October 2023
I stand before you with a heavy heart, driven by the urgency to discuss a matter of utmost importance – decolonization, specifically in the context of Palestine. Decolonization is not a mere theory or concept, nor is it something confined to academic discussions and essays. It is a living reality, and the lack of discourse on Palestine exemplifies how it has been reduced to a metaphor for anything but substantial change and mass resistance.
The act of eliminating a group of people based on their existence is a crime against humanity. Whether it’s the erasure of a group’s identity or the destruction of a community, genocide goes against the very essence of diversity in our world. Understanding the deep-seated differences between the colonized and colonizer is hampered by the continuous dehumanization and self-doubt forced upon the colonized.
Throughout history, racism has been wielded as a tool of oppression and control, perpetuating systemic inequalities that continue to affect marginalized communities. The theme of white superiority, rooted in historical economic and social advantages, has resulted in the marginalization and exploitation of indigenous communities. It is crucial that we address and dismantle these power dynamics to create a more equitable society. History and mass media have been shaped by those in power.
It is essential to critically examine the narratives passed down to us to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of colonialism on individuals and societies. Under Article 13, the right of return for displaced civilians is a universal law. Yet, despite being displaced, Palestinians have been denied this right, leaving them defenseless and paralyzed. The power imbalance between the colonizer and the colonized is stark.
Franz Fanon famously argues that the only way to break this cycle is through a revolution that dismantles the colonial system and allows for the rehumanization of the colonized.
Decolonization is, and will always be, a violent process, as it allows the colonized to reassert their liberation from the colonial power. Algeria’s occupation by France for 132 years resulted in a long and brutal struggle for independence. 1.5 million Algerians were martyrs in the war for independence, and has an estimate of over 10 million deaths of algerians under French occuptation. The colonizers’ rape of Algeria, just like Palestine, was not just physical but also cultural, as they sought to erase all traces of the colonized identity. The resilience and determination of those fighting for their freedom against cultural and physical erasure are a testament to the power of individual agency in the face of systemic oppression. This struggle was marked by violence and bloodshed, as well as by the resilience and determination of those fighting for their freedom.
In the context of Palestine, it is important to remember that silence is not an option. To stay silent is to side with the oppressor, as is calling for a two-state solution or condemning both sides. This is not a two-sided fight. It is a stark contrast between the colonizer and the colonized, manifesting as an ongoing apartheid and ethnic cleansing. The staggering number of bombs dropped on Gaza and the unimaginable loss of innocent lives should make us question humanity. Israel has mercilessly bombed a hospital murdering over 500 innocent souls and babies, media outlets have relentlessly pushed a lie spun up by the zionist regime alleging 40 babies had been beheaded, in an attempt to provoke the emotions of those consuming it. A six-year old in Chicago was stabbed 26 times. Let me repeat that. A Palestinian child in Chicago was stabbed 26 times because of the spreading of fake news. Its Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims alike, paying the price right now for the spreading of Zionist propaganda and the blood is in the hands of those spreading it.
Decolonization, by its very nature, is a process that is seldom peaceful. It’s essential to understand that decolonization is not a mere administrative or logistical transition; it represents the dismantling of deeply entrenched systems of power, oppression, and control that have been in place in the case of Palestine, 85 years. If Israel deserves a moment of silence, Palestine deserves the world to never utter a sound again.
The liberation of Palestine may seem like an arduous journey, but history offers a beacon of hope through the example of Algeria. Just as Algeria persevered through a long and challenging war for independence, so too can Palestine. Algeria’s unwavering commitment to their cause and the eventual triumph against formidable odds demonstrate that when a people’s determination for self-determination and freedom remains steadfast, even the most formidable of oppressors can be defeated. The Algerian experience serves as a testament to the resilience of nations aspiring to break free from colonial shackles and assert their sovereignty. With hope, determination, and global support, resilience will ultimately pave the way to freedom and justice for all
