindu and Slavic-Orthodox’ (Huntington, 1993, p. 26). The uprise in identifying these differences between civilisations is due to previous conflict and media around particular issues, such as the September 11th terrorist attack which has stereotyped the Islamic tradition and community as harmful to the western world.
Why Civilizations will Clash • Civilization differences by history, language, culture, tradition and religion • Development of technology and increase of interactions across the world • Economic development and social change • Civilization-consciousness: West. VS. Non-west
The clash of civilisation works on both the micro and macro levels
(Huntington, 1993, p. 26)
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Presentation Notes
Huntington (1993) provides idea’s as to why civilizations will clash: Civilization clash occurs due to the differences by history, language, culture, tradition and religion. The clash of civilization may be influenced by individual’s objective view within the situation. These differences present between civilizations will continue to play out and remain as they have for centuries. The rapid development of technology and the increase of interactions it enables people to have across the world has created awareness of the differences and similarities civilizations comprise of. Modernization of society and the economic development aim to lead to positive political and social change. Huntington (1993) discusses the idea that modernization within society drives democratization (Huntington, 1993, p. 26), allowing people to vote representatives to govern on their behalf and increase individual rights, justice, equality and power. Civilization-consciousness continues to grow due to the interaction between people. It also creates a separation between the western, also identified as the ‘advanced’ culture and the non-western as a sense of loosing cultural identities. The growth of civilization-consciousness clearly exposes an individual’s objective view which is plainly obvious fact, opposed to the Hegemonic position which is constructed to being objective. Working on a micro level focuses on a person’s interaction with others specifically, such as the interaction within a cultural group. The macro level centres itself on the community social structure, process, problems and interrelationships, such as the interactions between different civilizations.
CLASH! • Islamic civilization VS. Western values
Law Pluralism
Individualism Tradition Democracy
Presenter
Presentation Notes
There is a growing separation between the Islamic civilizations which is believed to clash with the Western values. They differ in terms of their laws, their traditions, individualism, pluralism and simply through their appearance such as their traditional wear (Huntington, 1993). As multiculturalism has been a step of acceptance of ethnic minority groups within society, there still seems to be a fewer ‘tolerant’ approach to religious groups and ethnic minorities, including the Muslim society as being a threat. Islam has been portrayed as a threat due to previous events such as September 11th which reflects badly onto the whole community despite the differences in a person’s belief and personality.
Positives and Negatives Positive = Freedom to do what you want = Accepting others customs Example: Accepting and understanding the Islamic veil (Niqab/Burka) Negative = Freedom from = No acceptance Example: Banning the Islamic veil (Niqab/Burka) Clash between two laws and cultures Attack of Freedom
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Due to the previous exposure of conflict between civilisations, such as Islam and the West, it has created vicious ideas about the Islamic tradition and the effects it will have on society in future. Everyone should have the freedom to do what they want, including practice their religion, although there always seems to be an issue within people having freedom from and a non acceptance. France has displayed ‘freedom from’ in regards to banning the Niqab and the Burka, specifically in the schooling system and the work place (Chrisafis, 2013), creating a distance among the French and post-colonial individuals. The clash of their law and culture against the west can be labelled as an ‘attack of freedom’ (Chrisafis, 2013).
Security (Hijab Protest 17 January, 2004).
Acceptance (Multiculturalism a la carte, 2013).
Rights (Shame on France Hijab
is our Identity, 2012).
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The banning of the head scarf in France has resulted in protest and a fight for human rights. Chrisafis (2013) quotes a Muslim woman in saying ‘Since September 11th I haven't really felt comfortable going out on my own in a headscarf’ (Chrisafis, 2013) due to society’s response to the situation as quoted, ‘Take off your headscarf. You're only wearing it to be aggressive’ (Chrisafis, 2013). This displays the thoughts of society by which Muslim women are continuing to wear the headscarf as an aggressive way to fight back for freedom, although the fact is, their head dress is a part of their religion and by choice. I see the banning of the Niqab and Burka as more a sense of security and identity rather than the attempt to phase out religious traditions. Strasbourg, France government lawyer, Edwige Belliard states ‘Wearing the full veil not only makes it difficult to identify a person, it makes her indistinguishable from other full veil wearers and effectively erases the woman who wears it’ (BBC News, 2014). Therefore due to security and difference in culture, fundamental clash of civilizations has affected war, security, education, rights and immigration.
Action for Change II: 21st Century Revolutions
(Tunisia: The leap into the unknown, 2013).
THE ARAB SPRING
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The Arab Spring refers to the revolutionary events occurring within the Arab world, also known as the January 25 Revolution which included violent and non violent protest, riots and war. Beginning in 2010, several rulers including Mubarak, Bouazizi and Al-Qaddafi have been stained from power in three main areas such as Egypt, Libya and Tunisia. The causes of violence against the governments are due to dictatorship, human rights violation, unemployment, corruption and economic decline (Eltantawy & Wiest, 2011, p. 1214).
(Arab spring chess, 2012).
Is it a game to you?
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The years of protest and the amount of death throughout the Arab revolution begin to seem like a game as displayed in the image above (Arab spring chess, 2012). The confused paths displayed on the Arab Spring Chess (2012) represent the unresolved issue within the Arab political system and the idea that others, such as the citizens, big bother and regime thugs (Arab spring chess, 2012) will be placed in harm’s way or will lead in the fight rather than the leader’s or dictators. An example of this in particular is Mohammed Bouazizi's self-immolation and sacrifice (Beaumont, 2011) of which his mother stated ‘Mohammed did what he did for the sake of his dignity’ (TIME.com, 2011), specifically to prove that the political system did not take his dignity.
“A break with repressive authoritarian and totalitarian regimes to pave the way towards an era of freedom, dignity and prosperity.”
(Bishara, 2013)
Promise me!
Presenter
Presentation Notes
People within the Middle East are hopeful for a better life as they take gradual steps to freedom, dignity and prosperity of which they were promised (Bishara, 2013). The growing awareness of the events occurring during the revolutions is due to the rise in media, not only through television such as Al Jazeera, however through social media including Facebook and Twitter (Beaumont, 2011).
Update status: What's on your mind?
(How People in the Middle East Actually use Social Media., 2013).
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Social media is available anywhere to anyone who is in contact with a Smartphone or technological device. Eltantawy & Wiest (2011) state that the ‘social media technologies represent an important instrumental resource that contributed to the birth and sustainability of the January 25 protests’ (Eltantawy & Wiest, 2011) During the revolutionary crisis in the Middle East, it allowed information direct from the source to be shared with the entire world through the use of Facebook and Twitter. Beaumont (2011) explains that the use of social media within this situation ‘communicate self-broadcast ideas, unlimited by publication deadlines and explains the speed at which these revolutions have unravelled’ (Beaumont, 2011). Social media in this case is the fastest and most viral way to distribute information, images and also videos, despite the graphics, by simply updating a status of the events occurring at that moment.
Click Share!
‘The barricades today do not bristle with bayonets and rifles, but with
phones.’ (Beaumont, 2011).
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Beaumont (2011) presents the idea that fighting with weapons such as guns is not the only wage of war, or to prove a point. Through the use of social media and the rapid distribution of information that is able to be shared throughout countries, the phone and the access to social media is a weapon in itself.
Reference List Abc.net.au,. (2012). Gina Rinehart - The Power of One - Four Corners. Retrieved 16 April 2014, from http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/06/20/3529598.htm Allen, K. (2011). Marx and the alternative to capitalism (1st ed.). London: Pluto Press. Arab Spring Chess. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.karlremarks.com/2012/11/arab-spring-chess.html BBC News,. (2014). French Muslim challenges veil law. Retrieved 29 April 2014, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-25118160 Beaumont, P. (2011) ‘The truth about Twitter, Facebook and the uprisings in the Arab world’, The Guardian. 25 February 2011. Bishara, M. (2013). Year four: The seasons turn on the Arab Spring. Aljazeera.com. Retrieved 21 May 2014, from http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/12/year-four-seasons-turn-arab-spring-2013121762345793639.html Chrisafis, A. (2013). France's headscarf war: 'It's an attack on freedom'. the Guardian. Retrieved 29 April 2014, from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/22/frances-headscarf-war-attack-on-freedom Eltantawy, N., & Wiest, J. (2011). The Arab Spring| Social Media in the Egyptian Revolution: Reconsidering Resource Mobilization Theory. International Journal Of Communication, 5, 18.
Hijab Protest 17 January 2004. (2004). Retrieved from http://inminds.co.uk/hijab-demo-17jan04-173.jpg How People in the Middle East Actually use Social Media. (2013). Retrieved from http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/mt/assets/international/socialnetworks.png Huntington, S. (1993). The clash of civilizations? (1st ed.). Cambridge, MA: Harvard University, John M. Olin Institute for Strategic Studies. Keep it in the family. (2013). Retrieved from http://philoforchange.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/cap1.jpg Movement Between Classes is Harder than One Thinks. (2012). Retrieved from http://introsociology.net/mitche/2012/05/03/movement-between-classes-is-harder-than-one-thinks/ Multiculturalism a la carte. (2013). Retrieved from http://images.canberratimes.com.au/2013/08/08/4645402/ch_narrow_kim-20130808173537123321-300x0.jpg Nash, K. (2010). Contemporary political sociology (1st ed.). Chichester, U.K.: Wiley-Blackwell. Shame on France Hijab is our Identity. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.barenakedislam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/IKBFLq7eKyjP6X7Zao_WGjl72eJkfbmt4t8yenImKBVaiQDB_Rd1H6kmuBWtceBJ.jpeg The big fat pyramid. (2011). Retrieved from http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/b2/a4/b2a485dccb6b600447d48fddd3f348e0.jpg?itok=Y6WK4xg9 TIME.com,. (2011). Bouazizi: The Man Who Set Himself and Tunisia on Fire. Retrieved 22 May 2014, from http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2044723,00.html Tunisia: The leap into the unknown. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.thetunistimes.com/2013/11/tunisia-the-leap-into-the-unknown-91484/# Turning Marx on His Head. (2013). Retrieved from http://bubblegumsquad.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/marx-vs-weber.jpg
